Letters of recommendation

Guidelines

I require at least 3 weeks notice for any letter of recommendation (but I prefer something more like 2 months advance notice). The less notice I receive from you, the more likely it is that I will submit your letter late.

For student asking for letter of recommendation for graduate school or undergraduate transfer applications, I require a grade of:

A or A- for students in large (100 student) lecture classes
B+ or higher for students in smaller classes

unless you have a really good reason for me to waive this rule. For students asking for letters for summer programs, I require a B or better.

You must waive your right to see any letters I submit. (My personal belief is that schools won't take my letter seriously if they know the student has access to it.)

As most applications are now electronic, I cannot upload my letter until you enter me as a reference into their system. You should do this well before the deadline or risk me submitting your letter late.

For electronic applications, be sure to use the e-mail address rpollack@math.bu.edu for my contact info. Further, fill out all parts of the online application. Information on the math department's address, my position's title, etc. are on my webpage.

What you should submit to me

a list of all programs for which you need a letter along with each separate deadline listed

any documents you have that might help me in writing a letter (e.g. a resume, an essay from your application, a transcript, etc.)

a list of your other letter writers and their departments

For paper applications, please include addressed envelopes (with postage) with my address listed as the return address. Further, fill out all parts of the form (excluding my signature and date, of course). Information on the math department's address, my position's title, etc. are on my webpage. Lastly, if it is possible for you to send me an electronic form which I then fill out and print myself, I would prefer this.