How to Ask for a Recommendation?

Asking for Recommendations

You might find this easy, or awkward, or somewhere in between.  How do you get the best recommendations for your college applications?

Follow these three steps:  

Step 1: Get Ready- Before you start asking your teachers, counselor or others for a letter of recommendation, do your homework.

Focus on familiarity: Teachers who know you best will write the best recommendations.  Ask for recommendations from the teachers that you have a strong relationship with, even if you didn’t receive the best grade in their class.

Check with your school: Many schools have deadlines and requirements for requesting letters of recommendation.  Put dates in your calendar and stick to them.

Go for the maximum: The Common App and other systems list the number of letters of recommendation that are required.  They also give you a number of how many recommendations are allowed. Plan to request the maximum number.

Create a Recommendation Calendar: Check the dates your college applications are due and work backward. Add all dates to your calendar.

Ask a teacher for a recommendation at least 4-6 weeks (follow your school’s timeline) before your applications are due.

Plan for the recommendations to be completed 2-4 weeks before your application is due.

If you are doing early applications, you should request recommendations in September or October.

Update your activity list: Give teachers/counselors your activity list, resume, or a brag sheet.  This gives them information to use when writing about you.

Step 2: Make the Ask- Use this checklist to organize your recommendation requests to your teachers.  Put the following items together in a large 10 x 13 envelope and hand to each teacher/counselor you are requesting a letter from:

Cover letter:  Personal letter explaining the purpose of the recommendation (for scholarships, admissions, or special programs).  Include dates you need recommendations completed by. Be sure to sign the letter.

Resume/Activity List: List all your activities through high school.

Role of Recommendations:  Provide a copy of The Role of Recommendations to teachers/counselors. This document explains what colleges are looking for in recommendations.

Step 3: Follow up- Follow this recommendation checklist after you have requested letters of recommendation.

Check progress: The Common Application, the Coalition Application and others allow you to track the progress of your application, including recommendations.  Use this to view when recommendations are uploaded.

Gently remind: Teachers often appreciate a gentle reminder about upcoming due dates.  You want to be sure your recommendations are submitted on time.

Write a thank you: Send a personalized handwritten note to your teacher or counselor thanking them for their assistance.

Take Action:

Use the deadline dates in your Application Plans to determine the due dates of recommendations.  Also, check to see how many letters of recommendation are required.