Hi everyone! I'm a junior, and I've been thinking about who to ask for letters of recommendation. How can I ensure that I get strong letters that will help my college application? Is there anything specific I should ask my teachers to include? Thanks for your help!
Hi there! It's great that you're thinking about letters of recommendation early on. A strong recommendation can indeed be a valuable asset for your college application. To ensure you get the best letters possible, consider the following steps:
1. Choose teachers who know you well and can speak to your strengths, not just those who gave you the highest grades. Ideally, pick teachers from subjects related to your intended major or area of interest.
2. Ask well in advance, at least a month before the deadline. Teachers appreciate the extra time to thoughtfully craft their letters.
3. Provide your teachers with a 'brag sheet' that includes your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and any other relevant information that they can use to personalize their recommendation.
4. When asking for the letter, you can gently remind your teachers about specific instances where you demonstrated your strengths or made a significant contribution to their class. This may help them recall those moments and include them in the letter.
Remember to always be polite, gracious, and appreciative of their time. Good luck with your college applications!
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