I am happy to write letters of recommendation for students whom I know well enough to recommend honestly and enthusiastically. The type of recommendation I can provide depends on the purpose of the application and the extent of our academic interaction.
Graduate and professional schools expect much more detailed evaluations than summer internships, so the level of familiarity needed varies accordingly.
Before You Ask
Before requesting a recommendation, please ask yourself the following questions.
| Question | ✓ |
|---|---|
| Have I given at least four weeks’ notice? | ☐ |
| Have I taken at least one course with Professor Kmetko? | ☐ |
| Does our level of interaction match the type of application I am pursuing? | ☐ |
| Have I prepared my résumé or CV and any other required materials? | ☐ |
| Have I provided the deadline and submission instructions? | ☐ |
If you can answer “Yes” to these questions, I will usually have everything I need to evaluate your request promptly.
What to Include with Your Request
Please request a recommendation at least four weeks before the deadline, whenever possible.
When requesting a letter, please include:
- your résumé or CV,
- a list of all classes you have taken with me and semesters (e.g. phys 41 in Fall 2023),
- a brief description of the opportunity,
- your personal statement, if applicable,
- the deadline, and
- submission instructions.
What Type of Recommendation Can I Request?
| Application | Minimum Interaction | |
|---|---|---|
| Summer internship — short-term academic or industry opportunities | Completed at least one course with me. | |
| Transfer to another college — transfer admission | Completed at least one course with me and demonstrated consistent engagement in class. | |
| Employment — full-time, part-time, or campus employment | Completed one or more courses with me and demonstrated professionalism, reliability, or initiative. | |
| Graduate school — M.S. or Ph.D. programs | Significant interaction beyond coursework, such as multiple courses, an independent project, research, or serving as my PALS. | |
| Medical, dental, or other professional schools | Extensive interaction that allows me to comment on your academic ability, character, maturity, professionalism, and potential for success. |
Building a Strong Recommendation
The strongest letters come from students whom I know well. You can help me write a stronger recommendation by:
- participating actively in class,
- visiting office hours,
- discussing your academic or career goals,
- completing an independent or course project,
- taking more than one class with me, or
- serving as my PALS or participating in the TF program.
When I May Decline
Occasionally, I may decline a request if:
- I do not know you well enough to write a strong recommendation;
- the request is made too close to the deadline; or
- I cannot honestly provide an enthusiastic recommendation.
If I decline, it is not intended as a negative judgment. Rather, I believe you will be better served by asking someone who can write a stronger and more detailed letter.
A Final Note
A recommendation letter is most valuable when it contains specific examples rather than general praise. The better I know your work, your goals, and your growth as a student, the stronger and more useful my recommendation will be.