Securing Recommendations

FACTS ABOUT RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Not all colleges require them
  • Most private colleges do
  • Most public colleges do not
  • UC and CSU do not
  • Some special programs do
  • Importance varies by campus
    		• Secondary School Report

    Most applications will have a secondary school report page. Usually, this will include a request to the high school for a transcript and other important data, as well as the recommendation from your counselor. No one else other than your counselor should complete this form. It is important for you to complete all parts of the form that you are directed to complete. Usually, there is a place for your signature. Many times a waiver is included that prevents you from viewing the recommendation at a later date. Your recommendation is given more validity, if you sign the waiver. Most often colleges will ask on the form if the applicant has seen the recommendation. It is better for the applicant if the letter has not been previewed. Follow the procedures outlined for you by your counselor to have the secondary school report completed. Allow several weeks for your counselor to complete this form. November 15 is the deadline to request a recommendation from your counselor.
    RECOMMENDATIONS

    As a rule, colleges will require 2 letters of recommendation in addition to your counselor's letter. Some schools will require as many as four. Whatever the number, unless the admissions office suggest that you send more, do only what is requested. Following instructions is essential, especially when applying to selective colleges. It is generally recommended that you file your application prior to having your recommendations sent.

    Choosing A Teacher

    Often colleges specify subject, if not, choose...

    • from an academic area
    • from an area of your college major or interest
    • a teacher who knows you well
    • a class where you demonstrated
      • leadership
      • initiative
      • creativity
      • good work habits
      • teamwork

    Others

    Students often have adults from either outside the school or those who are not teachers. The value of using these people must be considered carefully. Whoever writes your letter must know you well and be able to discuss your ability and potential for success knowingly. A congressman whom you have met a few times cannot know of your interactions in the classroom or at school. A school board member, the principal, associate principal, employer, etc. may know valuable information about you, but recommendations must still reflect an evaluation of your capabilities both academically and personally.
    		Making the Request
    1. Narrow your college choices, limit the number of recommendations needed
    2. Ask early, indicate the number of copies needed, so your writers can plan ahead
    3. Organize - assemble school form, any instructions, and the stamped, addressed envelope for each school in a large manilla envelope to avoid confusion for your writer
    4. Indicate the deadlines for your letters-it is a good idea to place this information on the outside of your large envelope
    5. Present your materials at least 4 weeks in advance, more if you have more than a couple of letters
    6. After approximately two weeks have gone by check with your writer to see if letters have been sent
    7. If after your first check your letters have not been sent, ask if you may check again the next week
    8. If after the second check there is still no letter, ask if your writer would like you to choose someone else
    9. It is prudent to have a back up should you have to make a change
    10. About two weeks after you are sure all your letters have been sent, call the admissions office to see if your admissions folder is complete
    11. Letter and forms take a considerable amount of time to prepare, be patient and appreciative
    12. Expressions of appreciation to those who write letters for you is of utmost importance-thank you notes are certainly the minimum.
    		Do...
    • be early in the process
    • be organized
    • present all recs at one time
    • complete/sign where necessary
    • include stamped, addressed envelope
    • follow up with teacher/other
    • follow up with colleges
    • thank writers appropriately
    Don't...
    • send more than required
    • use a senior teacher unless you have had for a semester
    • use a teacher that you had only in ninth or tenth grade
    • request a letter from someone who does not know you well
    • sprinkle your forms through the semester
    • relax until everything is in

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    Info
    About Us... Graduation Requirements
    How To...... Scheduling Process... High School Planning
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