RECOMMENDATION LETTERS

The psychology faculty members are pleased to write reference letters for their students.  Many times the reference letters are essential in obtaining a job or for placement in graduate school.

If you are going to ask a psychology faculty member for reference letters, please do the following to ensure the best, most accurate, and most timely letters possible:

1.)  Ask the faculty member in person, via phone, or via email if they are willing to write you a recommendation letter and if they could provide you with a good reference.

2.)  Turn in the following documents to the faculty member at least one month before the due date.

  3.)  In a folder include the following information (On the outside of the folder write your name and the due date):

        a.)  A typed list of all of the reference letters you are requesting and each due date.

        b.)  The forms (if available) from the employer or school paper clipped to stamped, addressed envelopes.  Complete as much information on the forms as you can.  Also, for graduate programs, we suggest checking the "I hereby waive my right to access this information" box because we believe those recommendations are looked upon more positively, but that is your decision.

        c.)  If no forms to complete, provide addressed, stamped envelopes for each school or company

        d.)  A current copy of your resume

        e.)  If you are applying to graduate school, a copy of the most representative personal statement (it may be a good idea to give a draft of this document 2 months before the due date so the professor could edit or make suggestions).  In general, personal statements should include:  why you are interested in psychology; relevant classes and some of the specific activities you did in each class; relevant internship, work, or volunteer experiences including what you did and what you learned; your additional activities and how they will help you in your future; your personality characteristics that will be of benefit; specific academic abilities such as research (include names of specific papers and projects), computer skills (SPSS, power point, etc.), writing (APA style), and speaking skills; why you picked a particular program (mention faculty names, classes, program specifics), and finally your goals and plans.

    f.)  If you need to mail everything together or need an additional copy of the letter (e.g., for a scholarship), include an envelope with your name on it and the school.  Arrange a time to pick up this additional letter.  Most faculty will not give letters of recommendations without being in signed and sealed envelopes.

4.)  Approximately 1 week before the due date, contact your professor in person, via phone, or email to ask if they need any additional information or have any questions.  This will act as a reminder as well!

If the letters are to be received on Dec. 15th by the school, maybe put Dec. 8th as a deadline!

The psychology department has excellent placement records in various careers and graduate programs.  Good luck in your pursuits!