Securing Letters of Recommendation for College Applications

As high school juniors approach the end of the school year, it is essential to begin securing letters of recommendation for their college applications. Requesting these letters before the summer break ensures a smoother application process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this important task.

Checklist for Requesting Letters of Recommendation

Check on the colleges’ websites for their most recent application requirements first.

Each college could require:

1. Teacher Evaluation(s)
2. Counselor Recommendation
3. Optional: Other Recommenders (Not a Teacher or your high school counselor).

Note: Universities of California (UC) and California State Universities (CSU) do not consider recommendation letters in the initial admission evaluation. However, they reserve the right to request them specifically from a student after the student has submitted their application.

If any of the colleges you are applying to require any of these recommendations, follow the instructions below:

Ask Your Teacher(s) in Person Before Summer Break leading into your senior year:

• Timing: Make your request before the school year ends. Remember, your favorite teacher is probably a lot of other students’ favorite teacher and they might limit the number of students they’ll write recommendations for.
• Who to Ask: Choose teachers with whom you have a strong relationship and who can speak positively about your strengths and achievements.
• How to Ask: Approach your chosen teachers, express your appreciation for their class, and politely ask if they would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for your college applications.
• Providing Info: Ask if there is a survey or student brag packet that they would like you to complete to give them additional context into who you are. Many schools will have a hard copy or digital copy of a brag packet or student survey for you (and potentially your parents) to fill out.
  • Pro Tip: Ask if you can get their email address and if you can communicate with them via email because in the Fall, everyone’s schedules are busy, and you don’t want to miss the best time to reach them.

2. Request a Counselor Recommendation:

• • Counselor’s Role: Your school counselor can provide a broader perspective on your academic and personal growth throughout high school.
  • How to Ask: Schedule a meeting with your counselor to discuss your college plans and request a letter of recommendation.

• Pro-Tip:  While you’re in the office with your counselor, ask them:

1. How to request for them to complete your School Report
2. How to submit your final list of colleges to them
3. How to request for high school transcripts to be sent to the colleges you’re applying to (that require them).

• Thank them for their time in advance ????

3. Provide Necessary Information:

• Brag Packet: Check if your teachers and counselor require a brag packet or any additional information to complete the recommendation.
• Content: A brag packet typically includes your resume, a list of achievements, your personal statement, and any other relevant information. It can also be a student and/or parent survey.
  • Pro Tip: Write your answers in a way that makes it easy for teachers and counselors to translate and transfer your information into their recommendation letters.

4. Consider an Outside or Other Recommender:

• • Additional Insights: In addition to two teacher recommendations, consider requesting a letter from a mentor, coach, supervisor, or other individuals who can provide further insights into your character and accomplishments.
  • How to Ask: Approach your chosen Other Recommender, express your appreciation and involvement in your life, and politely ask if they would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for your college applications.
  • Providing Info: Ask if they would like you to provide them with additional information about you, like a resume or extracurricular activity list, to help them write your letter of recommendation.
  • How to Request: Ask your other recommender for their email address. Most colleges now have a place for you to enter the Other Recommender’s name and email address, and then it will email a request with a portal for the recommender to either write or upload their recommendation letter.

• Thank them in advance for their time.

5. Communication Over Summer and Early Fall:

• Email Communication: Ask your recommenders if it’s okay to communicate with them through email over the summer and early fall, as schedules can get busy.

Early Preparation is Key

Starting this process early gives your recommenders ample time to write thoughtful and comprehensive letters, reducing your stress as application deadlines approach.

For further guidance or questions, reach out to your school counselor or a college planning advisor. Proper planning and early action are crucial for a successful college application process.

By following these steps, high school juniors can ensure they have strong letters of recommendation that enhance their college applications.