Getting Great Letters of Recommendation – Part 1
Letters of recommendation carry varying weight, depending on the perspective of the college or university and who writes them. Many colleges have limited the number of recommendations they will read. The more selective colleges may ask for one – three teacher recommendation letters and 0 – 3 non-teacher letters. Some colleges specify that they don’t want students to send any letters of recommendation.
The Common Application (www.commonapp.org), on each college’s FERPA/Letters of Recommendation page, tells students exactly how many letters they require/how many are optional for both teacher recommendations and non-teacher recommendations.
But still, questions abound: Who should you ask? What are they used for? Where do they go? When should you ask for them? Why are they important?
Who?
Letters of recommendation are the most powerful when they are written by teachers, coaches, club or internship advisors, youth group advisors, or employers who know you well. The people you ask should be able to describe your skills and your accomplishments as well as your personality. Colleges prefer letters from junior year teachers since they are the most familiar with your most recent work. Read instructions carefully since some colleges may specifically request a science or math teacher, especially if you’re applying to an engineering program.
What?
Since most letters of recommendation are glowing and full of praise for the applicant, colleges that take them seriously are trying to get beneath the surface of who you are. The letters that share personal anecdotes about you reveal the less tangible qualities that a college can’t deduce from grades and test scores. A well-written letter of recommendation will showcase your abilities and make you a compelling candidate.
Where?
On the same FERPA & Letters of recommendation on the Common App, you’ll see an opportunity to invite your teachers and non-teachers. Once you type in your teacher’s email address, an invitation is sent to them. This is why it is important to ASK your teachers if they are willing to write on your behalf. Many teachers receive so many requests, they have a limit to the number they’ll write. Remember, no one you ask is getting paid to do this; it is truly a favor on their part
When?
It is best to ask teachers in the spring of junior year if they are willing and able to write a letter on your behalf. If you’re a senior, you’re fine; just take care of it in the next week or so.
If your teacher says “yes”, then ask them about their preferred timelines. Some teachers like to take care of the letters over the summer, and others want a true summer vacation. If you have colleges with early deadlines (October 15 and November 1), make sure you provide your recommenders with at least a month’s time to write the letters.
Why?
Letters of recommendation can often be the critical tipping factor when two candidates present similarly, and colleges can pick just one.
Must do’s:
- Be certain to complete the FERPA waiver, where you’ll waive your right to view recommendation letters on your application forms. Admission officers will trust them more if you haven’t seen them.
- Send a confirmation email to your recommenders, thanking them and being specific about next steps.
- Send thank you notes once you know the colleges have received the letters of recommendation.
NEXT COLUMN: How do you prepare recommenders to write the best letter possible?
Lee Bierer is an independent college adviser based in Charlotte. Send questions to: lee@bierercollegeconsulting.com; www.bierercollegeconsulting.com
