Requesting recommendation letters for college applications can be daunting. At the very least, you may feel awkward or insecure asking a teacher to write positive things about you on paper. For this reason, choosing who to request a letter from is half the battle. Once you’ve settled on a writer, however, the challenge becomes how to submit your request.
Before we get into the process, today’s big takeaway is that the content of the letter itself is more important than the ‘prestige’ of the writer. College admissions officers will read hundreds of generic recommendation letters before stumbling across a submission that feels heartfelt and unique. Letters that testify to the positive impact you made on your community are a convincing indicator that you will thrive in a college setting. So don’t be afraid to reach out to non-teachers and/or individuals outside your school entirely.
The Who
While reflecting on the people you would like to write you a letter of recommendation, ask yourself the following:
Which of my teachers knows me best?
A teacher who has witnessed you overcome academic or personal challenges will have more faith in your ability to withstand the rigor of higher education, which they can then channel into a flattering recommendation letter.
Which of my teachers have taught me the most?
This question has a double-meaning: consider the teachers you have taken the most classes with, as well as the teachers who have changed your perception of the world or a subject in a long-lasting way. Even better: those who have taught you subjects that relate to the career/major you are pursuing should be at the top of your list!
Who do I know in my extracurricular life who would be happy to facilitate my success?
Athletic coaches, arts instructors, or career mentors will likely see a side of you hidden from your everyday teachers. Particularly if you are interested in pursuing a related field or extracurricular activity during undergraduate school, a recommendation letter from one of these individuals may prove particularly helpful.
Note: It is not unusual for colleges to require at least one recommendation letter from a guidance counselor. In such cases, we recommend making regular appointments with this individual so that they can get to know you, your struggles, and your goals.
The How
DO: Prepare a resume or draft in advance
Writing recommendation letters takes time and effort. Make your writer’s life that much easier by providing them with inspiration in the form of a completed resume or a simple bullet-point list summarizing your academic and extracurricular accomplishments, relevant work experience, positive character traits, and ways in which your writer has inspired you in your chosen career path. Don’t forget to include a few sentences explaining your academic and professional goals as well.
DO: Ask in person first
Before submitting a formal request, approach your writer in person for a quick chat about your request. If this feels nerve-wracking to you, keep in mind that writing recommendation letters is often part of teachers’ job descriptions, so they’re likely used to this process! After getting a verbal acceptance, follow up with a formal request via email. Here, attach your supplemental documents and provide clear, specific instructions regarding how the letter needs to be submitted according to your college’s guidelines.
DON’T: Act entitled or ungrateful
Again, writing recommendation letters takes time and effort! Do not submit a formal request without providing sufficient heads-up in person, and do not insist on receiving a letter if the individual you approach rejects your request (think about it this way: you probably don’t want a letter from someone who isn’t enthusiastic to write it).
Does the college admissions process have you feeling stressed? Every summer, the Enrichery offers a highly productive College Admissions Workshop (CAW) for junior-year students seeking assistance drafting, writing, and editing college application essays; applying for scholarships; and constructing resumes. The workshops take place over a single immersive week, ensuring the rest of your teen’s summer remains open and their senior year workload is reduced considerably.
Spaces are limited, so submit a request to contact us now at https://theenrichery.com/contact-us-submission/!
