Requesting Letters of Recommendation

Writing a compelling, effective letter requires specific, detailed knowledge of your intellectual work, work ethic, and character. A generic letter that simply restates your transcript grade or notes that you attended class does not help your application and can actually harm it in competitive admissions or hiring processes.

To ensure I write only letters that genuinely advocate for you, I adhere strictly to the following policies. Please read these criteria carefully before reaching out.

1. Grades Alone Are Not Sufficient

• An 'A' or 'A+' in my class is not sufficient grounds for a letter of recommendation.
• Receiving a top grade demonstrates mastery of course concepts, which is already visible on your transcript. A recommendation letter must speak to qualities beyond what a transcript displays (e.g., critical thinking, problem-solving under uncertainty, research aptitude, leadership, or independent initiative).
• If our only interaction was through submitted coursework and high assignment scores, I will decline your request.

2. Defining "Significant Interaction"

To qualify for a letter of recommendation, we must have had sustained, substantive interaction over an extended period.

What does not count as significant interaction

• Getting an A or A+ in one or more of my courses without substantial personal engagement.
• Attending 1–2 office hours or scheduling a single advising meeting.
• Asking administrative or procedural questions via email or after class.
• Asking brief questions during or immediately after a standard lecture.

What does count as significant interaction (at least one required)

• Direct supervision. You worked as a research assistant (RA), teaching assistant (TA), or peer tutor under my direct supervision for at least one full semester.
• Independent research or capstone. You completed an independent study, capstone project, or undergraduate thesis directly advised by me.
• Sustained office hours or discussion engagement. You regularly attended office hours or discussion sessions over the course of a full semester to discuss advanced concepts beyond the syllabus, original project ideas, or collaborative academic work.
• Co-curricular or project leadership. You led an active, substantial initiative, competition team, or student project where I served as the primary faculty advisor and regularly observed your leadership and technical contributions.

Rule of thumb: If I cannot recall specific anecdotes demonstrating your intellectual curiosity, resilience, problem-solving approach, or collaborative skills without referencing a gradebook, I cannot write you a letter.

3. Request Timeline and Advance Notice

• Minimum notice. I require a minimum of three full weeks (21 calendar days) before your earliest deadline.
• Peak season notice. For fall graduate school application deadlines (December–January), requests must be finalized by November 1.
• Requests made with less than three weeks' notice will be declined automatically without exception.

4. Required Submission Packet

If you meet the eligibility criteria above, email me at tsaocarolyn.econ@gmail.com with the subject line: [Letter Request] - Your Full Name - Earliest Deadline (MM/DD/YYYY)

Attach to your email a single consolidated PDF or zipped folder containing:

1. Interaction summary. A brief document (1 page max) detailing:
   • The specific courses or projects where we interacted, the semester(s), and your role or grade.
   • Three to four concrete examples of our interactions (e.g., specific office hour discussions, capstone project milestones, research challenges you solved) that you would like highlighted.
2. Target list and deadlines. A clear, formatted list of all programs or jobs, application portals, and exact submission deadlines.
3. Draft application materials.
   • Current CV or resume.
   • Unofficial transcript.
   • Personal statement or statement of purpose (drafts are fine).
4. FERPA waiver. Confirmation that you have waived your right to inspect the letter of recommendation. I only submit confidential recommendations.

5. Final Notes and Expectations

• Right of refusal. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a positive letter or a commitment to write. If I feel I cannot write a strongly supportive letter, I will let you know so you can find a more suitable recommender.
• Automated portals. Send all portal submission requests (e.g., Interfolio, GradApp) at least two weeks before the deadline.

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