Tip #57: Letters of Recommendation
Don't ask. State. By email. Two weeks before the deadline, no sooner, no later. Two weeks notice is enough time to suggest that you expect the letter to be written, that you are collecting on the value of your education: on the time and energy allotted to you, the consumer, who paid for these dear services during a pain-in-the-ass four-year internment. Two weeks does not show appreciation. You are not appreciative or grateful or indebted. You are in debt. Make it clear that while you don't need this letter, you want it, and you expect that it will be well-written and filled with appropriately laudatory descriptions of your merits. Describe your merits. All of them. By email. Send all materials to your professor by email attachment. Email attachment demonstrates that you expect your professor to print your work for you. Printing is expensive and time-consuming. So is the post office. Should your professor comment on your statement of purpose or writing samples, do not respond. When your professor leaves a message to say that your letters have arrived at your graduate programs of choice, do not respond. Do not send news or updates. And whatever you do, do not say thank you. That's hot.
Tip #57 is based on a true story. Make truth work for you.
