Teacher-penned letters of recommendation are a vital aspect of college admissions applications – and for current juniors, now is usually the best time to ask for them! But which teachers should you ask, and how ? Read on for more tips and best practices around teacher letters of recommendation.
Why are letters of recommendation important?
Thoughtful letters of recommendation help colleges visualize the characteristics you will bring to their community of learners. These letters provide another dimension to college applications by providing information that might not otherwise show up in the application. Teacher recommendation letters give college admissions officers an external observer’s insight into a student’s work ethic, persistence, overall character, passion, and more.
Which teachers do I ask, and how many?
Some best practices for determining whom to ask for a recommendation include:
How do I ask for a recommendation?
Your high school counseling office may communicate about the process to the junior class. It’s important to follow their instructions, as schools may have different approaches and timelines they like students to follow.
For example, some high schools have “brag sheets” students can fill out to help provide a clearer and more complete picture of all that the student is involved in, or to refresh a teacher’s memory about standout moments or accomplishments from class. If your school doesn’t have a “brag sheet” template, it can be helpful to provide your own summary to help inform the teacher when you ask them.
Also, some schools want you to communicate more formally, while others may simply instruct you to catch your teacher before or after class and ask if they are willing to write a letter on your behalf. If you do not hear anything from your high school during April or early May, you can ask the counseling office how to proceed.
What if a teacher turns me down?
Don’t push if a teacher says no. They may not feel that they know you well enough to write a strong recommendation, or they may already have committed to writing as many as they feel they can manage. Trust that their reasons are valid and move on. After all, a half-hearted or hastily written letter won’t add value to your application.
Anything else?
Know that it is standard for students to waive their rights to see or review the letters teachers write for them.
Finally, be sure to formally thank anyone who does write you a letter , either with a hand-written note or thoughtfully crafted email. They have put time and thought in on your behalf, and your expressed gratitude will go a long way!