Ethan Ordentlich

Letters of Recommendation

If you're reading this page, it's because you've asked me (or are thinking of asking me) to write you a letter of recommendation.

I'm happy to provide letters where they can be helpful. However, I also want to be transparent about what kinds of letters I'm able to write and where I'm comfortable submitting them, since different applications have different expectations for letters. Writing a strong letter takes a significant amount of time and effort on my part, but not every program needs a strong letter.

Regardless of what kind of letter you're asking me for, some overall instructions:

• Ask me if I can write a letter in-person or over email before preparing the below materials.
• Once you've asked me, send me any materials I ask for at least two weeks before your earliest deadline.
• Waive your right to view submitted letters, if possible. This allows me to speak more honestly.

Short Letters

Some examples of programs that I am fine writing short letters for include:

• SURFs, or other summer research programs
• Study abroad
• Coursework-based masters programs
• The "third letter" for graduate programs with two other very strong letters

A short letter tends to consist of "X took my course and earned [insert grade here]", potentially with some descriptions of our interactions. This type of letter isn't appropriate for all applications, but is certainly acceptable for quite a few.

Once I've agreed to write you a letter (and directed you to this page), send me the following information at least two weeks before the earliest deadline:

• Name and pronouns I should use for you
• Your latest resume/CV
• A copy of your (unofficial) transcript
• An acknowledgement that you waive your FERPA rights so I can discuss your grade(s) in the letter
• A list of the programs that you're applying for, and for each:
  • The deadline for my letter
  • A short description of why you're applying for it (this could be a summary of your statement of purpose or similar)
• At least 2 distinct interactions, moments, projects, or similar (aside from your final grade) that would make good things to talk about in the letter (e.g. class participation, conversations/discussions with me, going above and beyond on projects, etc.)

Strong Letters

Some examples of applications that I will need to know you better for include:

• Competitive research-based masters programs
• PhD applications
• Graduate fellowships, scholarships, and similar awards
• Jobs in academia

The students that I can most effectively write a strong letter for include those who have been a teaching assistant or have done research with me in at least two distinct quarters. I may also be able to write these letters if we've had extensive interactions both in and outside of class, and you've gone above and beyond the course requirements; but they won't be as strong as for students with whom I have a strong working relationship.

If you're not sure what kind of letter is right for you, or whether I can write you a strong letter, please ask.

Once I've agreed to write you a strong letter (and directed you to this page), send me the following information at least two weeks before the earliest deadline:

• Everything in the list above for short letters
• 3 more (at least 5 total) distinct interactions, moments, projects, or similar that would make good things to talk about in the letter.
  • These should cover all the different ways in which we've interacted (student, TA, research, etc.).
  • I should be able to write about a paragraph about each individual thing.
• Draft of the materials you're submitting for the application (e.g. full statement of purpose/research, etc.)