All college applications require teacher and counselor recommendations.  It is important to ask a teacher and counselor who knows you well to write this letter. When asking a teacher or counselor for a recommendation,  always ask IN PERSON and well in advance of the deadline.    It is also important to meet with these recommenders a second time, making a formal request, and providing documents needed for them to write outstanding recommendations.

After meeting with teachers and counselors, students should provide each recommender with an organized packet of documents with instructions for completing recommendations. These document packets should include:

1. A cover letter with details of the request.  Each teacher and counselor should be given their own customized cover letter. Covers letters should detail what students would like each recommender to include in their letter of recommendation and provide deadlines for submitting recommendations.

2. A copy of the student résumé - this is a MUST. The student résumé gives important details teachers and counselors need to know about student activities, accomplishments, and honors earned during high school.

3. An unofficial copy of student grade transcripts.

After creating a packet of documents for each recommender as described above, students should meet with each teacher and counselor IN PERSON. Students should give each teacher and counselor their packet of documents, express appreciation for their help, and explain how they (teachers and counselors) are being given a packet of documents to help them complete their letters of recommendation.

Also, students should share how they are available to answer questions or to help at anytime; students should point out that their phone number and e-mail address are included on the cover letter.

Requesting letters of recommendation in this manner shows professionalism and courtesy. Teachers and counselors appreciate being asked to write letters in this way and may show their appreciation by writing recommendations that are just slightly better than if they were asked in an unprofessional, sloppy manner.  Once completed, a hand written thank you note should be sent expressing your gratitude. 

Lastly, students requesting a letter of recommendation from an employer, supervisor, coach or other responsible adult should follow the same process as described above.

“If you have any other questions about selecting a college, or the admissions process, feel free to contact me through my website at www.Prep4CollegeNow.com  or call me at 760.877.7200.  I'd love to answer your questions!”

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Excepted from Steve Sterling,  MyCollegeCalendar.org