Instructions for Requesting a Letter of Reference/Recommendation
I get many requests for letters of reference from students. So, I have set up this page to streamline the process.
Academic reference letters normally cover a wide range of issues beyond just academic performance: language skills (both verbal and written), interpersonal skills, work ethic, reliability, demonstrated leadership, etc. So, to prepare a strong letter I request several pieces of information from you:
1. A record of your marks: These do not have to be official transcripts. Also, please indicate the courses that you took with me as the instructor.
2. Information on what you are applying for (scholarship, graduate program, etc.). If you are applying to a graduate program, often there is a requirement that you submit a letter indicating why you want to get into the program. If this is the case, please send me a copy of this letter. A draft copy is acceptable.
3. A sample of writing. Two to three pages are sufficient. This could be the introduction section of a lab/design report, part of an essay from a liberal studies course, etc. Carefully select a piece of writing that best demonstrates your writing skills. Whatever you send, it MUST have been written by you alone.
4. A short c.v./resume, indicating any special achievements or awards. This is optional, but very helpful, if you have special awards, achievements, extra-curricular involvement that I can highlight. Demonstrated leadership greatly improves your chances of getting most awards (even those that seem purely academic).
5. Be sure to indicate where, and to whom, the reference letter is to be sent. Normally, a “blind” reference carries more weight. So, it is generally preferable to send the reference directly to the organization.
6. The deadline: Please indicate deadline for the reference and allow at least one week for me to prepare your reference letter.
7. Please also provide your contact information. In some cases I may wish to speak with you personally, before I prepare my letter.
Good luck.
Dr. David Naylor
Mailing Address:
Dr. D. Naylor
Professor
Dept. of Mechanical, Industrial & Mechatronics Engineering,
Toronto Metropolitan University,
350 Victoria Street, Toronto, Ontario
CANADA M5B 2K3
Last Updated: July 2024
Academic reference letters normally cover a wide range of issues beyond just academic performance: language skills (both verbal and written), interpersonal skills, work ethic, reliability, demonstrated leadership, etc. So, to prepare a strong letter I request several pieces of information from you:
1. A record of your marks: These do not have to be official transcripts. Also, please indicate the courses that you took with me as the instructor.
2. Information on what you are applying for (scholarship, graduate program, etc.). If you are applying to a graduate program, often there is a requirement that you submit a letter indicating why you want to get into the program. If this is the case, please send me a copy of this letter. A draft copy is acceptable.
3. A sample of writing. Two to three pages are sufficient. This could be the introduction section of a lab/design report, part of an essay from a liberal studies course, etc. Carefully select a piece of writing that best demonstrates your writing skills. Whatever you send, it MUST have been written by you alone.
4. A short c.v./resume, indicating any special achievements or awards. This is optional, but very helpful, if you have special awards, achievements, extra-curricular involvement that I can highlight. Demonstrated leadership greatly improves your chances of getting most awards (even those that seem purely academic).
5. Be sure to indicate where, and to whom, the reference letter is to be sent. Normally, a “blind” reference carries more weight. So, it is generally preferable to send the reference directly to the organization.
6. The deadline: Please indicate deadline for the reference and allow at least one week for me to prepare your reference letter.
7. Please also provide your contact information. In some cases I may wish to speak with you personally, before I prepare my letter.
Good luck.
Dr. David Naylor
Mailing Address:
Dr. D. Naylor
Professor
Dept. of Mechanical, Industrial & Mechatronics Engineering,
Toronto Metropolitan University,
350 Victoria Street, Toronto, Ontario
CANADA M5B 2K3
Last Updated: July 2024
Toronto Metropolitan University