Letter of Recommendation

How to get a GREAT Letter of Recommendation?

When to ask:     Ask the recommender 4-5 weeks ahead of when you need your letter. The earlier you ask the better; some teachers prefer to write the letters during the summer. Make sure you provide the date to your recommender; follow up with your recommender a week before they are due.*If you are applying to college under early decision or early action plan, be sure to think ahead of time and ask for recommendations during the summer of going into your Senior year. *College bound Seniors you should be applying for scholarships and will all need letter of recommendations; go check out the scholarships page.*Seniors going into the workforce, get those letters of recommendations now!

How to help your recommender write:     Provide them with positive detailed information using an activities list, resume, and /or brag sheet. Include them in conversations about your future planning, what you have done to build your resume, how your interests relate to your goals, etc.

Thank your recommender:     Take the time to thank your recommender, great letters take time! Write them a thank you, they will appreciate it.

Letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, and other educators are a great way to strengthen your students’ college applications. UW-Madison requires at least one. Other UW campuses typically don’t require them, but many applicants use them to demonstrate that they’re ready to succeed in college.