College Admissions: Letters of Recommendation

Now we come to the infamous letters of recommendation that freak nearly every senior out. I didn't really need to worry too much about these, particularly since the few colleges that required them only required one, and for the most part my guidance counselor took care of them. In any case, I'm deviating from the topic. This a post done Q&A style! 

Do I need a letter of recommendation?
Well it really all depends on the colleges that you are applying to. A little thing to keep in mind is that the schools that usually require these are private schools. As far as I know, public state universities don't typically require one but that may vary from state to state. You never really know, so it's always best to play it safe. There are some schools that don't require them, but accept them and there are schools that don't require them and don't want them at all.

Who do I ask?
Something that people normally don't know is that there are some colleges that allow you to send in letters of recommendation that come from your relatives and family. These are something to avoid though, simply because colleges are more academic-oriented; the personal statements are where you get personal and it's preferable that it remains there. Choose teachers that know you well and you have had recently as they are most equipped to write an excellent letter.Don't worry so much about how well they write, there are far more important things to consider instead.

Also, if you have the good fortune of being on great terms with your guidance counselor, I'd consider asking them. Who knows of your overall academic performance better than them (besides you of course)? 

When should I ask?
Ideally, you'd ask the teacher before you ended your junior year--that way they'd have the summer to think over what they might say. It's also important to ask that early, because if that particular teacher is popular, there will be a lot of students asking them for letters and not everyone will receive one. At the latest, the teacher should be warned within the first month of your senior year.

Just remember this: the more time they've had to write it, the better it'll be. This is not something that you would want to procrastinate on! 

How do I ask?
Politely! Teachers aren't mandated to write letters of recommendation for their students. It is a favor that they are doing for you, so keep that in mind when you're asking. Simply approach them either before school, during lunch, or after school--never during class or between classes. Greet them appropriately and tell them that there's something you want to talk to them about. After they've agreed to listen, ask them as best as you can. That's really all there is to it. 

What should I give?
You should give them a package that's all prepped up. The video will show actual images, but here's an essential description of what that package should be and include.  Have a large manila envelope with this page attached to the front with either a paper clip, glue, so on and so forth. Inside the envelope, you should have smaller envelopes--one for every college that you need a letter of recommendation. Something else that should be in there are a few sheets describing a little about your life outside of school, your academic performance, your club involvement, your test scores, and most importantly your plans for the future. Here's a document that you can print and fill out.


As an added bonus, here's what I also included within my packet for letters of recommendation: a written thank you note. Seriously, teachers (and counselors) are amazing around this time of year, and it's important that you acknowledge that work. Show your appreciation through that very inexpensive way.

Can I ask my teachers how they're coming along?
Of course! It's all about how you ask them. Check up on them periodically, but make sure to have an actual conversation first. Remember, they are people too--not to mention they're writing to the colleges about you, and you definitely don't want their positive perception of you to change in such a short amount of time. 

What now?
Now comes the exciting part--you wait. There really isn't much that you can do in terms of the mailing process. At least, not if your teacher is mailing the letters out. On the other hand, if you've been given that task certified mail is the way to go.

So I hope that I've addressed all the questions that might arise, if not then you can simply ask. That's what I'm here for!

Have a great day. (: