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[sky21blue]

yooo how do u email a prof for a recommendation letter?

Hi Professor!

I am in the process of applying to ____ and they require letters of rec. I sincerely enjoyed your classes, and felt that they gave me a particularly good chance to display my strengths, such as ____ [class participation, writing, etc.] and would love for you to write me a letter, if you’d be willing. The due date is ____, and I can send you further instructions for submission later if you accept.

Attached to this email is ____, the piece of work I did in your class which best showcases my abilities, as well as my current CV [or resume]. If you agree to write me a letter, soon I will also send you drafts of my ____ [statement of purpose, personal statement, application essays, other relevant material] for my application to aid in your writing. I am also happy to meet in person to discuss this with you.

I want to stress that this application is quite competitive, so if you feel you will not be able to write me a strong letter then I completely understand - but please let me know. Thank you so much for your time!

Sincerely, ____

—

a few notes:

- you should have all your relevant materials (app essays, etc.) sent to them *at least* a month in advance to give them ample time to write the letter

- thus, your initial email asking them if they’d be willing to write a letter for you should be sent *over* a month in advance. professors are busy

- if you are applying for a really prestigious position/scholarship/fellowship, or grad school, it’s best to have at least a majority of your letter writers be professors (rather than adjuncts or post docs). ideally you’d want them to be full/tenured professors. in lots of cases, especially academic ones, *who* writes your letter matters - not just *what’s in* your letter

- the reason you send them the piece of work you did in their class that you are most proud of is to remind them of your abilities as a student and the quality of the work you produced for them. they have lots of students. sometimes they need a bit of help jogging their memory of exactly what you did in their class.

- the reason you send them your other application materials (personal statement, statement of purpose, CV) is so that they have information to draw from when writing your letter. they know what you’re passionate about, what you hope to do in the future, other experience you have, and can use this information when writing your letter

- on a similar note, this is also why you’d want to list the strengths you displayed in their class

- basically, you want to give them as much information as you can about your strengths, goals, and intentions - give them prompts they can use to write your letter

- the bit at the end about asking for a “strong letter” is important because some professors can only write you mediocre letters (e.g. “this student was always on time to class and gave their undivided attention during lecture” - what does this tell admission committees? well, it tells them that the professor has nothing positive to say about your *academic* abilities and so they’re resorting to other strengths. it’s a polite way of saying “this student was okay, but not spectacular in any notable way”. big red flag for admissions committees.) if all you’re going to get is a mediocre letter, you might as well not get a letter at all

- if the professor you ask accepts, then be sure to send them polite reminders as the date approaches. (i usually send a reminder at the 1-month-till-due-date mark when i send the other application materials, and then again at the 2 week and 1 week marks, and, if necessary, every day after the final 3 days leading up to the due date

—

i know this was a lot, but i remember being in your shoes and being completely lost when it came to applying for stuff so i know how daunting it can be. i figured i’d just throw all this information at you to be of as much help as possible.

for reference, i’ve applied to graduate programs, fellowships, and scholarships. i have been accepted into several of the top 10 graduate programs in my area, as well as received multiple scholarships and a fellowship, and received honorable mentions for some of the most competitive fellowships in the US. i have also worked with the admissions committee at my graduate program to organize multiple informational events for those interested in applying to graduate school and, in the process, have learned a lot about what makes a strong application.

so while you should absolutely take my advice with a grain of salt (different circumstances call for different standards), i do have quite a bit of experience with applications and what makes a strong letter of rec.

i hope this helped! best of luck with whatever you’re applying for :)

[sky21blue]

BAD DAY MASTERPOST

(I didn’t compile this list, I am simply transposing it with permission)

SOOTHING SITES * Write a stressful thought and watch it go away * The quiet place * If you need some sounds like rain, fire, coffee shop and others * Make sand art with your mouse * Go on a journey with your mouse * Meditate according to how you’re feeling * Vent to somebody ASSORTED ACTIVITIES * How to make a comfort box * How to make a grounding box * How to make a blanket nest * How to make glitter jars * How to make bath bombs * How to make paper stars * Play sudoku * Play crosswords HELPFUL THINGS HERE * Advice for people who are having a bad day * Non-cutesy self care tips * Before engaging in any self-destructive behaviour * Anxiety gif masterpost * Breathe in and out along with the gif * Tips for calming down in anxiety attacks * Grounding techniques MICROWAVE MUG MAGIC * Chocolate mug cake (in 1 minute) * Chocolate brownie * Nutella mug cake * Chocolate chip cookie in a mug * Mac n’ cheese in a mug * Blueberry muffin * Strawberry mug pie PRETTY PLAYLISTS (instrumental) * You will begin to touch heaven (Post-rock) * Silence (Post-rock, ambient) * How did the universe come up with you * To a galaxy far, far away * Dusk (Ambient) * Awakening of a dream (Ambient)

[sky21blue]

Hello everyone!

