letters of recommendation how to ask...and how not to ask

Letters of Recommendation

How to ask. . .and how NOT to ask

What’s the Point• Why do you need letters of

recommendation?

• How can they help/hurt you?

• What do you want your teacher / coach / sponsor thinking about when she is writing your letter?

Before You Ask• Find out exactly what your school needs

– Does the school have it’s own form?– Do they want specific questions answered?– Do they want it submitted online or in

writing?

Your Curriculum Vitae• Tell me everything awesome about you.

• Academic Honors– GPA– Course load– PSAT Honors?

• Activities– Sports? (honors awarded?)– Fine Arts (honors awarded?)– Clubs / Organizations (positions held?)

More Stuff for your CV• Volunteer Work / Community Service

– Through church, community organizations, etc.

• Work Experience / Hobbies– How long have you worked?– Where?– How many hours / week?– What other cool stuff do you do

• Future Goals– What do you want to accomplish that is

relevant

When to Ask for a Letter

• After you know what your college needs

• After you have your CV together

• After you have prepared your packet of materials

• At least 2 WEEKS before the letter needs to be there

When you are ready

Don’t just ask verbally. . .

Have a packet ready to hand to the letter writer

What to put in the packet• Written request for the letter, including

– Name of school / organization to which it goes

• A stamped envelope for each mailed request, addressed to the school, return address:– Pearland High School

Attn: Teacher who wrote the letter

3775 South MainPearland, TX  77581

More Stuff for your Packet

• Your CV (you did all that work for a reason)

• Any forms the university needs– You need to fill out the info about you

• Name, Social, Address, DOB, etc.

Follow up!

• Especially if you do letters through ApplyTexas. . .

• I’ll give the letter to you to mail, so that you know I’ve done it. . .