If you have asked me to write a letter of recommendation for you, please give me a folder containing:

• a copy of your personal statement (if applicable)
• all necessary forms
• stamped, addressed envelopes

Also send me (by email, or include in your folder) answers to the following questions:

• What is your name, year and major
• What are you applying for?  (scholarship, grad school, etc.)
  
• List the programs to which you are applying together with due dates
• How long have I known you?  Have you ever graded or tutored for me? If so, for what classes and when?
• Which of my classes did you take?  When?  What grades did you get?  How did you distinguish yourself in my classes?
• How would you describe yourself?
• What are some of your academic accomplishments?
• What are some of your non-academic accomplishments?
• What makes me particularly qualified to write a letter for you?
• What makes you particularly qualified for this position/honor/award?
• What are your long-term goals and will this position/honor/award help?  If so how?
• Additional comments (REU;s summer research, interesting jobs, hobbies, etc.)
  

Be sure to allow at least two weeks for me to write the letters (slightly more, if it's a busy time of the semester) and make sure that I write the due dates in my calendar.

Thanks to Michael Orrison, Harvey Mudd College, for questions and instructions (and the whole idea).