Spring Forward with Good Recommendations
As a child, I always knew summer was coming when I saw the Forsythia bushes and Cherry trees start to bloom. The yellow and pink explosion still signals spring to me, and in the landscape of college admissions, that means it is time for high school juniors to ask their teachers to write them recommendations for their college applications next fall. It has always been very important in college admissions for students to have good recommendation letters, but now in post-COVID admissions, it is even more critical. Many college applications look different than they did pre-pandemic. Some students might have some sort of grade variance on their transcripts because of hybrid or virtual learning. Many students are applying without test scores as most colleges have become test optional, at least for last year and this upcoming admissions cycle. There is also an additional COVID question on the Common Application. The good news is most colleges have become even more holistic in the way they review applications. That means that recommendations might carry even more weight. This is where things become tricky. Many students have not had physical school in a year. I hear many students reporting that they do not feel as if they really know their teachers that well this year.
So who should you ask?
My advice is to ask two teachers to write you recommendations. Generally, these should be two teachers who know you well, and it is best to have one teacher be a Math or Science teacher and one be an English or History teacher. You should pick teachers whose class you did well in and who like you. This is nuanced. Sometimes I would counsel a student to choose the teacher whose class you only got a B if you went to see the teacher twice a week for extra help versus the teacher whose class you got an A in but really had no contact with. Think about it; the teacher who met with you twice a week has more they can say about you and your work ethic. Ideally, the teachers you ask are your junior year teachers. This year not every student will have junior year teachers who know them well. Maybe you could ask someone who had you for 10th grade who might also be teaching one of your classes next year? Teacher selection is important. Please reach out to ask questions if you are unsure who to pick.
So how should you ask…
I usually like students to ask their teachers in person to write them recommendation letters. If you can not do that right now, I would encourage you to ask on phone or zoom, and you should send an email like this one first...
Dear Great Teacher,
I hope you and your family are healthy and staying safe at this time. I really miss school and seeing everyone, including you. I want to ask you something. I realize you are busy, and since I can not do it in person, I was hoping to speak to you for just a quick few minutes by phone or Zoom. Please let me know if that would be possible sometime in the next couple of weeks? I really appreciate any time you could give me. Thank you so much.
Your Super Star Student
Some things to keep in mind… You need to be hugely appreciative and respectful of the fact that teachers write your recommendations outside of their normal working hours, so; they do not get paid to do this. This and the fact that many students might ask them is why you want to ask your teachers early. Once your teacher has agreed to write you a recommendation, you should draft a follow-up email to them. You should include a note thanking them, and depending on how well they know you; you should offer to include some extra information about yourself that could help them with their recommendation. I used to counsel my students to send the additional information right away in the Spring after their teacher had agreed to write the recommendation. Now I have them ask the teacher when they will be writing their recommendation because I feel they can provide them with more complete information once they have a final college list and they have completed their common application, regardless of when you should provide your teacher with more information.
Some things to provide your teacher:
Your full name:
What name do you go by:
Your grade:
Your preferred email:
Your transcript, if you have it (unofficial is acceptable)
Weighted GPA:
Unweighted GPA:
Classes you plan to take for Senior Year:
Any test scores if you have them:
If you think your academic record does not provide your teacher or a college with an accurate representation of who you are, here is the place to tell your teacher anything that you think might have had a significant influence, positive or negative, on your academics.
Most importantly, please share details of your performance in that specific teacher’s class. Any stories or particular assignments you can reference that would remind your teacher of your class performance or relationship are good to add. Everyone forgets things and could use a well-placed reminder.
Some Personal Information:
What are 5 words or phrases you would use to describe yourself? (Choose words with connotations (compassionate, intense, whimsical) rather than words that would describe most people you know (like honest, pleasant, interesting.
Think of a story you can share with your teacher that might show your motivation, independence, originality, initiative, special talents.
Tell your teacher about your favorite extracurricular activities. Why is it your favorite? Provide them with a copy of your resume if you have one.
Future Plans:
Do you know what you want to study in college? If so, please tell your teacher what and why?
Do you have a dream job post-college or a dream place to live? This is easy for those students who already know what they want, like a premed or musical theater student. If you have a job you have always been interested in or somewhere you would love to live, please share it with your teacher here.
Please share if you know what colleges you are applying to already or your top choice college. If not, maybe share the types of colleges you are interested in or some you already know.
If you know the application deadline of your first application due, please let your teachers know. This is of particular importance if you plan to apply early anywhere.
If you have written your main common application essay, maybe you want to share this with your teacher.
Lastly, anything else you can think of that might help your teacher write you a GREAT recommendation.