Letters of Recommendation
BEFORE REQUESTING A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION, CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:
Do you need a letter of recommendation? Letters take a lot of time and effort, so make sure one is required before you ask.
California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC) schools do NOT require letters.
Who do you think would write you the strongest letter?
Most schools will want an academic teacher and/or counselor to write your letter, so pay attention to their guidelines.
Who have you developed a good relationship with? Don't just select a teacher based off of your grade in their class, but rather, who knows you well and will be able to write a letter that speaks about more than just a grade.
As a general rule, ask the same teacher to submit multiple recommendations.
If a teacher has already written you a great recommendation, ask them to submit that letter for other college applications and scholarships rather than asking someone new. It is easier for an existing teacher to submit another copy of their letter (or tweaking small details) rather than a new teacher writing one from scratch.
Brag Sheets
You should always provide a brag sheet, especially if you are asking a teacher or counselor, who may not know you as well. These brag sheets allow them to write stronger letters.
PROCESS FOR REQUESTING A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION
STEP 1: Ask your recommender IN PERSON if they would be willing to write you a letter of recommendation- DO NOT ASSUME. You should then email them the link or add them to the application system, so they have access to the recommendation. It's always a good idea to follow up your your recommender via email to make sure they have received all of the materials.
STEP 2: Complete a Senior Brag Sheet. Make a copy if you are requesting letters from multiple people. In addition, please have a parent or guardian complete the Parent Brag Sheet (above). All three of these documents are helpful in creating a strong letter of recommendation. Copies are also available in the Counseling Office.
If you have an Online Resume Portfolio, email the link to your recommender. CLICK HERE for a link to Counselor/Teacher email addresses.
STEP 3: Write a THANK YOU NOTE to your counselor/teacher for taking time to write you a letter of recommendation. This small gesture goes a VERY long way.