Spring has sprung!
This warm and welcome change also brings to-do lists which include cleaning, clothes swapping, and grill prep!
The Class of 2023 also prepares for change near the end of their junior year with approaching exams, placement tests, standardized tests, and college applications.
Requesting letters of recommendation is an essential item to add to their to-do list this season.
WHAT ARE LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION?
A letter of recommendation or college recommendation letter is a document where the author or writer assesses the applicant's skills, qualities, characteristics, achievements, etc. It is a great way to help a college representative learn more about the student.
WHO AND WHEN DO I ASK FOR LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION?
Williams Educational recommends you ask teachers with whom you have a good rapport and someone who taught you recently. We also recommend that you ask teachers who teach either a core subject or a subject you consider studying in college. Ask in person and ask well in advance! Ideally, ask teachers before summer so that you have secured their commitment to you. Sending a reminder email to the teacher over the summer (with a "thanks again for doing this") is also a nice touch and will also serve as a reminder!
HOW DO I REQUEST LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION?
In requesting recommendation letters, Williams Educational Consultants suggest the following steps:
Find out which schools require a recommendation letter from a teacher, counselor, advisor, etc. Some schools will recommend 1 or 2 but allow 5 or more. It is necessary to know which college and how many recommenders you need!
Once you have your list of requirements for each school, think about teachers from your junior year and upcoming senior year who could speak of your talents and classroom success. Ask your teacher in person (if possible) for their permission to use them as a recommender. Once they agree, then you will want to send them a follow-up email with some or all of the following items:
Your College List
Major Of Interest
Resume/Activities Sheet
Any Supporting Documents to help your recommender write a strong recommendation
A STRONG LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION INCLUDES:
The applicant's strengths and personality characteristics.
Demonstrates character and action.
Provide the links between past performance and what is proposed.
Highlights why the applicant would be a great student in college.
All the above are excellent indicators of success and makes a strong recommendation letter, but remember that the student should help the recommender with some of this information. So take time with choosing your recommender wisely! And if you need assistance, reach out to Williams Educational for advice, tips and recommendation forms!