| How to Ask Your Professor for a Letter of Recommendation Via Email Posted: 11 Dec 2018 04:00 PM PST Asking your professor for a letter of recommendation can be a stressful experience, but it's a normal part of applying for a graduate program, internship, or job. If you ask your professor far enough in advance, they'll likely be happy to help you. It's best to ask your professor in person with a written request. However, you might send an email if your professor is comfortable with digital communication. EditSample Emails EditMaking a Timely Request - Begin the process at least 2 months in advance, if possible. It's best to give your professor ample time to prepare your letter since they're likely very busy. You also need time to review your application materials and write a request for a letter of recommendation. If your first professor says no, you'll need time to ask another professor.[1]
- Only ask one professor at a time, unless you need multiple recommendation letters. Don't waste a professor's valuable time if you don't actually need their letter.
- Choose a professor who will give you a good recommendation. Your letter will be stronger if the professor has a personal relationship with you. Pick a professor who knows you well and seems to have a good opinion of you. Answer the following questions when choosing whom to ask:[2]
- Does this professor know me by name?
- Are they familiar with my work?
- Have I taken more than one class with this professor?
- Did I perform well in their class(es)?
- Have they worked with me outside of class?
- Has this professor seen my growth as a student?
- Did I act professionally and ethically while in this professor's class?
- Check the due date. You'll need to provide the due date in your request. Make sure you're looking at the due date for your letter of recommendation, not for the application as a whole.[3]
- In some cases, all of the the due dates will be the same.
- If you're submitting the letter along with your application, you might want the letter early so you can ensure you have all of your application materials to the program or job by the due date. Communicate this to your professor and give them a specific date when you need the letter.
- Give your professor at least 5-6 weeks to write the letter, if possible. Your professor likely has a lot on their plate with teaching, grading, and handling requests from other students. You're more likely to get a positive response if you ask them well in advance of the due date.
- The best time to ask your professor is near the beginning of the semester.[4]
- Since you want a professor who knows you well, you might choose a professor who taught you in a prior semester.
- Review the application details to find out how to send in the letter. The application will tell you if the letter must be mailed in or submitted online. Some letters may be emailed to the school, while others must be uploaded with your application. It's important to know ahead of time how your letter will be submitted so you can tell the professor.[5]
- In most cases, your professor will want to send the letter directly to the program without you reading it. If you're the one who will be submitting the letter, make that clear in your request. They may be able to give you a reference letter in a sealed envelope with their signature over the seal. This will prove that you haven't opened the letter.
EditWriting the Email - Write a salutation with their preferred title and name. Open your email the same way you'd start a letter. Use a professional opening, like "Dear." Then, write the professor's name.[6]
- You might write, "Dear Dr. Hamilton."
- You can find their preferred title on your syllabus or their website.
- Introduce yourself and remind them who you are. Write one or two sentences to refresh their memory. Give your name and which class(es) you've taken with them. Mention any one-on-one experience you have with them, as well.[7]
- Keep your refresher brief. You'll provide a longer explanation of your background and accomplishments in an email attachment.
- You might write, "My name is Katie Williams and I took your fiction writing workshop my junior and senior year."
- Explain your purpose in sending the email. Tell them you need a letter of recommendation. Then, provide details about the educational program, internship, or job you're applying for.[8]
- You could write, "I'm applying for graduate programs and hoped you'd write a letter of recommendation for me."
- Tell them why you chose them to write the letter in the next paragraph. Share how they impacted your life, what you learned from them, or why you think their letter will hold more weight. This is a good place to add a little flattery in your request.[9]
- You might write, "Your classes helped me grow as a writer. Thanks to your help, my story has been accepted for publication. I'm grateful for having such a skillful, imaginative instructor there to offer me guidance."
- State what you hope they'll say in a new paragraph. Tell them that you've attached information about your accomplishments, as well as your resume or CV. Let them know what type of information you've included, such as a list of classes you've taken, work you've performed, awards you've won, service you've completed, and activities you participated in.[10]
- You might write, "I've attached a copy of my resume and a bulleted list of my recent accomplishments. I'll also be happy to meet with you to discuss my work, if you'd like to speak in person."
- Include a link or instructions about how to submit the recommendation. Provide the due date of the letter and where to send it. This might be a physical address or a digital address. If they're submitting it digitally, provide either the email address or a link where they can upload the letter.[11]
- For instance, "The letter of recommendation is due January 15, 2019. You can send it to myprogram@emailaddress.com."