It has been a long time since I posted, the last few quarters have been crazy. There are so much things happening in my life. I transferred to UC Berkeley! I still can't believe I made it here. I got my associate's degree as well! The pandemic however messes my schedule up because I am back in my home country now and so I have to attend lectures and orientation online at 2am in the morning. Oh the international student struggles...

Anyways, I want to start fresh and re-introduce myself to the community. Hi! My name is Patricia. I am an international student currently starting my first semester in UC Berkeley. I may not post regularly, but I will try to. I started this blog because I want to keep motivation and also share with the community! I remember the community being very kind and welcoming, so I hope nothing has changed. Don't be afraid to send me a message, I would love to make friends~

[sky21blue]

This is so helpful and one of the most realistic ones I've ever read. Can't wait to apply this soon!

Academic Success Tips from My Parents

Out of all the things my parents enforced in my siblings and I, the most profound were educational and life success tips. Legit would get 100% regardless of the subject/ course/ workload. Here’s a bunch of them.

Before class:

Spend no more than a quarter of the journey to class chilling. 

Organize your study materials according to subject. Files and folders in the back, then textbooks, then notebooks. Stationery in appropriate places.

Always carry a folder full of blank sheets (plain, graphed, all the kinds!).

Fix your bag before you sleep. Hang your wristwatch on the strap so you don’t forget it when you go.

Clear your desk/study area as soon as you’re done - you’re not allowed to move out of that spot until you do.

If you have a study journal/ school diary/ study guide, read it everyday before class. 

Be the first one there, at least 15 minutes early (30 mins to an hour early is favourable).

If the teacher walks in, you better greet them with a smile, regardless if they’re crabby or not. Everyday.

You have the option to relax and do whatever before the teacher walks in. However, you have to preview the lesson before it starts. No exceptions.

Make ‘preview’ notes, which is basically little helpful tidbits about what’s to come, stuff you’re not sure about, questions and guides, how formulas connect - literally anything that’ll make the class go smoother for you.

During class:

You can talk to your friends before class, but as soon as it starts, not a word or glance in their direction.

Have all your materials either out if you have the space, or within reach. 

Listen carefully and take notes where appropriate (on printed ppts, on the corners and margins of the textbook, or an actual notebook), always, every class. There’s no such thing as ‘I didn’t take any notes today’ or ‘There wasn’t anything going on’. 

Always write the date and the day. Make an index as you go.

No highlighters during class. Underline textbooks with pencil only, and use pencils for sketches.

Whenever a teacher assigns work or extra readings or reference materials, write them down - always. Optional or not.

You better write down test/ quiz/ exam dates, even if they’re happening the next day and you’ll obviously remember. 

Speaking of exams, if the teacher mentions that word, write down everything they say, dialogue tags and all.

Answer as much questions as you can. It would be favourable if you answer twice per class or more, but it’s fine if you don’t. Your performance matters more.

Give people a chance to answer and ask questions.

Listen to what they’re saying and what response the teacher gives, even if you know it. Listening skills are important.

If an exercise is assigned during class, get on it like it’s an exam, and show the teacher your work (if possible) for corrections.  

If there’s a couple minutes before the class ends, but the teacher’s lesson finished for whatever reason (a final exercise is going on and you finished, they’re taking questions etc.) you keep to yourself if you’re not talking to the teacher. Read a book, do some work, anything productive.

You can help your friends and classmates now. Never say no, even if you’re not sure, say so and let them know you’re willing to struggle with them for a solution.

If you lend stationery, get it back before you bounce.

Arrange your materials backwards as you go through the day.

If you have another class right after, you better get over there immediately. It doesn’t matter if you’ve gotten more than enough time to mess around. Take your friends if you if you’d like.

During breaks:

Study, read, review, or preview. Something light for at least a quarter of the break this time.

If someone asks for help, help them (again). It’s good practice for you to see if you understand, and it’s good practice for when you go out into the world.

NEVER GO TO TEACHERS UNLESS IT’S ABSOLUTELY DETRIMENTAL.

If you have nothing light you can do, you can do whatever. 

After class:

Start by finishing all your homework. It isn’t due this week? Doesn’t matter. Always do your homework as soon as it’s assigned.

