Colleges frequently ask for 2-3 letters of recommendation from people who are well-acquainted with your work ethic, personality, and personal history. 

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Letters of recommendation are valued for several reasons:

• They often reveal aspects of your character or history that are not accounted for in the application process

• They provide personal opinions on your character 

• They show the willingness of officials associated with your school to speak on your behalf

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Letters of recommendation are only effective for you when they show you in the best possible light! Ask early, ask wisely, and ask for more than you actually need. 

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Attached is the updated brag sheet for this school year.  Students can request Counselor letters of recommendations from Ms. Davis, Ms. Jolly, or Ms. Pittman.  Please complete the brag sheet and give to the counselor that they would like to write their letter.  Allow 2 weeks for completion of the recommendation. Please also bring your counselor a detailed resume if you have one. 

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Here are several strategies for collecting strong letters of recommendation: 

• Ask for letters at least one month prior to your application deadline. the more time you can provide a reference, the stronger the letter is likely to be. 

• Provide your reference with a resume highlighting your involvement in school activities, organizations, academic awards and volunteering. 

• Should be a core academic teacher (math, science, history, or english) who you have had recently, either junior or senior year. The longer a teacher has known you, and the more experience outside of the classroom that a teacher has with you, the stronger the letter is likely to be. 

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When you are getting ready to contact a potential reference about a recommendation letter, it is a good idea to take some time and prepare your ideas regarding what you would like the reference to speak to on your behalf.

 

Consider factors like: 

• Your participation in the classroom or student groups.

• Mention any challenges you overcame.

• Give them the information they need to provide specific examples of your work.

• Talk about your accomplishments, hobbies and plans for college and the future.

• If you need to, explain if/why you had any challenges in courses (i.e. low grades) discuss how you've changed and improved since then.

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Further advice on requesting letters of recommendation: 

• Waive your right to view recommendation letters on your application forms. Admission officers will trust them more if you haven’t seen them.

• Give your references addressed and stamped envelopes for each college that requested a recommendation.

• Make sure your references know the deadlines for each college.

• Follow up with your references a week or so before recommendations are due to make sure your letters have been sent.

• Once you’ve decided which college to attend, write thank-you notes. Tell your references where you’re going and let them know how much you appreciate their support.

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