How to Ask for Letters of Recommendation for College: Seven Key Tips

Summary:

A letter of recommendation is written and submitted by a teacher, counselor, or coach; someone who can speak to your character, work ethic, and academic performance. Here are seven tips that will help you achieve the best outcome.

Key Points:

1. Consider your potential major.
2. Ask in person for the letter of recommendation.
3. Provide the name, title, and contact information of the person you want them to contact.
4. Include submission requirements, format, and deadline.
5. Follow up beforehand to make sure the letter will be delivered on time.
6. Provide a brag sheet on your unique achievements.
7. Write a thank you note for their time and support.

Why are letters of recommendation so important? To a college admissions officer, it provides an adult’s perspective on what makes you a good choice for their school. Admission officers appreciate learning your important attributes: your work ethic, talents, and passion for learning — the things that make you worthy of college admission — from adults who can attest to these qualities from their interactions with you. 

Choosing the right people to write a letter on your behalf is critical. Remember, the number of letters required by schools varies, but 2-4 letters of recommendation are typically requested. So, you’ll need to make yourself known to the mentors whose support you seek. This can include high school counselors, teachers, coaches, or people who lead extracurricular activities, like volunteering or after-school jobs. 

Spend time building relationships with those who can speak on your behalf. If you don’t feel you know anyone well enough, get busy! Set up time to meet with mentors regularly so that they know you well by the time you need a letter of recommendation. 

But how do you prepare? Here are seven suggestions. 

Seven ways to prepare a request for a recommendation letter

People in mentor roles are often asked to write letters of recommendation. It’s your job to make it easier for them. Use these seven steps to prepare materials that will give them all the necessary details:

1. Consider your potential major. If you have a passion for English, asking your high school English teacher for a letter is ideal.
2. Let them know what the letter is for (e.g., university application or scholarship).
3. Provide the name, title, and address of the person receiving the letter (or email).
4. Include submission requirements with deadline and desired format.
5. Follow up before the deadline to make sure your letter will be submitted on time.
6. Provide a brag sheet on the things that set you apart to which the mentors can address.
7. Write a thank you letter or card to show appreciation for their time and support.

By following these seven steps, you’ll find the recommendation process a lot easier. Of course, good grades, a well written essay, and extracurriculars are all part of the package — and that’s where your brag sheet comes in.

What kind of information does a brag sheet include?

• Future aspirations and goals.
• Preferred major and why you are choosing it.
• Awards, honors, and accomplishments.
• Relevant extracurricular activities.

Keep in mind, the people you need to write on your behalf are busy. Make sure to plan ahead and put your requests in early.

There is no secret to achieving your goal of getting 2-4 letters of recommendation as long as you’ve made the effort to make yourself known to mentors, counselors, and teachers. Keep in mind, they are busy professionals with many students to serve.

The how-to’s of asking for a letter of recommendation

If possible, make your request in person and have the prep materials with you. Practice what you’re going to say beforehand, and let them know you chose them because of your positive experience with their instruction and guidance. Again, you’ll need to do the work before making the ‘ask.’

Is there anything else you can add to your brag sheet that would strengthen the letters of recommendation? College prep courses are a great choice.

Become a Prelum certificate holder

Prelum, powered by Kaplan, is the top source for college prep courses online. Our partner schools are some of the best in the nation: University of Notre Dame, Georgetown University, Northwestern University, and Parsons Paris to name just a few.

Each offers college prep courses online. Some also offer in-person programs for high school students. Online courses are delivered through dynamic videos and include interactive tools and access to mentors who guide your learning experience. By successfully delivering a Final Project, you will earn a Certificate of Completion from the college providing the course.

This is a great way to prove to those you ask for recommendation letters that you’ve thoroughly explored a subject you may wish to be your major in college. You’ve even gone the extra mile and taken a course in your preferred subject. Some of our partner schools, like Georgetown also offer courses that enable you to earn college credit.

Explore our website to learn about all of our Prelum partner schools, pre-college programs, and other highly useful information on applying to college and beyond.