College Tip of the Week #16: Recommendation Letters
Having trouble deciding who to ask for your Recommendation Letters? We have just the tip of the week for you! A recommendation letter provides you the opportunity to show your personality and character that academic credentials can never achieve, and portrays someone who is willing to speak on your behalf. There are a few factors you should consider when deciding who to ask for a recommendation.
Give the recommender PLENTY of time. Recommendation Letters take time to think about and write, just like the college essays you have been working so hard on, so you definitely DO NOT want to rush the faculty, staff, or even community members that is writing your letter. Make sure you ask for Letters of Recommendation at least a month before the deadline, but preferably even earlier.
Focus on the relationship, not the title. Ask someone who knows you well and can speak to your strengths, rather than someone who has a large title in your community but has not spent much time working with you. The college admissions committee will know when they read your letter whether the person you asked actually knows you and spent time learning about your skills, passions, and interests, or was just asked to write a letter based on their standing in your community. Your sincerity will be obvious.
Look to your college to guide your choices. Many colleges will often ask for specific recommenders based on your major or career of interest, such as a science or math teacher. Look on the college’s website or application portal to get specific requirements for recommenders you will have to ask.
Choose someone who knows you right now. Colleges want a current perspective about you, so choosing a teacher from freshman year will likely not accurately represent who you are today.
Get a perspective outside the classroom. Though teachers provide information about the academic side of you, such as your enthusiasm about learning and class participation, your work ethic and passion outside the classroom is incredibly valuable as well. Consider asking an employer or person in the community you work with as a part of an organization, as this will provide the admissions committee information about your life outside of academics.
Talk with the recommender about yourself. Teachers likely get asked for recommendations by hundreds of students, so they may not specifically remember all the wonderful conversations you’ve had with them and your participation in class. This is why it is a great idea to talk with them about your accomplishments and specific projects you are proud of, challenges you have overcame, things you learned from their class, and even what you have contributed to their learning environment.
Waive your right to view the recommendation. The college admissions committee will value your recommendation and trust it accuracy in representing you more if you did not view the letter beforehand.
Thank them. Sending a well written and thoughtful email, or better yet, a handwritten letter, is a wonderful way to thank your recommender for writing it for you. Let them know how much you appreciate the time and effort they dedicated to it, and tell them the college you were accepted to and are attending.