Once you’re done with your homework, check your study journal/ school diary/ study guide again. Take note of what’s coming up.

stUDY NOW PLEASE. All the subjects / courses you’ll have tomorrow should be either a) memorized if you didn’t have more than an hour of homework time or b) read and reviewed and tried and tested if you did. 

You can use highlighters now. Make summary notes and formula master lists. 

Organize your stuff again. 

You’re caught up with everything and barely did an hour today? Time to bust out the optional readings then.

You have no extra stuff too? Time to go on the computer and get some resources yourself. 

If there’s a big project, plan every step with excessively precise details. Follow them. Don’t forget to add buffers in case you miss something.

You missed something? Plan all over again. 

Go to sleep by 7 if you’re in school and 10 if you’re in college. You haven’t finished studying? I’ll wake you up at ¾ in the morning then.

Did I mention do your assignments the day they’re assigned to you?

No relaxing till the weekend. You wake up, go to classes, come back, shower, eat, then study until you go to bed. Oh, and lay out your clothes right down to the shoes and socks (accessories too) right before you do.

Weekends:

Sike. You only get one day off. 

(Legit tho, back in the day, my work week was from Sunday to Thursday, and my parents would allow Thursday night and half of Friday off. We had to get up at eight-thirty in the morning max and study until lunch with zero breaks. Lunch would usually be at 1:30 pm. You can forget about most of Saturday too. We’d study till lunch, then have to go back again until late afternoon (about 5:30 pm - 4:30 if we were lucky). And then of course, since we were starting back on Sunday, we’d be in bed by 7. People would wonder how in the world we’d be able to sleep at 7 with all that we had to do as students - now you know.)

Don’t get me started on exams lol. This may seem harsh, but without this type of discipline, I wouldn’t be doing as okay as I do now with the subpar standards I’ve seemed to developed in college. Well. I’ve got a bunch of other things I used to do (some still do), as these are only the ones I could remember on the top of my head. More coming soon maybe?

Hope this helps you!

EDIT: DISCLAIMER: I AM NOT ADVOCATING ILL-HEALTH. THIS IS ONLY THE ACADEMIC ASPECT OF MY LIFE, NOT THE ENTIRETY OF IT. IF YOU’RE TRIGGERED, READ THIS. THANKSS.

[sky21blue]

Just in case you forget this exists.

It exists.

[sky21blue]

Okay. I have a 12 page paper for my english class this quarter. Why is this so me lmao

writing an essay in college is just like *opens a word doc**writes nothing**drinks coffee**wanders the library**perfect source is behind a paywall**spends an hour crafting a one-sentence thesis**drinks coffee**writes half the essay in one sitting**finds a good quote and almost starts crying**stresses over how vague the prompt is**drinks coffee*

[sky21blue]

this is your friendly sunday afternoon reminder that you can handle whatever this week throws at you

[sky21blue]

I love an empty classroom ❤

[sky21blue]

11.12.2019

Why is it always nothing due or 7 assignments due in a week? Seriously they need to spread out more, they are killing me right now. And please save me in organic chemistry, I swear I would cry in happiness even if I barely pass.

[sky21blue]

😂👏

being in class is like *copies words off the board without understanding any of them* *drinks water* *looks at phone* *doesn’t know what’s going on* *zones out* *realizes 20 minutes have passed* *gets annoyed at people talking* *looks at phone* *drinks water*

[sky21blue]

11.04.2019

My organic chemistry midterm is horrible😭! Hope it turns to motivation for the next midterm. There are less things to do this week, which is good. Currently catching up with the chemistry notes!

[sky21blue]

10.21.2019

I just had my organic chemistry exam today. I have calc 2 exam tomorrow. There are so many things I need to review😭.

[sky21blue]

10.08.2019

Broke a record today, stayed at college from 7am to 5pm. Crazy week. I have lab tomorrow😭

[sky21blue]

So trueee

university is just *makes appointment* *fills water bottle* *updates google calendar* *buys shitty campus food* *answers emails* *makes another appointment* *stares at review page for thirty minutes* *laptop battery dies* *eats all your snacks as soon as you get to the library* *more emails* *walk behind slow people*

[sky21blue]

10.07.2019

Busy, busy, busy! Apllied for a job on campus, have so much homework, chemistry lab is hard (organic), physics lab is so overwhelming. I have no idea what should I do or what am I doing. Oh. My. God.

[sky21blue]

09.25.2019

I am back! Hopefully this fall quarter will be a good quarter. I am trying to focus more on independent studying and hopefully it will bring good results. First week is never fun, my hands are constantly shaking😂. I hope I will get used to it and enjoy this quarter.

[sky21blue]

09.04.2019

Holiday reading~