How to Ask for Ivy League-Worthy Letters of Recommendation
What is a Letter of Recommendation?
A letter of recommendation is a formal document written by someone who knows you well, such as a teacher, mentor, or employer. This letter provides insight into your skills, character, and achievements, supporting your application for college, a job, or a scholarship. It typically includes specific examples of your strengths and contributions, making a strong case for why you are an excellent candidate.
The purpose of this letter is to give admissions committees or potential employers a clearer picture of who you are beyond your grades or resume. Therefore, it is crucial to select someone who can offer a detailed, positive perspective on your abilities and experiences. A well-crafted letter can significantly enhance your application, helping you stand out in a competitive field.
Who to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation?
The first step in getting letters of recommendation is deciding who you should ask to write the letters for you. Before you begin, check the requirements of the school or program you’re applying to and ask people who meet those criteria. For instance, many applications need a guidance counselor and a core teacher letter. Stick to the required number of recommendations and only submit extras if allowed.
Moreover, when deciding who to ask for a letter of recommendation, choose someone who knows you well and can speak positively about your abilities and character. Ideal referees are teachers who have taught you a subject relevant to your application or mentors who have overseen your extracurricular activities. Ensure that your chosen referee can provide a detailed, enthusiastic, and personal account of your qualifications.
Additionally, consider asking someone who has witnessed your growth and development over time. They can offer a more comprehensive view of your capabilities. It's essential to select someone who is familiar with your achievements and willing to invest the time to write a compelling letter. A thoughtful, personalized recommendation from a trusted teacher or mentor can significantly boost your application's strength.
If additional letters are permitted, consider teachers from non-core classes related to your interests, like art or computer science. Coaches, club advisors, employers, or volunteer leaders can also provide valuable insights into your non-academic strengths.
What is The Best Way To Ask a Teacher for a Letter of Recommendation?
Approach Them Face-To-Face:
Teachers will appreciate you much more if you ask for something personal, like a recommendation letter in person. This is often the hardest part, as it can be nerve-wracking to ask a teacher to write nice things about you. However, teachers are familiar with this process and usually want to help.
Find a moment to speak with your teacher alone, either before or after class. Politely ask if you can talk for a minute, and if they’re busy, schedule an appointment. Make your request respectfully, mentioning why you chose them—perhaps you enjoy their class, or their subject aligns with your potential major. If they agree, make sure to jot down their email so that you can communicate about it easier.
Follow up With an Email:
After making your request in person, follow up with a written request via email to confirm your discussion. Start by thanking them again for agreeing to write the letter. Supply them with a copy of your resume, a list of your achievements, and any specific points you would like them to mention. Additionally, explain why you are applying for the particular position or program so they can tailor their letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences.
By offering this detailed information, you make it easier for your referee to write a thorough and focused letter. You should also discuss any deadlines and provide them with any relevant forms or instructions. Regular follow-ups can ensure that your request is progressing smoothly without causing undue pressure. Being organized and considerate in your approach can significantly improve the quality of the recommendation you receive, ultimately enhancing your application.
Setting up Meetings Can Go a Long Way:
To ensure you receive a strong recommendation, scheduling meetings with your teacher is crucial. These meetings allow them to refine your essay better and thoroughly understand your brag sheet. They also allow teachers to ask questions directly, avoiding the need for lengthy emails.
This process benefits both you and the teacher who is writing your recommendation. Consider initiating communication about meetings via email during the summer and following up with in-person discussions once school starts.
Send a Written Thank You:
Once your application is complete, send a personalized thank-you email to everyone who wrote you a recommendation letter. Mention how their support helped you achieve your goals if you know the results. It’s easy to forget this step, but acknowledging their help is important. Everyone, including teachers, appreciates being thanked and acknowledged.
This gesture also makes it easier to ask for their assistance in the future. Learning to request recommendation letters properly is a valuable skill for your academic and professional career, setting you up for success now and in the future.
When Should You Ask for Letters of Recommendation?
Timing is crucial when asking for letters of recommendation. Ideally, you should ask at least one to two months before the application deadlines for the recommendation are due. Rising high school seniors should consider asking junior-year teachers at the end of the spring semester.
This gives your referee ample time to reflect on your achievements and write a thoughtful letter. Early requests also demonstrate your organizational skills and respect for the referee’s time, increasing the likelihood of a positive response. By giving your referee sufficient notice, you allow them to write a more detailed and polished letter, which can make a substantial difference in the quality of your application.
What Separates the Excellent from the Average Letters of Recommendation?
Excellent letters of recommendation are personalized, specific, and detailed. They highlight your unique qualities, provide examples of your accomplishments, and explain why you are a suitable candidate for the position or program you are applying for. On the other hand, average letters tend to be generic and lack specific details, failing to distinguish you from other applicants.
The best recommendations come from referees who genuinely know and respect you, allowing them to write with authenticity and depth. They often include anecdotes that vividly illustrate your strengths and contributions, making your application memorable. In contrast, a vague or lukewarm letter can undermine your chances, as it suggests a lack of enthusiasm or familiarity with your achievements.
What Types of Experiences Should You Ask Your Referee to Talk About?
Ask your referee to highlight experiences that showcase your leadership, teamwork, problem-solving skills, and academic achievements. These experiences should be relevant to the application you are submitting. For instance, if you are applying to a science program, ask your referee to discuss your performance in science classes or any related projects you have undertaken.
It's important to choose experiences that demonstrate your growth and potential, as well as those that align with the values and requirements of the institution or employer you are applying to. Specific examples and detailed stories help create a vivid picture of your abilities, making your application more compelling. By guiding your referee on which experiences to focus on, you can ensure that their letter supports your overall narrative and strengthens your application.
How Kollegio Can Help You Get the Best Letters of Recommendation
We know this whole process may seem overwhelming & daunting, but that’s why Kollegio’s here to help! Kollegio keeps you informed & in the know, giving you statistics about the number of letters colleges require, their deadlines, & general tips on how to get the best letters!
Not only that, but Kollegio makes the whole college application process easier than ever! With an extensive database providing any information you’d ever want about any college in one place, an in-house free essay editor, a place to record your extracurriculars, & your own personal AI assistant, getting into your dream school has never been easier. You’re just minutes away from making the best decision of your life; join Kollegio.Ai today!
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By Mohit Bhabak & Harshal Dhaduk
