I am happy to support good students pursuing research experience, jobs, graduate school, and special academic programs and honors. A typical letter of recommendation will describe your performance in the classroom, the laboratory, and/or research, how you interact with your peers, how you interact with the instructor and support staff, and a description of those personal attributes and characteristics that relate to the position or program that you are pursuing. The better I know you, the easier it will be for me to write a meaningful and supportive letter.
Many students contact me for letters of recommendation. So that I can accommodate as many students as possible, I require all students to follow these guidelines. A student wishing to receive a letter of recommendation from Dr. Hirsh:
1) has received a grade of “B” or better in one of his courses or is one of his advisees.
2) contacts Dr. Hirsh in person or by e-mail at least one month before the application deadline to find out if he is able to support his/her application.
3) has narrowed his/her search to no more than 8 schools or 10 summer programs.
4) provides Dr. Hirsh with a single complete list of programs, deadlines, and mailing or web addresses, as appropriate. Get form here.
5) provides Dr. Hirsh with a resume and personal statement.
6) meets with Dr. Hirsh during office hours for 15 minutes to discuss his/her goals in applying to the programs, graduate schools, etc.
Items 4), 5), and 6) should be taken care of at the same time, if possible.
Confidentiality
All letters of recommendation are treated as confidential. This means that you waive the right to see them so that I can write an honest and complete appraisal. In general, all letters will be sent directly to the program requiring them, they will not be given to you. That is why I request item 4) above. If a program requires that letters of recommendation be mailed with the application, I will give you a letter in an addressed and sealed envelope with my signature across the seal.
No Gifts Please
Ethics guidelines prevent me from accepting gifts from students. However, a note of thanks is always appreciated. I also enjoy hearing about the progress of your applications, your summer research experiences, and your progress in graduate school and beyond.
My office: C-103, Science Complex
My e-mail: hirsh@tcnj.edu