How can you help a professor who is writing your recommendation?

Providing your academic history to a professor who is writing your recommendation is a highly effective way to assist them in crafting a strong and relevant letter. This information gives the professor a comprehensive view of your achievements, coursework, and experiences, which can enhance the quality of the recommendation. It allows them to highlight specific skills, accomplishments, or anecdotes that relate directly to your goals, making the recommendation more personalized and impactful.

When a professor has access to details such as your grades, projects, extracurricular activities, and any relevant experiences, they can draw on this information to create a narrative that accurately reflects your strengths and qualifications. This can be particularly important if the professor is not familiar with your work or relationship on a personal level, as it bridges that gap and allows for a more nuanced portrayal of your capabilities.

In contrast, leaving a professor to write a recommendation without guidance can result in a generic letter that fails to capture your unique attributes and experiences. Waiting until the last minute to request a recommendation or avoiding follow-ups can also undermine the strength and effectiveness of the letter, as it may not provide the professor with adequate time to write a thoughtful and thorough recommendation.