Help with letter of recommendation

I need to ask for a letter of recommendation soon, and I'm getting a bit overwhelmed. Do you guys have any examples or templates that helped you? Any advice on how to make it stand out so I can show it to my recommenders?

Absolutely, it can be a little nerve-wracking to ask for letters of recommendation. So here's some advice which can hopefully help you.

Firstly, give some thought to which of your teachers or coaches know you best. These are the people you want writing your letters, as they'll be able to offer specific insights about your strengths and achievements at school or during extracurricular activities.

As for approaching them, it's best to ask in person if possible, or via email if that's not an option. You might want to say something like:

"Hi [Teacher’s name],

I hope this message finds you well. I'm starting to prepare my college applications and am in the process of gathering recommendation letters. Given my engagement and performance in your [Subject] class, I was wondering if you would feel comfortable writing a strong letter of recommendation on my behalf?"

It's always a good idea to offer to provide them with some extra information that might help them write the letter. You could share your academic or professional goals, your reasons for choosing the colleges you’re applying to, an updated resume, or a rough draft of your college essay.

As for standing out, encourage your recommenders to be specific. Instead of generic comments about you being studious or hard-working, they should talk about specific instances that show these traits. For example, they could mention a group project you led, or how you made a significant contribution to class discussions. This specificity can really make your application packet shine.

Best of luck with your college application process!