Soliciting Strong Letters of Support: Approaching the Professor Dr. Thomas M. Onorato Assistant Professor of Biology, Natural and Applied Sciences

BRAG SHEET  Responsibilities  Work (for pay and volunteer)  Family  Recreation (hobbies & skills)  Sports, cooking, arts, etc  Computers, programs, etc  Personal characteristics

BRAG SHEET  Remind  When you first met  What classes you had with your Professor  How you stood out  Any impact your Prof. had on you  Recognition  Awards, Honors, etc

Write your own DRAFT & give it to a professor as a TEMPLATE Professors like it when they have something to work with

Letter 1 THOMAS was a student in my Anatomy & Physiology class at NY-CC during the Fall semester. THOMAS was one of my A students. He excelled on exams and lab quizzes. I quickly saw that THOMAS was punctual, alert, inquisitive, and hands-on in the laboratory. He would participate in answering questions I posed in lecture and take part leading any discussions that would arise. He would contribute and share experiences that complimented topics presented in lecture and lab classes. He participated in doing extra credit assignments even though they were unnecessary for achieving an A. Although good grades are of importance, he strived not just to earn an excellent written grade but to understand the material. He would help others in the lab grasp difficult concepts. THOMAS is a team player. THOMAS is an excellent student and is well-deserving of the BEST STUDENT EVER Scholarship, which will give him the opportunity to further advance his career in Allied Health. THOMAS has all my support, and I highly recommend him for this scholarship.

Letter 2 THOMAS was my General Biology I student at NY-CC during the Fall semester. He received the only B in my Bio class (which had 17 students, of which there were only 3 A’s), and an A in General Biology II during the winter session (a 6-wk semester instead of the regular 12-wk). Moreover, THOMAS is part of the Model UN, in the Honor’s Program, and a recipient of the BEST THOMAS Scholarship. I quickly saw that THOMAS was punctual, alert, inquisitive, and hands-on in the laboratory. I recruited him to do research with me for the Spring semester. He was enthusiastic from the beginning and applied for the CSTEP and Bridges to the Baccalaureate Programs. THOMAS was excited about his research and even willing to put time in on Saturdays if experiments demanded. He not only worked well independently, but also with my other research students. As a result of THOMAS’ hard work and excellent laboratory skills, he received the XXXX Research Award, and will present his poster at the XXXX meeting. In addition, he has also been selected to present his research findings at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students. THOMAS is also a coauthor on the poster presented by his lab mate, no doubt a result of THOMAS’ team spirit and ability to collaborate with others.

Letter 2 continued I left NY-CC in September to start my full-time tenure track Assistant Professorship at LaGuardia Community College (LagCC). THOMAS has agreed to continue research with me on Tuesdays and Thursdays at LagCC. Furthermore, THOMAS will accompany me to the American Society for Cell Biology Meeting to present our research, and use this opportunity to network as well as serve as a student mentor to my LagCC research students that are also attending the meeting. THOMAS is exceptional. THOMAS displays star-quality and has such great potential. My only regret is that I am not faculty at the 4-year college that will accept THOMAS. It will be a great loss for me to lose THOMAS as my research student. I only hope if you accept THOMAS that your faculty continues to unlock his potential, not just as a scholar, but as the leader I know THOMAS could be. If you have any questions or need my input on an issue I have not addressed here due to space limitations, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Which Letter was better? 1 or 2 Why?  Personalize  Professor should personalize as well  STAND OUT AMONG THE CROWD  Use stories, experiences, show personal growth  WAIVE YOUR RIGHT to see the letter

Letter 2 excerpts showing personalization  only B in my Bio class (17 students, only 3 A’s)  winter session (a 6wk semester instead of reg. 12wk).  … put time in on Saturdays if experiments demanded.  … no doubt a result of THOMAS’ team spirit and ability to collaborate with others.  … continue research with me at LagCC.  … displays star-quality and has such great potential.  My only regret is that I am not faculty at the 4-year college that will accept THOMAS. It will be a great loss for me to lose THOMAS as my research student.  If you have any questions or need my input on an issue I have not addressed here due to space limitations, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Summary  Choose reference WISELY  Bring to the table  Time  BRAG SHEET  Records (academic)  Reaching out (extracurricular activities)  Responsibilities ( work, home, volunteer)  Recreation (hobbies, skills, personal characteristics)  Remind (refresh professor’s memory)  Recognition (awards, honors, etc)  Draft of an evaluation letter as a template (spell- checked and proofread)