Not every school requires letters of recommendation (LOR) from a teacher or counselor. Research the school you are applying to before you request a LOR. If you know you need a LOR, you should speak with or email your counselor and/or teacher at least a month ahead of time. It is best to communicate this information before senior year as counselors and teachers are incredibly busy when the school year begins.

LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION PROCESS

1. BEFORE you begin this process, complete a resume, brag sheet, or student information sheet.

2. CHOOSE TWO people who know you well to ask to write your Letter of Recommendation (LOR). Highly selective colleges may require two academic teachers.  Always research requirements. (ONLY ask more if a particular school or scholarshop needs it)

3. Compose an EMAIL to each recommender requesting a Letter of Recommendation or request in person. 

4. After they agree to write your LOR, EMAIL them your Resume Guide and/or Student Information sheet.

5. FOLLOW UP until it’s completed. Politely check with the writer to be certain the letter was completed and/or mailed/sent. 

6. Write a THANK YOU note or email, after you receive the letter of recommendation.

7. Share your good news (college acceptance/scholarship/job) so the recommender can CELEBRATE with you. 

Students using the Common App

You can invite recommenders in any college’s "Recommenders and FERPA" section. 

Please set the following people in your Common App:

• Counselor (First.Last@risd.org) - Required for Transcripts, School Profile, and Fee Waiver submission

• Advisor (Daffne.Bennett@risd.org) - Required for College Guidance 

• Teacher Recommender (First.Last@risd.org) - OPTIONAL for most colleges

• Other Recommender (Email address) - OPTIONAL for most colleges. 

Students using Apply Texas

If a university/college on Apply Texas requires a letter of rec those are usually submitted on an online portal or by email. 

• In Apply Texas, list your recommenders using their First.Last@risd.org email address for RISD staff.

Students using Greenlight: (Non-RISD Recommenders)

Letters of Recommendation are viewable by students and families within Greenlight Locker. Therefore, Greenlight is only appropriate for non-RISD recommenders, such as a Club Coach/Advisor, Religious Leader, Employer, Community Leader, or someone who has supervised your community service.

Greenlight Letters of Recommendation:  How-To Video

1. Please log in to your active GreenLight Locker: https://greenlightlocker.com/login.

2. Click on:

   1. My Credentials

   2. Existing Credentials

   3. Recommendation Letters

   4. Request recommendation letter

3. Complete the request form with the LOR writer's email address.

WHO

• Choose teachers who know you well. If you have not participated in classroom discussions or stood out in some way, the teacher may have a hard time writing a good recommendation.

• Other options include an Administrator, Counselor, Coach, Club Advisor, Religious Leader, Employer, Community Leader, or someone who has supervised your community service.

• Family members are NOT appropriate recommendation letter writers.

WHEN

• Ask within 3-4 weeks prior to your deadline 

• Set the deadline to receive your Letter of Recommendation approximately 1+ week before the letter is due to the scholarship committee, college, or employer. This will give you time to follow-up and ensure deadlines are met.

• If you don’t have a deadline, right after Thanksgiving break is a good choice to ensure LOR's are ready for scholarship season in the Spring semester.

WHY

• Letters of Recommendation are meant to be an EXTENSION of your application. They already have your transcript, essays (if required) and resume. 

• Ask the recommender to shed light on other reasons you are a good candidate for scholarships and admission by highlighting things NOT already mentioned in your application. You can provide this within your Student Information Sheet.

HOW

• Each college and scholarship may have a unique way to request & submit recommendation letters. For example:

  • Common App:  Go to the "My Colleges" tab.  Input on the "Recommenders and FERPA" section. 

  • Apply Texas :  enter your recommender's contact information (email address) within application.

  • Scholarships:  input an LOR email on application and teacher is sent an upload link.

  • Greenlight : enter "other" recommender's email address and they can upload into your Greenlight locker.

• Ask recommenders to keep an electronic copy in their files for additional copies you may need in the future. 

• Sometimes an application will ask you to waive your rights to see the letter. This ensures honest feedback.

• If the writer is required to mail the letter, provide a stamped addressed envelope.