LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
Letters of recommendation (LOR) are an important part of your college admissions process. The following to-do’s can help you earn strong recommendation letters:
1- Start early to build relations with your teachers and counselors, and meet often throughout your high school years (at least once a month) to discuss your academic work and career interests. When they get to know you on a personal basis, they will be able to write excellent letters of recommendation on your behalf.
Let’s talk about how to get started with your recommendation letters!
Recommendation Letters!
2- Consider what are the best recommendation letters to have.
Select teachers of courses where you have succeeded academically.
It is always preferred to have one letter of recommendation from the English or Social Studies department AND another one from the Science or Mathematics departments
3- Request your letters of recommendation early. You should start sending recommendation requests to your teachers and counselors by March/ April of your Junior year. Below is a sample of an email request that you can send to your teachers and counselors.
RECOMMENDATION REQUEST EMAIL
Dear ______ ,
Thank you for agreeing to write my letter of recommendation.
I am asking you to write my letter because…
The feedback you gave me on XXXXXX has impacted how I am academically….
In college, I plan to study…
I am considering applying to….
If you have feedback on any of my choices, please let me know….
To help you get to know me more, I have attached my resume.
(END OF DRAFT)
CLICK HERE for another sample email to request a letter of recommendation
RECOMMENDATION REQUEST FORM
When teachers writing the recommendation letter have information about your activities and interests, they are able to write better letters. A useful way of sharing additional information is to fill in a recommendation request form.
CLICK HERE to see a sample recommendation request form.
To help you better understand how to fill out these forms, CLICK HERE to see a sample of completed request form.
SAMPLE LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
It is important to understand that the best letters of recommendation are the letters that describe the person who is being recommended. A boilerplate letter that reads the candidate is a ‘good person’, ‘works hard’, or ‘is highly recommended’ isn’t worth much.
CLICK HERE to take a look at some of the Letters of Recommendation that have been drafted by teachers and counselors in the past.
FINAL TO-DO
After you have submitted all your applications, remember to write a simple Thank You note to all those who helped you complete the process, including the teachers and counselors who wrote your letters of recommendation.
CLICK HERE to see a sample of a brief note you can email to your recommenders to express gratitude for their time and support.
