Most colleges and universities require two or three letters of recommendation. It is a helpful way for them to learn more about you from someone who knows you well. They want to know if you are a good student and an interesting person.
It is important to ask people who can address your academic potential and probability of success. The best references are your teachers, your counselor, or your principal. Other references from friends, religious leaders, etc. may be helpful if they can talk about your leadership abilities, professionalism, emotional stability, and work relationships. Read the colleges’ instructions about what categories of people they would like to write the recommendations. Then decide who in those categories knows you best and whom you would like to ask. Explain that you are applying to colleges and universities and ask if they would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for you. If they say yes, thank them and make a follow-up appointment to provide them the materials they will need.
At the follow-up appointment, make sure they know the deadlines for the recommendations you need. Give them a copy of your student resume, senior information profile or notes about anything you consider especially important, parent questionnaire, recommendation forms, and pre-addressed, stamped envelopes. You should provide all information about two months before the recommendations are due.
You should waive your right to read the recommendations once they are written. Most schools feel that the person writing the recommendation will more candidly discuss your strengths and weaknesses if they know you will not read what they write. Admissions committees may also consider a recommendation with a waiver more accurate and valuable.
Check with your letter writers periodically and remind them of the deadlines. If they are swamped with commitments, they will appreciate the reminder. You will also feel more at ease and will have a better chance of having the recommendations arrive at the school on time. When the people writing the recommendations let you know they are finished, take time to write them a thank you note.
Samples of a senior information profile, parent questionnaire, and sample student resume are outlined on the following pages.
1. List two academic strengths and give specific examples to document or support each.
2. List two personal strengths and give specific examples to document or support each.
3. What are your present career/college major goals? Why?
4. What is the most satisfying course you have taken? Why?
5. If your counselor were to meet 1,000 seniors, how would he/she remember you?
6. Are there any other areas you would like emphasized on the recommendation?
This profile was adapted from a form used by a high school in Fairfax County, VA.
Counselors often request that parents provide information that will help them write a recommendation. The questions may include some of the following.
1. List three adjectives that describe your child:
2. Please describe your child’s strengths, accomplishments, preferences, work habits, personality, etc.:
3. Please indicate which colleges you think would be a good match for your child. Why?
4. Have you discussed financial considerations with your child?
5. Are there limitations or special considerations which will affect where your child attends college?
6. Are there any unusual personal circumstances which have affected your child’s educational experiences or personal development? Please explain.
If there is anything else you would like to share, please feel free to do so on another sheet of paper.