- Thank them for their consideration in your last paragraph. Let them know you value the time they spent reading your request, as well as the time they will spend writing the letter. Additionally, thank them for the guidance they've provided as your professor.[12]
- For example, "Thank you for reading this request and for everything you've taught me. I really appreciate the time and energy you spent guiding me. I hope you'll consider writing my letter of recommendation."
- Sign the email with a complimentary close and your name. Use a professional close, such as "Sincerely," "Your former student," or "Best regards." Skip a line. Then, write your name.[13]
- You might write, "Sincerely, Katie Williams."
EditSending Your Email - Use a professional subject line that clearly states your request. Let the professor know up front that you are requesting a letter of recommendation. This tells them your email is timely and lets them know what to expect from your email.
- Your subject line might read, "Request for a letter of recommendation for graduate school."
- Include your written request in the body of the email. This makes it easy for your professor to read your request. Don't put the request in an attachment, which makes it harder for your professor to open and read it.[14]
- Attach a list of accomplishments and your resume or CV. No matter how well your professor knows you, it's unlikely they'll remember everything about you. Your professor will be able to write a better letter if they have a list of your achievements, work history, and educational background in front of them. Attaching them to your request allows your professor to review them along with your request.[15]
- Making a bulleted list makes it easier for your professor to skim it.
- You might also attach samples of your work and a draft of your application essay. This will help your professor tailor your letter to your application.[16]
- Attach a list of due dates and where to send the letter. Sending in your letter will be easier if your professor knows exactly when the letter is due and where to send it. Provide the address for a written letter or the digital link for an electronic letter.[17]
- If the program has a specific form to use for the recommendation, attach this form, as well. It's important to make the process as easy as possible for your professor.[18]
- Provide the professor with a copy of your resume or CV in an email attachment. Mention in your request that you've attached it for their reference.
- If you want to send your professor a reminder that the recommendation letter is due, send them a thank you note a week or two in advance that includes the due date.
- If you need a recommendation on short notice, it's best to ask in person. If you must ask in an email, make it clear that you understand if they can't write you a letter.
- If you can, ask your professors to recommend you in person. This is generally considered more personal and courteous.
- Some professors may prefer being asked for a letter of recommendation in person. Consider your professor's preferences for communication.
- Remember that professors aren't obligated to write recommendation letters. They may only want to write letters for students they know well.
- Don't ask to read the letter before it's sent. This is considered inappropriate.
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| How to Clean a Laptop Posted: 11 Dec 2018 08:00 AM PST All computers get dirty over time. However, laptops tend to need cleaning more often because of how they are handled. Particularly if you frequently travel with your laptop, you probably want to clean it at least once a month. A buildup of dirt and grime, particularly on the screen and the keys, can impair your laptop's functioning. Always make sure you shut down your laptop and disconnect it from any power source before you start cleaning it. If possible, you should also remove the battery.[1] EditWiping the Screen - Clear surface dust with a microfiber cloth. Fold the cloth and rub it gently across the full width of your screen, back and forth. You may want to brace the screen with your other hand so it doesn't move while you're cleaning it.[2]
- Don't press hard into the screen or try to scratch off stubborn spots – you could damage your screen. Use only the lightest pressure to wipe off surface dust.
- Use a damp sponge for dirt and grime. Wet a clean sponge, then squeeze it out until it is almost dry. Use purified or distilled water rather than tap water, which can leave mineral streaks on your screen. Wipe your screen gently, using light pressure – do not scrub.[3]
- You can also use a pre-moistened cleaning wipe. Just make sure it doesn't contain harsh cleansing agents such as ammonia or bleach, which may damage your screen.
- Water can drip into your laptop and damage internal components, so make extra sure you've squeezed all excess liquid out.
- For particularly stubborn spots, add just a drop of gentle dish soap to the water. If you have a touchscreen, consult your owner's manual or the manufacturer's website to determine what cleaning agents are safe for the finish.
- Invest in a screen-cleaning kit for dirtier screens. You can buy screen-cleaning kits online or at any store that sells electronics. These kits include a cleaner specially designed for laptop screens and usually come with their own microfiber cloth. If you have a touchscreen, check to make sure the kit is listed as safe for touchscreens.[4]
- Do not use regular glass cleaners, particularly those that contain ammonia, on any laptop screen. They can damage the screen.
- Polish in a circular motion to remove streaks. After you're done cleaning, take your microfiber cloth and gently rub your screen in a circular motion. This will eliminate any streaks or particles the sponge left behind.[5]
- Start at a top corner and proceed in tight circles across the top of your screen, then back and forth until you get to the bottom.
