Alright folks, I have a question. How should I go about requesting a letter of recommendation from a teacher? How formal should I be, and what points should I tell them to emphasize? I appreciate your advice!
The process of requesting a letter of recommendation from a teacher should ideally be formal and respectful. Remember that teachers are doing this as a favour to you, and that it takes significant time and effort to write a thoughtful letter.
To make the request, you could approach them either in person after class or send them an email if that's more fitting with their communication style. Start by telling them you've enjoyed their class (if applicable) and then ask if they would feel comfortable writing a strong letter of recommendation for you.
Give them a brief overview of what the letter is for (college applications, a specific scholarship, etc.) and let them know why you chose them specifically to ask for this letter (perhaps they taught a class in which you excelled or where your passion for a subject really bloomed). This can help guide their message and ensure it aligns with your overall application narrative. Also remember to ask well ahead of the deadline, at least a month if possible, to give them plenty of time to write the letter.
You should also provide your teachers with as much information as possible to help them write a meaningful letter. This could include:
- A list of your accomplishments and extracurricular activities.
- Details about the colleges/programs you are applying to, highlighting any specific characteristics that they should focus on.
- Your personal and academic goals, as well as your intended major of study, if you have one.
- Any memorable projects or experiences from their class that they might want to highlight.
Finally, always remember to express your gratitude for their help and follow up with a thank you email or a small token of appreciation once the process is over. And of course, let them know the outcomes of your college applications when the time comes!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.