How to get great letters of recommendation from your teachers
Juniors in high school–and especially seniors–should begin thinking about which teachers they’re going to ask for letters of recommendation. An essential part of the college application, letters of recommendation provide college admissions officers a glimpse of how prospective students are regarded by their teachers, and it’s easy to fade into the background. Avoid getting a weak letter of recommendation and instead get a strong letter of recommendation by following these tips! Here, I’ll cover when the recommendation process begins and offer advice on which teachers to choose and what materials to provide those teachers if you want a great letter of recommendation.
When does the letter of recommendation process begin and who should you ask?
The process for getting a great letter of recommendation begins as soon as you meet the teacher you’ll one day ask for a letter of recommendation! Even as a freshman and sophomore, it’s important to cultivate strong relationships with teachers. Do your best in each of your classes, ask plenty of questions, and let teachers see the real you. When you’re a junior, ask yourself which teachers you’d like to ask for a letter of recommendation. Perhaps a coach, a band director, or a theatre director would write a good letter if you excel in extracurricular activities. Perhaps a physics teacher would make a good recommender if you plan to apply to college to study science. An English teacher, naturally, can write a great letter of recommendation as well! It’s a good idea to ask teachers who know you well and whose chosen subjects relate somehow to your future plans. Don’t forget to cultivate good relationships with your counselors as well! You’ll need them as your advocates. At the end of your junior year, approach your recommenders and ask if they’re be willing to write you a letter of recommendation. Provide them with the materials covered in the next section.
What materials should I provide to the writers of my recommendation letters?
When asking teachers to write you a letter of recommendation, it’s important to provide them materials. Here are some suggestions! Note that the materials you should provide contain both practical information as well as information about you as a person. Remember to ask for your letter well in advance and provide your teacher with any additional information that he or she requests.
- Information about deadlines, the names of schools to which you’re applying, and instructions on how to submit the letters
- What you plan to study in college (or some potential majors that interest you)
- A list of your passions, academic and extracurricular strengths, and personal qualities you’d like for the teacher to showcase in the letter
- A brief list of significant projects or academic achievements that impacted you both as a student and relative to the teacher in question
- Your résumé
- Information about your family or background
- How you would describe yourself
- What you’ve learned about yourself in high school so far
- Significant challenges you have faced and how you’ve handled them
- Experiences that have caused you to question or formulate your beliefs
- How you spend your free time
Remember that it’s rare for letters of recommendation to be negative. It IS rare, however, for letters of recommendation to contain SPECIFIC examples of your interests, achievements, and of your character. If you’ve cultivated a great relationship with the teacher you’re asking to write a letter of recommendation, and provided him or her with significant information about your college plans, passions, and academic achievements, it’s safe to say your recommendation letter will stand out from the crowd!
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