EditCleaning the Keyboard - Shake the loose dust out of your keyboard. Get a good grip on the sides of your laptop and turn it upside down with the screen open. Shake the machine gently to dislodge crumbs and larger particles. You may also want to tilt it to one side, then another, to free debris stuck under keys.[6]
- If you haven't cleaned your laptop in a while, or if you regularly eat while using your laptop, shake it over a trashcan to avoid making more of a mess.
- If you've already cleaned your screen, you may want to give it another wipe-down with your microfiber cloth after you do this. Dust from the keyboard may end up on the screen.
- Vacuum loose dust and hair from the keyboard. If you have a small handheld vacuum, use the smallest attachment to vacuum the debris from your keyboard without harming your laptop. Move the attachment slowly across the keyboard, going over each row from the top of the keyboard to the bottom.[7]
- You can also use a can of compressed air. However, if you do, tilt your keyboard at an angle so that you're forcing the dust out of your keyboard. If you blow the compressed air directly into the keyboard, you'll just blow the dust and debris further inside. This is especially true for MacBook keyboards, which are open to the inside of the machine.[8]
- Use a pencil eraser to remove grime from the keycaps. If you look at the keys from an angle, you will be able to see where grime has built up on the keycaps from your fingers. Take your pencil eraser and gently rub to get rid of this build-up.[9]
- After you use the pencil eraser, you may want to run the vacuum over the keys again, just to get rid of the stubble the eraser left behind.
- Get between keys with a cotton swab. You may find that grime has built up between the keys as well. A cotton swab is small enough to clean these areas. If your keyboard is particularly grimy, dip the cotton swab in rubbing alcohol.[10]
- Take care not to get the cotton swab too wet. Don't press down too hard when you clean – you don't want the alcohol dripping underneath the keys into your machine.
- A cotton swab dipped in alcohol also works for cleaning the tops of the keys, particularly if you have sticky grime that the eraser couldn't get.
- Wipe down the keys with a slightly damp cloth. Use a microfiber cloth dampened with distilled water, or with a disinfecting mixture of equal parts water and rubbing alcohol. Thoroughly squeeze out all excess liquid before using the cloth on your keyboard. Rub lightly over the tops of the keys – do not press them in.[11]
- After you've used a slightly damp cloth, wipe the keys again with a completely dry cloth to remove all moisture.
- Remove keys only if you know how to put them back on. Taking off the keycaps may be the only way to remove all grime captured beneath the keys. This is likely true if you've never cleaned your laptop, or if you frequently eat while using your laptop. However, keycaps can be tricky to remove and replace, depending on the design of your machine.[12]
- You may want to take a picture of your keyboard before you take the keys off, just so you have a reference for where to put them back on. Once all the keys are off, you may forget the order, especially for function keys.
EditShining the Case - Mix a gentle cleansing solution. Use purified or distilled water and a few drops of gentle dish soap. You can also use a mix of equal parts rubbing alcohol and purified or distilled water. Do not use regular household cleaners for your case, or any harsh chemicals such as bleach or ammonia.[13]
- If you use rubbing alcohol, take care not to get any on your laptop's screen. It can damage the anti-glare and scratch-resistant coatings on the screen.
- Dip a sponge into your cleansing solution. Take a clean sponge and soak it in the cleansing solution, then wring it out until it is nearly completely dry. Make sure it no longer drips, even when you squeeze it. Rub the sponge gently over the outside surface of your laptop.[14]
- You can use the same sponge and cleansing solution to clean your laptop's touchpad.
- Don't clean inside ports or vents with the sponge – you risk getting moisture inside your laptop and damaging its components.
- Use cotton swabs to clean the gunk out of crevices. If your laptop case has seams and crevices, they may collect dirt and grime. A cotton swab dipped in your cleansing solution can get into these small areas.[15]
- As with the sponge, make sure the cotton swab is not too wet. Use light pressure to avoid squeezing moisture into the machine.
- Dig out grime with a toothpick if necessary. If narrow crevices, ports, or vents are clogged up with dirt, use a toothpick to gently scrape the case and pull the grime out. Move the toothpick in an outward sweeping motion to avoid shoving grime further up into your machine.[16]
- Be gentle with the toothpick to avoid scratching the surface of your case. Hold it at an angle, like you would hold a pencil, rather than bearing down with the point.
- Blow debris from ports with compressed air. Angle a can of compressed air so that it is blowing into and out of the port or vent you want to clear. Turn your laptop and blow from multiple angles to make sure you've cleaned thoroughly.[17]
- Never blow the compressed air directly into the port or vent. This will loosen the debris and send it deep inside your machine, where it could damage components.
