Getting a strong recommendation for university admission

Hey everyone! I'm really trying to improve my application and I was wondering, what tips do you have for getting a really strong recommendation letter from a teacher or counselor? How should I approach them, and how could I ensure they highlight my best qualities?

Hello! It's important to carefully choose the teacher or counselor who will write your recommendation letter and approach them thoughtfully. Here are some tips to help you secure a strong letter that highlights your best qualities:

1. Choose wisely: Select a teacher or counselor who knows you well and has a good understanding of your strengths, achievements, and personal qualities. They should ideally have taught you in a subject related to your intended major or career path, or have been a mentor for your extracurricular activities.

2. Give them plenty of notice: Ask for the recommendation at least a month in advance of the deadline, but the earlier, the better, really - even first broaching the idea at the end of your junior year isn't a bad idea. Giving plenty of advance notice both shows respect for their time and allows them to plan accordingly. Make sure you provide the relevant submission information, such as deadlines, submission methods, and any specific requirements.

3. Schedule a meeting: Request a meeting to discuss the letter in person. You want to give yourself an opportunity to talk about your goals and aspirations, and share specific points you'd like to be highlighted in the letter. Be sure to bring a copy of your resume or activity list, and any other relevant materials to help them write a detailed and accurate account of your accomplishments. Giving them a list of schools you're considering applying to is also a good idea, to give them a sense of what's important to you in a college.

4. Be specific about your strengths: Reflect on your academic and extracurricular achievements and think about which qualities you'd like your recommender to emphasize. Examples could be your strong work ethic, dedication to community service, or leadership in team projects. Make a list of these qualities and be prepared to provide specific examples to illustrate them.

5. Offer your gratitude and follow up: Express your gratitude when you ask for the recommendation and when they agree to write it. Make sure to keep them updated on your application progress and to thank them again once their part is done. You can read more about how to thank your recommenders on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-thank-teachers-who-wrote-recommendation-letters.

6. Provide a copy of your personal statement: If you feel comfortable doing so, sharing your personal statement will give your recommender context about your interests and goals, which will help them tailor their letter to support your specific narrative.

7. Waive your right to access the letter: Waiving your right to access the letter shows trust in your recommender and gives them the freedom to provide a candid and honest account of your abilities. Many college admissions counselors find that confidential letters carry more weight than non-confidential ones, and some schools even require you to waive your rights, or they won't review your recommendation letters at all.

Overall, the key to securing a strong recommendation letter is to choose a teacher or counselor who knows you well, provide them with relevant materials and examples, and give them ample time to write a thoughtful, comprehensive letter that supports your application. Good luck!