How to ask for a letter of recommendation in high school

Hey guys, I'm a junior, and I need a letter of recommendation for my college applications. How do I go about asking my teachers for one? What should I consider when selecting which teacher to ask?

Hello! Asking for a letter of recommendation might feel a little intimidating, but with some preparation, it can go smoothly. Here are some steps for you to follow:

1. Choosing the right teachers: Select teachers who know you well and can write about your strengths, contributions, and growth both inside and outside of the classroom. These teachers should ideally have taught you in a subject related to your intended major or area of interest, and/or have a close relationship with you. Additionally, they should have taught you during junior year or later, so they can write about your most recent academic performance.

2. Timing: Ask your teachers for a letter of recommendation at least one to two months in advance of the deadline. You want them to have enough time to thoughtfully write the letter without feeling rushed.

3. Approach: Ask your teachers in person if possible, but if that's not an option, send them a respectful and polite email. Make sure to explain your reasons for asking them specifically, mention the colleges you're applying to, and spell out the submission deadlines.

4. Provide materials: Once a teacher has agreed to write the recommendation, offer them supplementary materials to help them write a well-rounded letter. These can include:

- A brief written statement about your experiences in their class, which highlights important projects and contributions.

- A list of your relevant achievements and extracurricular activities.

- A copy of your personal statement, or any college essays that you have already written (or at least drafted).

- A summary of your career goals, interests, and why you've chosen the colleges to which you're applying.

5. Show gratitude: After they've submitted the letter of recommendation, make sure to thank your teachers for their time and effort. You can do this through a heartfelt email, a handwritten note, or even a small token of appreciation, like a gift card. If you want more tips on how to thank your teachers for playing this important role in your college applications process, check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-thank-teachers-who-wrote-recommendation-letters.

Remember, teachers typically write many letters of recommendation each year, so approaching them well-prepared and maintaining open lines of communication will make the process smoother for both of you. Best of luck with your applications!