- Use rubbing alcohol for sticky residue. If you have particularly sticky or grimy spots on your case that can't be removed with gentle cleaning, use a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol directly on the spot. Make sure the cotton ball isn't too wet – you don't want rubbing alcohol running into your machine.[18]
- Use moderate pressure, rubbing repeatedly until the spot is gone.
- If you previously had stickers on your laptop case, you may have more luck with an oil-based cleansing product, such as Goo Gone.
- Polish the surface with a microfiber cloth. Once your case is clean, take your microfiber cloth and wipe the entire case, using a circular motion. This will remove any moisture as well as any streaks your cleaning may have left on the finish of your case.[19]
- Once your laptop case is clean, you may notice spots of grime that you didn't see before. Use a cotton swab or cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol to finish these last spots.
- Use a hand sanitizer before touching your laptop to decrease the dirt and grime on the keyboard.[20]
- Never spray cleaners directly onto any part of your computer. Spray a cloth or sponge first, then use that to gently clean your computer.[21]
- Moisture and electronics do not mix. After cleaning your laptop, make sure every part of it is completely dry before plugging it into a power source or turning it on.[22]
EditThings You'll Need - Handheld vacuum
- Compressed air (optional)
- Microfiber cloth
- Clean sponge
- Cotton swabs/cotton balls
- Pencil eraser
- Toothpicks
- Dish soap
- Rubbing alcohol
- Purified water
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| How to Make an Evergreen Wreath Posted: 11 Dec 2018 12:00 AM PST Wreaths are a traditional and festive symbol of Christmas that can be displayed on doors, mirrors, or walls. You can make your own in an afternoon (minutes, even!) and make others as gifts for the holiday season. EditGathering Your Materials - Get evergreen branches from Cedar, Pine, and other clippings. Trim them to about 6 inches (15.24 cm). The greenery you choose is totally your choice. You can even mix!
- It takes a whole lot less than you would think. You can make a door wreath with three 3 ft (.9 m) long branches (give or take). Cut the branch ends into 6" (15 cm) pieces before you start. The only necessity is that you cut them before you use them -- Pine, Ivy, Boxwood, Magnolia leaves, Holly, etc. all work.
- Pick out a few brightly-colored items such as berries, holly and pine cones. The embellishments you use to spruce up your wreath can totally change the feel and create a more classic or funky vibe.
- There is nothing wrong with a simple green wreath. Attaching a red bow at the bottom is just as festive as spraying it with glitter and going to the nines.
- Obtain a frame. Get a wire coat hanger and fashion it into a circle. If you're not keen on this idea, you can buy wire frames in different shapes and sizes at your local craft or floral shop.
- A single wire frame is good for a thin, delicate wreath. But if you're going for a show-stopper, stick with a double wire frame -- it allows your wreath to be more lush-looking and full.
EditAssembling the Wreath - Attach floral wire to a place on the wreath frame. Take one end of the wire and twist it around the frame to hook it. No fancy Girl Scout knots needed; just make sure that puppy is gonna stay in place.
- Don't cut! You'll be using one long strand of wire this entire time. Don't worry -- it won't be seen through the greenery.
- Get a bundle of the evergreen branches with the tips all at one end. Place them where the floral wire is attached. Lay a small bunch of your greens on your frame, and wrap your floral wire securely around the stems at least three times. Don't cut the wire yet!
- Continue wrapping around the frame. Take a second bundle and cover the stems of the first bundle with it, at a slight diagonal. Wrap wire around the stems of each bundle and keep on adding same-sized bundles until you've gone full-circle.
- Once you have completed the circle, tuck the last bundle under the first bundle. Adjust the greenery and stems as necessary.
- Finish off the wire. Tuck it under the nearest bundle, secure it with a knot, and cut. Leave a few extra inches before cutting the end. If you'd like to make a hanger, form a loop at the end of the wire and twist it around itself.
- Use a new piece of wire to affix the ends of pine cones or berries to the wreath. Tie a knot in each piece when you are finished.
- Finished.
- For added shimmer, spray-paint a portion of the greenery gold or silver before making the bundles. This will also extend the wreath's life.
- Add other items in the wreath, such as miniature candy canes or small ornaments.
- The tips can be pointy! You may want to wear gloves.
EditThings You'll Need - Evergreen clippings
- Coat hanger or wire frame
- Floral wire
- Pinecones, berries, etc.
- Scissors
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