Asking for Recommendation Letters

Recommendation letters are an important part of many college applications because they provide insight into who you are beyond your grades and academic records.

While transcripts show your academic performance, recommendation letters allow someone else to explain your work ethic, character, growth, and abilities from their own perspective.

A strong recommendation letter can help admissions officers better understand the type of student you are and the qualities you may bring to their campus community.

However, one of the most common mistakes students make is treating recommendation letters as a simple requirement to check off a list. Choosing the right person and giving them enough time to write a thoughtful letter can make a significant difference.

What Is a Recommendation Letter?

A recommendation letter is a written statement from someone who knows you well and can speak about your abilities, character, and potential. Colleges typically request recommendations from people who can provide meaningful insight into your academic performance, leadership, work ethic, or personal qualities.

Depending on the school and program, recommendation letters may be written by:

• Teachers

• Professors

• School counselors

• Employers or supervisors

• Coaches

• Mentors

• Community leaders

The best recommendation letters do not simply say that you are a good student or a hard worker. They provide specific examples that demonstrate those qualities.

For example, a teacher explaining how you consistently helped classmates or improved throughout the semester is much more valuable than someone simply writing, "This student is responsible."

Who Should You Ask?

The best person to write your recommendation letter is not necessarily the person with the most impressive title. It should be someone who knows you well enough to provide specific examples about your strengths.

When choosing someone, consider:

• How long have they known me?

• Have they seen my work, growth, or character?

• Can they describe my strengths with specific examples?

• Are they familiar with my goals or interests?

For academic recommendations, teachers who have taught you in relevant subjects or who have seen your effort and improvement can often provide valuable insight. For students returning to school later in life, recommendations may come from employers, supervisors, volunteer coordinators, or instructors who can speak about your current abilities and commitment. A person who knows you well will usually write a stronger letter than someone with a prestigious position who barely knows you.

How to Ask for a Recommendation Letter

One of the biggest mistakes students make is waiting until the last minute to request a recommendation letter. Writing a thoughtful letter takes time. Teachers, counselors, and professionals may receive multiple requests, especially during busy application periods.

Whenever possible, ask several weeks or even months before your deadline.

When requesting a recommendation letter, be polite and provide enough information for the person to make an informed decision. Instead of simply asking, "Can you write me a recommendation letter?" explain why you are asking them specifically.

Include:

• Why you are applying

• What program or school you are interested in

• Why you believe they would be a good person to recommend you

• When the letter is needed

Include your resume, a list of achievements, or an explanation of your academic goals and why you chose this person to write a recommendation, so they have it to refer back to when writing. Most times the person will be willing, however not everyone feels they can write a good recommendation. A person should feel comfortable saying no if they do not believe they can write a strong recommendation letter for you.

After the Letter is Written

Different schools handle recommendation letters differently. Some applications require recommenders to submit letters directly through an online portal. Others may accept letters through different methods. Nearly all colleges request that letters be sent directly from the person who wrote them, or in unopened envelopes.

After someone agrees to write a recommendation letter, remember that they are taking time to support your future goals. A simple thank-you message can go a long way.

After the application process is complete, consider updating them on your progress. Let them know whether you were accepted, where you decided to attend, or how their support helped you. Maintaining these relationships can be valuable throughout your academic and professional journey.

With recommendation letters, the process is not as strenuous as some of the other aspects of applying to school. However, it doesn't hurt to double check yourself to avoid these common recommendation letter mistakes:

• Asking someone who does not know you well

• Waiting until the deadline approaches

• Providing little information to your recommender

• Assuming someone submitted the letter without checking

• Forgetting to express appreciation

• Asking someone only because of their title or position

A recommendation letter should provide another perspective on who you are, not simply confirm information already listed on your application.

Final Thoughts

Recommendation letters give colleges a chance to learn about your character, abilities, and potential from someone who has experienced them firsthand.

The goal is not to find someone who will simply say positive things about you. The goal is to find someone who can tell your story in a way that helps admissions officers understand the person behind your application.

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Up Next: Some colleges require applicants to complete placement tests before enrolling in classes. These assessments help schools determine what level of coursework is appropriate and whether additional support may be helpful. In the next article, we will discuss Preparing for Placement Tests, including what they measure, how to prepare, and what students should expect.

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