Tips for College Recommendation Letters
Spring of junior year is the ideal time to ask teachers to write letters of recommendation for college applications. Here are some tips to get strong recommendation letters.
Check colleges’ recommendation requirements. Some allow only one teacher recommendation, while others allow two or more. Some colleges also allow applicants to submit letters from additional recommenders (which may include coaches, employers, and others).
Generally ask teachers who teach core academic subjects (math, science, history, English, or foreign language).
Ask teachers who teach you in 11th or 12th grade.
Offer to meet with teachers who you want to write for you. Bring a copy of your resume or activities list to remind them of everything you do. Discuss any significant papers or projects that you completed in their class. Letters of recommendation are more effective if the teacher can mention an interesting history or English paper you wrote or your work on a lab project.
Consider asking a coach or faculty advisor to a club that you are involved in for an additional letter of recommendation (especially if you have a leadership position).
If you attend an academic summer program at a college, try to develop a relationship with the professor by attending office hours or participating in class. At the end of the program, see if they will write an additional letter for you.
Similarly, consider asking your job supervisor for a letter.
Be thoughtful about how many letters you submit to each college. Think about whether the letter will add something different to your application.
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