Juniors may feel that they have plenty of time left before they need to submit their college applications; after all, the year isn’t even over! On the one hand, “I hear you.” On the other hand, “I’ve been doing this long enough to know what yields the best results.”
With test-optional admissions on the rise, I believe that teacher and counselor recommendations will carry more weight as admissions departments look beyond GPA and extra-curriculars to differentiate applicants.
Prior to Making the Ask, Consider the Following...
Number One: Ask the right people
Since college admissions departments are evaluating your potential for academic success, choose recommenders who can AND will speak to your academic performance. A good rule of thumb is to select core class teachers who taught you during your junior year.
Tip: Some programs and/or schools may ask for specifics, so be on the lookout.
Number Two: Make sure you ACTUALLY ask!
You know what they say about assuming…
It is impolite and unprofessional to send a recommendation letter request to a person without asking their permission to do so. Don’t do it!
Tip: Foster professionalism.
Number Three: Ask in person. On your own.
I get it, it’s much easier and less intimidating to just launch an email campaign or approach your teacher surrounded by your peeps. Instead, approach your teacher after class ON YOUR OWN to make the ask. Only consider email when asking in person just isn’t possible (e.g., due to a move).
If they say yes, great! Thank them and let them know that you will send them a follow up email containing specifics and more information.
If they say no, thank them for their consideration and walk away.
Tip: Send the follow up email withing 24 hours.
Number Four: Ask WELL in advanced!
A good rule of thumb: make the ask in early May of junior year: as in NOW!
Tip: If you decide to add a college at the last minute, ask your recommenders at least 4 weeks prior to a deadline.
Number Five: Make it as easy as possible
People are busy, writing impactful recommendation letters takes time and effort; you want your recommenders using intellectual capital to describe how awesome you are, not attempting to dig up information about you.
Anything you can do to help streamline the process; you should do. You should provide: a current resume, a list of activities and interests, application deadlines, and in the case of recommendations that must be mailed, stamped addressed envelopes.
Tip: Show that you respect people’s time and effort.
Number Six: Show gratitude and be accommodating
As mentioned above, writing quality recommendation letters takes time and effort. Make sure your recommenders know that you are grateful; thank them; find additional opportunities to be a positive force in their classrooms.
Tip: If a potential recommendation has a specific process, honor that.
In closing …
As April showers give way to May flowers, take the time to update your resume and create and a Letter of Recommendation Request Form that provides some elaboration on your interests, growth, and development and send them to your recommenders before May 15th.
For more information on how to select the right recommenders and how to make the ask, drop me a line at kathy@fineeducationalsolutions.com.
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