I'm in the process of applying to colleges and I want to get a recommendation letter from my principal. What's the best way to approach this? Has anyone had any success or experience in doing this? Thanks!
Approaching your principal for a recommendation letter might seem intimidating, but it's a pretty straightforward process. Here are some tips to guide you:
1. Assess the relationship: Make sure you have a strong, positive relationship with your principal, and that they know you well enough to provide a detailed and personalized letter. A generic letter from a principal will not be as helpful as a more personal letter from someone who knows your abilities and accomplishments.
2. Request a meeting: Email your principal to request a meeting to discuss your college application. Be professional, courteous, and concise in your email.
3. Prepare for the meeting: Before the meeting, gather your resume, transcript, and any other relevant documents (such as a list of colleges you're applying to or a brief description of your intended major). Be sure you can provide the principal with necessary context and information.
4. Be respectful and appreciative: During the meeting, start by expressing gratitude for their time and willingness to meet with you. Maintain a polite and respectful tone throughout the conversation, and emphasize why you feel their recommendation would be valuable. Explain why you think they would be an appropriate person to write it.
5. Provide supporting materials: Hand the principal your resume, transcript, and other documents you've prepared. You can also offer to provide a brief description of your achievements and experiences related to the skills or qualities you want your principal to emphasize in their letter.
6. Offer guidance: Discuss your strengths, accomplishments, and future goals with your principal. It's important to be specific about what aspects of your character, leadership, or academic performance you would like them to highlight. You can also mention any interesting anecdotes or stories that would make the letter more engaging and personalized.
7. Set a deadline: Make sure to communicate the submission deadline for the recommendation letter, so that the principal has enough time to write a thoughtful and comprehensive letter. It's a good idea to offer a deadline that is a few weeks ahead of the actual college application deadline.
8. Express gratitude: After the principal submits the letter, make sure to send a thank-you email or a handwritten note expressing your appreciation for their time and effort in supporting your application. CollegeVine's blog has a handy blog post which explains how to thank your recommenders - while it's mainly focused on teachers, the same general guidance applies: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-thank-teachers-who-wrote-recommendation-letters
Remember, obtaining a recommendation letter from your principal can be an excellent opportunity to showcase your leadership, character, and other qualities that may not be as apparent from your transcript and extracurricular activities. So, approach the process with thoughtfulness and professionalism. Good luck!
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