Because I am now retired from UMass, you may prefer to solicit recommendations from someone still actively employed there.

If you have asked me to write a letter of recommendation for you and if I have agreed to do so, please do the following at least two weeks before the first recommendation is due:

Give me all needed materials in a 9x12 inch envelope or a file folder:

1. The printed forms or a printed list (with a copy by e-mail) of URLs or e-mail addresses for those recommendations that should be sent electronically.
2. For each recommendation not to be sent electronically, an addressed, stamped envelope.
3. A copy of your transcript.
4. A copy of any personal statement you are including with your application.

E-mail me (murray@math.umass.edu) answers to the following questions:

1. What are your name, class graduation year, and major?
2. For what kind of thing are you applying (job, graduate school, scholarship, etc.)?
3. What are the specific positions, programs, or awards for which you are applying, and what is the due date for my recommendation for each?
4. What has your relationship been to me (student, advisee, grader, UGTA, etc.), and when?
5. If you took any of my courses: which ones; when; what course grades did you earn; and in what way(s) did you distinguish yourself there?
6. Why is it especially appropriate that I write a recommendation for you?
7. What makes you well qualified for the position, program, or award to which you are applying?

Send me an e-mail a week before the recommendation deadlines!

I'll let you know by e-mail once I've sent in my letter(s).

This page is modeled after a similar one by Michael Orrison (www.math.hmc.edu/~orrison/teaching/recs.html).