How to Get a Letter of Recommendation
(also called a "reference letter")
What's the best way to get
a letter of recommendation to include in your college or scholarship
application?
Be sure your
letter-writers know who you are! Try to imagine being in their shoes:
it would be hard to write about someone you didn't know that well.
- Build relationships with counselors and teachers
who seem helpful to you. Get to know them and let them get to
know you - it will be easier to ask someone you already know for
help.
- Give them a copy of your personal resume -
a brief summary of your work experience and qualifications. (Build
up your resume if you don't have much work experience by volunteering
in the community and noting other personal achievements in clubs,
sports or other school activities.) Click here
to check out how you can get involved with enrichment programs,
volunteer opportunities, job opportunities, and summer activities
-- look under the Get More! section.
- Share a personal essay which explains why you
want to go to college and/or what you want to study.
Give them enough
time!
- Start asking for a letter of recommendation as early as possible.
Try to plan for all letters to be collected 2 to 4 weeks before
application deadlines. Remember that teachers may receive many
requests for recommendations, so be sure to give them ample time
to prepare them. A courtesy reminder a few days in advance of
the deadline is helpful and will help make sure each letter gets
done on time.
- Be sure they don't have to spend extra time preparing mailing
envelopes or obtaining stamps to get their letters out. Have the
envelopes prepared and ready to go when you first approach them.
Don't forget
to say "Thank You."
- Write a short note to express your appreciation to your letter-writer
for their help and also say "thank you" in person. They deserve
your gratitude and you should maintain a good relationship in
case you need further help later.
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