So, you’re applying to college. Congratulations! You have made a big step toward the advancement of your education and security of your future. You’ve made a wise decision.
When applying to college, there are several important components of your application: high school transcript, SAT Scores, essays, application form and references / recommendation letters. Some colleges also require an interview, but that step usually comes after the initial application.
The only part of the application in which an applicant must depend on someone else to complete is the references / recommendation letters section. There are many things that you must do to ensure a smooth application process without any stress on you or the person you ask for a recommendation letter. Worrying about whether or not you’re going to get your application completed on time is not something that you want to deal with when applying for college.
First and foremost, find out the application deadline of all of the schools that you are going to apply to. If you’re going to apply Early Decision or Early Action, the deadlines are going to be much sooner than applications due for Regular Decision. The latest you want to send your application packet in is two weeks before the deadline. That way, you can ensure that your application is going to be read and reviewed.
Secondly, decide who you are going to ask to write your recommendation letters for you! There are three different people that you should ask for a recommendation letter. Letters from these three people will make for a well-rounded application that would grab the attention (and most likely impress) of any admissions counselor.
A Teacher
I’m not just talking about any teacher that you might have had throughout your years in school. I’m talking about a teacher that you believe you genuinely impressed and (or) had a relationship with. You don’t necessarily have to have an A average in the class… You just have to have exhibited a good work ethic in the class and proved to the teacher that you are worthy of a recommendation letter. It is also a wise idea to ask a teacher who is related to the field for which you are going to college. This isn’t a major point, as many students enter college with undecided majors. However, if you are determined that you are going to be a Biology major, it’s probably a good idea to get a recommendation from a science teacher.
An Extra-Curricular Advisor
Admissions people love to see extra-curricular activities. It makes for a well-rounded individual; someone they would like to have attend their university. There is a place on applications where you can write the different extra-curricular activities that you were involved with. Perhaps you were on a sports team– Why not ask the coach to write a recommendation letter for you? Maybe you are very active with your church… I’m sure your clergyman would be more than happy to write a glowing letter of recommendation. You can even ask advisors of different clubs, directors of community theatre, anyone who was in charge of any extra-curricular activity that you were (or still are) involved with. Not only does this support what you’ve written on your application, it gives the admissions people a different view of you as a person- not just as a student.
Employer or Co-Worker
This is a tricky one, especially considering the different places that high school students work. To tell you the truth, I didn’t have a steady job in high school. (HAH! Things haven’t changed much, but I digress…) I chose to get two letters of recommendation from teachers and one from an extra-curricular advisor (a director of a community show I was in). However, several teachers have told me that they now recommend to their students to get a letter of recommendation from their employer or an older, more experienced co-worker. This is an excellent idea, as it can tell the admissions counselor of your work ethic and responsibility level.
Okay, now you’ve got the three people that you are going to ask for a recommendation letter. Now what?
Approach them and ask. Usually something to the effect of, “Excuse me, Ms. Cook? I am applying to college, and I was wondering if you would write a recommendation letter for me,” works just fine. Most likely, the person that you’re asking has been in the same position as you before. No need to grovel or be embarrassed. Just ask. What’s the worst that can happen? They can say “no,” and you’ll just have to ask someone else. I highly doubt that this will happen. If you want to be safe, have a fall-back person to ask.
When you ask them, be certain you’ve got a business-sized (#10) envelope ready to give them. Address the college on the front and put Re: (Your Name) on the lower left corner. Ask the person you are requesting the letter from to please seal the letter inside the envelope and sign across the seal. It is a security measure that colleges often ask for. Even if they don’t, they will see that you are prepared.
To end your conversation, ask the person you are requesting the recommendation letter from to give you the sealed and signed envelope by three days before you plan on sending in your application. (For example, your application is due on November 15. You want to send in your application by November 1. Ask for the recommendation letters to be returned to you by October 29.) It doesn’t hurt to remind them a week before you asked to get it back from them, just to make sure you get it on time.
Finally, be certain to give each person you get a recommendation letter from a thank you card. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Something like, “Thank you for believing in me enough to write my recommendation letter,” will show the person how much you appreciate them.
Getting your recommendation letter should be the easiest part of your college application. Have some faith in yourself and don’t over-think it. After all, if you don’t believe in yourself, why the heck should someone write a recommendation letter for you?
Relax. You’ll be in college at this time next year.
