Hi everyone! I need to ask some of my teachers for supporting letters for my college applications. What's the best way to approach them and what should I provide them with to make writing the letter easier for them?
Hello! It's important to approach teachers for letters of recommendation in a polite and respectful manner, giving them ample notice to complete the letter. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you:
1. Choose the right teachers: Select teachers who know you well and can speak about your strengths, achievements, and potential. They should have taught you recently, preferably during junior or senior year.
2. Schedule a meeting: Request a meeting with the teacher, either in-person or virtually, to discuss your college plans and ask for their support in writing a recommendation letter. This allows you to explain why you think they would be a great recommender and gives them a chance to accept or decline gracefully.
3. Prepare materials: Provide the teacher with any relevant materials that may help them when writing the letter. This includes your resume, a list of your extracurricular activities, a copy of your personal statement or college essay, and specific examples of projects or assignments that showcase your abilities.
4. Give clear instructions: Let the teachers know the deadlines, the format (online submission or paper mail), and other specific requirements associated with the recommendation letters. Make sure to provide them with the necessary links or forms.
5. Show appreciation: Thank your teachers for their willingness to write a letter on your behalf, and make sure to express your gratitude through a follow-up email or note after they've submitted the letters.
6. Keep them updated: Let your teachers know the result of your college applications, especially if you're accepted into your preferred institutions. This enables them to see the impact of their recommendation and appreciate that their efforts made a difference.
Remember that teachers are often busy, and it's crucial to give them at least 3-4 weeks – or even more – to write the letters. This ensures they have enough time to thoughtfully craft a strong and effective recommendation letter for your college applications. Good luck!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.