Colleges may require a letter of recommendation, or they may not. You will need to review what each school requires as part of the application. There are several people who may need to write on your behalf including your counselor and/or a teacher. Sometimes colleges will specify what they are looking for more specifically, like a letter from a teacher who taught you your junior year or one who taught you in a core course like English, math, science, history or foreign language. Review the following tips to help you get an effective letter of recommendation:
The letter should be from someone who knows you well. He or she will need to be able to produce a well-written piece that will help the admissions office learn something new about you.
Set a time to speak with the individual you would like to write your letter. Share a resume of activities and academic achievements that will help him or her develop an initial letter. Anecdotes and illustrations will help him or her get their image of you across on the page.
Be sure to give the deadline when the letter is due to the college as well as a stamped, addressed envelope to the admissions office. Some colleges are using an online application process so be sure you let the teachers know they may be receiving an online request and be sure to have their correct email address for that part of the process.
Give the person at least four weeks in advance of the deadline. Ask in person – not by email.
Additional recommendations may be appropriate, but consult with your college counselor for sure. One additional recommendation from an employer or supervisor, a mentor, or a leader in the community, that provides additional information that may not be found in the teacher or counselor evaluation is acceptable, but more than one is generally discouraged.
Send a thank-you note in a few weeks to show your appreciation for submitting this information on your behalf.
Once you hear of your acceptances, it would be nice to let the person know the outcome since he or she had a hand in the process with you.
