Been sometime since I completed grad school. My next endeavor at a new grad school commands an assessment from a prior professor on my abilities. So then, do I simply look up one of my old professors and request an assessment? Seems that is the answer, but honestly, do you write them based on memory or based on a grade record, or? If I was one of your ex-students who performed well, but 10 years later need to apporach you for an assessment - How would you prefer it be done? (e.g. I, as the student, write you and provide a background or summary, or just a cold request, or a request over dinner, or?).
I get these kind of requests periodically. Often students will email me with a request. Students may include a resume to update me on what they've done since I last had them in class. I may look up my grade records to help recall what the student did. In writing a reference I always start with the context in which I knew the student. This can help the reader understand how close I was to the student and when I knew them. Regards - Andy
I would pay a personal visit, and bring your resume in hand with you. Also, having the outline of the request (some schools ask specific questions) would be nice.
