1. Letters of
Recommendation

2. ✴Teachers, club moderators, coaches, bosses, service coordinators, etc
✴Teachers who know you well, and can speak to your Skills/performance
✴Select teachers from who can speak to your most current performance. Colleges like
a recent impression of the student.
✴Consider asking teachers whose subject may relate to a future area of study. For
example, students who plan on studying engineering should ask a math or physical
science teacher.A student interested in communications should ask an English teacher.
Who should you ask???

3. ✴Choose teachers who can comment upon growth and willingness to work to
improve. Colleges are more interested in learning how a student strives to
improve than about how easy it is for him to earn A's.
✴Choose a person who knows you long and well enough to be a credible source
✴Is this person likely to be an effective writer?
Who should you ask???

4. ✴Ask teachers early, at least 3-4 weeks in advance of the deadline.
✴Many senior year teachers are flooded with requests for recommendations.
✴Approach the teacher when they are NOT busy or surrounded by many
students
✴ask for the letter verbally first
✴Give Envelope filled with:
✴Cover letter
✴Activity list/resume
✴Any other necessary documents
How to ask...

5. • Purpose of the letter (general admission, scholarship, etc)
• Name of schools / person to receive the letter of recommendation
• Your intended academic majors/programs
• Any special information or personal qualities you wish emphasized
• Delivery instructions
o Naviance Link
o PDF file that can be emailed to Guidance Counselor
o Hard copy/printed copy in sealed envelope
In the Envelope...

6. ✴Realize these letters take time and effort and be appreciative; thank your
letter writer
✴ at the time you request the letter
✴when it is delivered
✴follow-up with a short, but sincere WRITTEN note.
✴Also let the writer know later the results of the letters (for example, did
you get in the university? Did you get the scholarship?
✴RESPECT THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF THE LETTER!You may or may not
see the actual letter, but if you are given a copy (which is commonly done) do
not share it with friends or use it for other purposes without the permission of
the writer
Special Items to Note...

7. ✴Realize these letters take time and effort and be appreciative; thank your
letter writer
✴ at the time you request the letter
✴when it is delivered
✴follow-up with a short, but sincere WRITTEN note.
✴Also let the writer know later the results of the letters (for example, did
you get in the university? Did you get the scholarship?
✴RESPECT THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF THE LETTER!You may or may not
see the actual letter, but if you are given a copy (which is commonly done) do
not share it with friends or use it for other purposes without the permission of
the writer
Special Items to Note...