Hi everyone! I'm a junior and I've been thinking about teacher recommendations for my college applications. How should I go about asking my teachers for recommendations, and are there any specific guidelines I should give them to help them write a strong letter? Thanks for any advice!
Hey there! It's great that you're starting to think about teacher recommendations early. Approaching your teachers and giving them enough time to write a thoughtful letter is important. Here are some tips on how to approach your teachers and help them write a strong recommendation letter for you.
1. Choose teachers who know you well and can speak to your strengths, both academically and personally. Ideally, these teachers should have taught you in your junior or senior year.
2. Ask your teachers in person, if possible. This shows respect and gives them a chance to discuss any concerns or questions they may have.
3. Give them plenty of notice. Asking at least a month before the deadline is a good rule of thumb. Keep in mind that teachers often write multiple recommendation letters, so the earlier you ask, the better.
4. Provide your teachers with a 'brag sheet' or a list of your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and any relevant personal anecdotes. This will help them write a more detailed and personalized letter.
5. Communicate the deadlines and any specific requirements for each college. Make sure to provide them with addressed and stamped envelopes if they need to mail the letters.
6. Send them a thank-you note after they've submitted the letter. This is a simple gesture that will let them know you appreciate their time and effort.
Best of luck with your college applications!
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