Letters of
Recommendation
While working on your applications, you may realize that
some colleges request that you get a recommendation letter from people who know
you in and out of the classroom. These
recommendations can provide a greater insight on you to support your applications. Here are some helpful hints:
·
Most recommendations are geared towards teachers
who have taught you in the past 2 years so this typically means to think of
teachers you had in 10th and 11th grade (probably 11th
grade is best). Some recommendations can
be from someone in the community. You may
also run into a peer recommendation.
·
Some applications have a place to put in the
information of the person who is writing the recommendation. It might have a place for their email. In those cases, they might be able to do the recommendation
online. If there is no online option,
they can simply write a letter of recommendation on you. The College Counselor has provided the
teachers with information on what colleges are looking for in this format and
would be glad to mail the recommendation if the teacher will just get it to the
counselor.
·
Teachers and counselors are usually happy to
assist you but you have to ask.
·
Make sure when you ask the recommender that you
are specific about your request. Tell
them what school and how the recommendation should be submitted.
·
Be sure the recommender understands when the recommendation
is due!
·
Provide the recommender with a list of
activities or your resume to assist in the process.
·
Send the recommender a thank you note and keep
them updated on your college decision.
