Seeking Top Notch Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are either required or requested from most college/universities as part of the admission and/or scholarship application.

While letters are only one part of a complete application and typically will not make or break an admission decision, they still are important in educating the admission staff about the kind of student you are and the qualities of academic integrity and community involvement you will bring to the college campus.

Here are some tips regarding letters of recommendation:

• Establishing a solid relationship with teachers must begin freshman year.
• Be aware of your actions at all times.
• Typically, letters must be from a teacher from junior or senior year who teaches a core subject.
• You may submit one extra letter from an additional adult (mentor, coach, pastor).
• Status of the writer is of no importance, what the letter says impacts admission decision.
• Letters should correspond with, not emulate, other aspects presented in the admission application.
• Think outside the box; a letter from a teacher in a subject that is easy for you is expected.

Questions to consider when selecting a faculty member to write on your behalf:

• What do you know about this teacher outside of the classroom?
• What does this teacher know about you besides your coursework in his/her class?
• What would this teacher be surprised to learn about you?
• What is your favorite thing about this teacher and his/her class?
• What is the most important thing you have learned from this teacher?
• What would you say to a younger student about this teacher and his/her class?

Once you know the teacher has mailed your letters of recommendation, make sure to send them a thank you note. Teachers often spend as much time writing a letter of recommendation as you will spend writing your college admission essay!