- Most Important! Please understand that yours is not the only recommendation your teacher or counselor has been asked to provide, and that the writing of recommendations is NOT a requirement of your teacher, but a service that he/she is providing to help you get into college.
- Ask, politely and personally, if the teacher would be willing to write the recommendation. If the answer is yes, tell them that you will provide information in the near future.
- Within a few days, you should present the teacher with written information about your request, preferably with everything in a folder, and labeled with the information required by the college. Include:
- A written request for the recommendations, and don’t forget a thank you!
- Complete forms if required by the college
- Stamped and addressed envelopes. Most colleges want to get the recommendation sealed so that they know you have not seen it and that it is a true representation of your abilities.
- A copy of your “resume”, that is your activities, the grade you received in class, and if possible, a description of an activity or something memorable from that class. Remember, your teacher has had many students. Anything you can provide will make for a better recommendation.
- Clear instructions about what is to be done with the completed recommendation. By what date is it needed? Should it be mailed directly to the college or sent to the Guidance Office? Will you be picking it up personally?
- DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO MAKE THESE ARRANGEMENTS. Give the teacher at least two (2) weeks to complete this. It is better to ask way in advance than at the last minute.
- As a courtesy, when you receive your acceptance, let the teacher know! After all, they had a large part in your success. A thank you note would be appropriate & much appreciated.
- Above all, use common sense and courtesy. You’ll get much farther in your quest!
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