Dr. Sinclair, in his Mr. Hyde persona,
pens a recommendation letter.

Want a college recommendation from
Dr. Sinclair?

You  absolutely, positively, must have submitted electronically your Personal Information Summary.  I strongly recommend the Parent Assessment and Peer Reference, to make it easier to write a strong letter.  I will not entertain requests for recommendations unless the Personal Information Form is complete and has been submitted electronically to Sharon.

1.  I will write as both your Biology teacher and academy dean.  I write an extensive paragraph about TAMS and how it is very challenging and unique.  I will be honest about your character and achievements.

2.  Make an appointment to discuss your recommendation.  Call this number (565-3971) to make an appointment.  I will not accept appointments via email.

- Give some thought to what your major may be, and what you want to do with your life.  You don't  have to have everything worked out, but it is nice if you have a "working plan".
- What can I say about you that makes you stand out?  What is your "passion"?  Stamp collecting?  Bowling?
- Don't be afraid of me.   This is not an "interview".  It's just a chat to find out neat things about you.  I only bite when you fall asleep in class or set off the fire alarms.
- I really, no kidding, want to help you get into the college of your choice.  You need to help me with this, however.

3.  Give me a break.  Please do all this as early as you can.  Things get very, very busy late in the fall, and I want to spend as much time as possible writing a comprehensive evaluation.  I have come in over Christmas vacation to write letters, but I wasn't too happy about it.

4.  I need a completed Academic Action Form for each letter.  Please see the example here.  The forms are available in the Academic Office.  You will receive the yellow copy in your box, which will indicate completion of the recommendation and indicate the date it was mailed.  You should fill in or provide:

- Name (duh...)
- Mac telephone number and/or cell phone number
- Date
- Deadline    Very Important!
- Description of Request    Put a check by my name.  Important point...I do not send in "secondary school reports".  Sharon does that.  I just do recommendation letters.
- Special Processing    Do I mail it, give it to Sharon, give it to you...?  I prefer to mail them in directly, unless there is some specific reason to do something else.
- Sign the waiver statement...yes or no, it's up to you, but sign the statement.
- Mail To:   Very Important!  I need a complete address, not just "Harvard".  Please don't make me look things up.  I'm getting old.  How much time can I have left?
- Attach any forms necessary and be sure to fill out your information (not mine) and sign where required.  Please don't make me download and fill in forms for you.  I get, um, testy.
- Electronic recommendations (email or web) are becoming more common.  Be sure to give me detailed instructions.

5. Fill out the Course Counseling Sheet and bring it to our meeting.

6..  I do not need stamps and addressed envelopes.  Save your money for when you have to pay tuition!

7.  The yellow sheet from the Academic Action Form placed in your box will let you know it has been done and mailed, or is ready to pick up.