Summer Timeline Part 1: Ask for Recommendations
It’s Summer—time to relax, soak up the sun, and play. Yes, to all of that, but if you are a high school senior, it is also time to get valuable work completed for your college admissions journey. This blog post is the first in a series on what you should be doing this summer for college admissions.
“Senior fall” is always a very busy time for students, but this year with COVID 19, it will be busier than it has ever been. Why:
- Many students have not been able to take the SATs or ACTs yet, and those students will be still trying to test this fall. Some will try and take multiple test dates this fall.
- Many students have not toured any colleges or universities in person, and it has yet to be determined if they will have an opportunity this fall.
- Fall grades will take on even more importance than ever before. This is for all students because last spring’s semester was so disrupted by the forced switch to online schooling with COVID 19. This is especially important for those students whose grades were pass/fail in the spring and/or those who will not be submitting test scores.
So here is the first thing on your admissions journey summer timeline:
Before schools completely shut down for the summer, all students should first make sure they have asked two teachers to write them college recommendations. Recommendation letters are always critical, but this year, with spring grades interrupted and many schools going test optional, they will take on even greater importance than ever. You should ask two teachers to write you recommendations, and generally, 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, who like you and know you well. Ideally, they are your junior year teachers. Reach out to ask questions if you are unsure who to pick. I usually like students to ask their teachers in person to write them recommendation letters. Since students 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. 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. 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:
1. 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.)
2. Think of a story you can share with your teacher that might show your motivation, independence, originality, initiative, special talents.
3. 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 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 so somewhere you would love to live please share it with your teacher here.
If you know what colleges you are applying to already please share. If not maybe share the types of colleges you are interested in with 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.
Lastly anything else you can think of that might help your teacher write you a GREAT recommendation.
Next to do this summer Build Your College List: research schools; online school visits and information sessions; figure out who your admissions reps are and how to reach out to them. Look for this in part two of this summer timeline blog.