Who to Ask
• Determine if the college requires letters of recommendations; some
don’t.
• Determine if the college asks for recommendations from teachers,
school counselor, etc.
• Teachers from the junior year are a good choice, because they have
had you in class recently. The teacher you
ask should be able to comment on your academic ability.
When to Ask
•
Ask well in advance of the due date. Allow at least two weeks. Be
certain that the due date for the recommendation is clearly indicated.
• A week before the due date you might want to check back with the
teacher to see if the recommendation has been mailed.
• If the recommendation is to be mailed directly to the college be sure
to include an addressed, stamped envelope.
How to Ask
• Request the recommendation in person.
• Make an appointment or find a time when the person you are
requesting the information from has time to talk.
• Be respectful and appreciative.
• Bring all materials needed – forms, envelopes, addresses, any
special requirements for the contents of the
recommendation.
What to Ask
•
Typically, you know your teachers well enough to know who can
provide
favorable reviews of your accomplishments. If in doubt, don't
hesitate
to ask if they feel comfortable writing a recommendation. In
some cases,
you may have no choice as to who to use, but when you
do, make the best
choice possible.
• Request that teachers focus on academic talents and
accomplishments.
•
Try to remind teachers of specific areas of accomplishment in their
class or program. If there are specific things you would like included
in
the recommendation, mention them. Also, explain your academic and
personal goals for college so the person preparing the
recommendation
has a sense of your vision of your future.
• Be prepared to talk to
your counselor about your activities,
participations, work experiences,
etc. Also discuss any areas of
concern that may require an explanation
from your counselor in the
recommendation.
• It is suggested that on
the application form you waive your right to
view recommendation
letters. This gives more credibility to the
recommendation in the eyes
of the college.
Follow-up
• Once you have decided
which college to attend, write thank-you
notes to everyone who provided a
recommendation and tell them
where you've decided to go to college. Be
sure to do this before you
leave high school.
Adapted from: http://www.collegeboard.com/