Why do colleges ask for letters of recommendation?
They want to understand who you are and what type of student you will be from the perspective of someone who has seen you learn and grow, usually a teacher. This letter should speak to your work ethic, character, and drive. The letter can show colleges what kind of student you will be when you come to their campus, and the kind of impact you may have within their ecosystem. It is an important component of your application.
Juniors, think about who you want to ask for a letter of recommendation. Perhaps you have been building rapport with your teachers throughout the year and have lots of options. Or maybe there are a couple of teachers from your sophomore year who you connected with.
If you have several teachers you might ask, there are three factors to consider when deciding on which teachers to ask. First, think about what you will choose for your major. Ask a teacher who teaches a subject in a related field. Second, consider who knows you best. If you’ve done a special project for a teacher, have helped out a teacher in their classroom more than the average student, or just have a connection, that would be a great person to ask. Third, try to ask teachers in a couple of different subject areas. For example, if you plan to major in art, ask an art teacher and a teacher in another area (English, math, social studies). This will help demonstrate that you have excelled in different subject areas in school. One note on asking English teachers: They usually write great letters of recommendation, but they are also the ones most frequently asked, so be sure to put in your request early.
What if you don’t have anyone in mind?
You still have a few weeks left in the school year to start building relationships with teachers. If you are introverted, this may mean taking yourself outside your comfort zone. How can you connect? Greet your teacher as you enter the classroom. Ask about their day. Come after school to get help on the subject and ask questions. Be kind, be interesting, and be interested; these traits go a long way towards making an impact in all kinds of relationships. And the good news is this: practicing these types of interpersonal skills will benefit you in college and beyond.
If possible, request the letters before your junior year ends. That way, you will beat the rush of other students asking teachers in the first weeks of senior year. How? Ask your teachers in person when they aren’t super busy. This might mean stopping in their room before or after school. Ask them if they’d be willing to write a recommendation for college in the fall. Ask them what documents or items they might need from you that would help them write a personal recommendation. Thank them, and then immediately follow up with an email, stating you will reach out the first week of the school year to remind them.
Finally, be sure to thank teachers who write your letters of recommendation. They do this for students as a nice gesture, and it takes time out of their already busy schedules. This is the perfect time to dust off that pile of thank you cards and write them to your teachers the old-fashioned way!
Let’s chat, schedule your free consultation here!
