Letters of Recommendation

To write you a a letter I require the following:

1. A cover page listing HOW LONG I HAVE KNOWN YOU, in what capacity (teacher, which courses, Honors College Fellow, Psi Chi Faculty Advisor, were you an RA with me?).  This is the first question on all evaluation forms.
Next list which exact programs (including the name of the program like Cognitive or Clinical) you are applying to, where letters should go (in mail or back to you)m whether there is a form that must accompany the letter, and when the letters are due.  (Be sure to ask two weeks in advance of first deadline!)
Also include your GPA and GRE scores if they are not listed on transcript.

2. A copy of your vita and transcript (does not need to be official). You can see a sample vita here.

3. For research-based programs, give names of faculty who you are interested in working with.

4. A copy of your personal statement that you will be submitting along with your application.

I need ALL OF THE ABOVE to write you a letter.

In addition, most graduate programs ask for a personal statement.
For me the most important things you need to do in this statement are:
       •  Tell them WHAT YOU ARE INTERESTED IN, and WHY.
            You can include a personal anecdote or motivation here
            (i.e. that your grandfather has alzheimers or you took a great class, or that you enjoy tutoring students).
       •  Tell them how you are prepared for this chosen field (what courses have you taken?  What volunteering have you done?  Have you gotten involved in laboratory research?).
       •  Tell them why THEIR PROGRAM is a good fit for you.  Do some research about each program and mention faculty by name (but also be open to working with other people).

DO NOT go call yourself "brilliant" or the next Albert Einstein.  Let your letter writers tell the school how wonderful you are.

Your job is to convince them that you are motivated, have a good reason for wanting to pursue this career (i.e. can articulate your interests), and have prepared yourself well for graduate school by telling them what you have done.

Personal statements are generally a page and a half to two pages.

What info to emphasize for two kinds of graduate programs:
 Practice oriented - Clinical/Counseling Masters, PsyD
     Interest in field, Volunteer opportunites, internships or practica or field placements, research, character
 Research oriented - PhD
     Fit with faculty member, research experience, stats, methods and lab courses, independent research

It is VERY important to make sure your personal statement is clear and error-free.
Definitely have someone else read it.
Also, include a copy for me to read. It will help me write you a better letter if I understand your motivation and preparation.
If you give it to me enough in advance, I will return it with suggestions.

Other things:
Include all forms that I need with the information listed above.
Please fill in these forms as completely as possible.
Please also waive your right to see the letter.  I only write confidential letters.  I will tell you if I cannot write you a strong letter.
Please include envelopes already addressed to the schools, or address labels.
You need not include postage -- I can send out any letters through the department, but I get VERY grumpy when students do not address their own envelopes or fill out the forms as much as they can.  Grumpiness may be reflected in your letter.  In general, providing all information and doing as much secretarial work as you can for your letter writers will result in the most enthusiatic letters.
Finally, be sure to ask the faculty member and get them your information atleast two weeks in advance of deadlines.