Most college applications and nearly all scholarship applications will require that you include letters of recommendation. Think very carefully about which people will be able to write the strongest, most detailed letters of recommendation for you. Once you have decided whom to ask, remember to approach them at a good time and to ask politely.

Letters of recommendation are extremely time consuming. Don’t forget to be appreciative.

Following are some general guidelines for organizing the requests for letters of recommendation:

• Ask for letters of recommendation a month in advance of the due date.

• Fill in any part of the from that requires your name, address or signature, before giving it to the writer.

• Give the writer a stamped, addressed envelope.

• Provide your “activities list” ( student brad sheet) and/or resume so the writer is familiar with it and can use it to write a good letter.

Keep a copy of that list for your records.

• Try to give the writer all forms you are asking to have filled out at one time.

This not only shows that you are organized but also reduces the chance that a school to which you are applying won’t get the letter because it got lost under a pile of unrelated papers.

• Check with each writer a week to ten days before the application is due to be sure that the letters have been sent.

• Write a thank you letter within the week.

Please remember to request letters of recommendation at least four weeks in advance from your counselor. This includes recommendation forms for scholarships, the military, SENDedu and Common App. forms.

* It is important to give your school counselors and teachers enough notice so we can write a well thought letter crediting your high school career.

• Procedures for requesting Letters of Recommendation

• Letter of Recommendation - Release Form

• Activity List Instructions

• Student Brag Sheet