Whether you’re a high school student getting ready for college or an undergraduate student preparing for grad school, you’ll need recommendation letters to help you on your academic journey.
Therefore, in this blog, we’ve shared some tips for students on how to request a letter of recommendation. But before that, let’s first understand what a letter of recommendation is and how important it is for college applications.
What is a Letter of Recommendation?
A letter of recommendation is a formal document written by someone who knows you well and has supervised your work, like a teacher, counselor, or coach. This person can share their views on your character, skills, strengths, and potential. Colleges often require recommendation letters as part of the application process.
Colleges and universities ask for these letters because they provide insights into your personality that go beyond your transcripts, helping you stand out from other applicants. However, the number of recommendation letters you need varies between different colleges, so it’s a good idea to check with each college or university for their specific requirements. Typically, one to three recommendation letters are required. It’s better to consider two letters as your minimum and a third one as a backup.
Who Should You Approach to Write Your Recommendation Letter?
You can request a letter of recommendation from your subject teacher, a non-core subject teacher (such as art or music), a coach, a club adviser, or a guidance counselor. However, most colleges give more weight to letters of recommendation from core subject teachers (English, Mathematics, History, Science, and Foreign Language). Therefore, students should prioritize asking their subject teachers first, as some colleges consider only one letter. For the second or third letter, they can ask elective teachers (such as marketing or theatre) or the guidance counselor.
Things to Keep in Mind While Choosing Whom to Ask
Think about your future major: It’s important to think about your intended major before deciding whom to ask. For instance, if you plan to major in journalism, it would be better to ask your English teacher. Additionally, read the instructions carefully, as some colleges require letters from specific subject teachers.
Assess who can help you most: Picking your favorite teacher or simply choosing a subject teacher from whom you received an “A” grade should not be your deciding factor. In most cases, the class where you initially struggled but later excelled is a better choice. Keep in mind that you need a strong letter of recommendation that speaks to your work ethic and contribution to the class, so choose a teacher who can highlight your qualities in these areas.
Remember, the person you are asking should be able to describe your skills, accomplishments, and personality.
When Should You Ask?
After you have decided whom to ask for a letter of recommendation, the next step is to make the request. Be sure to ask early; even experienced teachers or counselors need time to think and write thoughtfully. I recommend asking at least one month before your application deadlines, though asking even earlier would be better.
Some teachers limit the number of requests they take for recommendation letters, so it’s wise to ask as early as possible to avoid missing out. In fact, you can request a recommendation letter as early as the end of your junior year. Some teachers prefer to write recommendations during the summer when they have more free time.
How to Request for a Letter of Recommendation
Ask In Person:
I recommend asking your recommender in person before sending a written request. Prepare a pitch to clearly explain why you chose that person for the recommendation and the purpose of your application. You might feel hesitant about making such a request but remember that teachers and counselors are used to it, so don’t hesitate to ask. Additionally, meeting in person can help remind your recommenders of their experiences with you in class.
Write a Formal Request:
Write a formal request and send it via email to each person who has agreed to write your recommendation. Use a clear subject line such as “Request for Letter of Recommendation” or something similar. Include details about the college you are applying to, along with the deadline for the submission. Briefly explain why you need the recommendation and its purpose. Keep the message simple yet effective.
Provide Helpful Information:
Providing helpful information to your recommender is essential to help them highlight your qualities. Make sure to send information about the school courses or projects you’ve worked on, your specific character traits or academic achievements, and your long-term goals. This information can help the recommender in effectively writing the recommendation letter for you.
Follow Up:
It’s always a good idea to send a gentle reminder one to two weeks before your deadline. In your follow-up, you can also inquire if they need any additional information from you.
Thank Recommender:
Don’t forget to thank your recommender for taking the time to write a recommendation letter for you. I suggest expressing your gratitude with a handwritten note but emailing a thank-you message is also a good option. Additionally, be sure to share the good news of your college acceptance with them once you receive it.
Conclusion
A letter of recommendation is an important aspect of your college application, so it should be planned carefully. It highlights your overall personality in ways that your transcript cannot and can help you stand out from other applicants. Therefore, choose your recommenders wisely, select those who can best describe you and your skills and don’t forget to thank them.
For more useful tips on college planning, you can read our blog “Navigating the High School to College Transition: A Comprehensive Guide”.
