LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

How to Request a Letter of Recommendation

Don't let the length of this list fool you, it's really a simple process!

Step 1: Research! 

Do you need a letter of recommendation? 

• Even though both Common App and Scoir list application requirements, it's best to go to the admissions page on the college website to verify. 

• Most schools only require ONE teacher recommendation if they require any at all. 

• If none of your schools require 2+ letters, you cannot ask more than one teacher for a letter (see the list below for more info.). 

• Even if your independent counselor says to ask for 2+ teacher letters, you cannot do it if your schools don't require it. :)

• If you want to send more than one letter, you can ask a coach, supervisor, mentor, etc. to write one for you and send it directly to Ms. Conn at mconn@lps.k12.co.us. 

• We will send whatever letters you have on file to every school that will accept them. 

• If you need a counselor letter, you must make an appointment to see your counselor at least 3 weeks before it's due. Counselor letters are only requested in person.

Step 2: Complete the Letter of Rec Questionnaire in SCOIR. 

• Recommenders rely on this, so please invest your time and provide details. The Questionnaire should be complete ideally before senior year begins, but definitely before you ask a teacher to write a letter. 

Step 3: Ask a Recommender. 

• Contact them directly to see if he/she will write a recommendation on your behalf. Please ask 4-6 weeks before your first deadline!

Step 4: Put Your Request in SCOIR. 

• This is how your teachers know when your letter needs to be complete, so it's important that you select the correct date! Counselor letters are not requested in Scoir.

Step 5: Put your Request in Common App

• If you're not using the Common App, you can skip this step. Under the Recommenders & FERPA section of the Common App, you'll invite a Recommender and possibly a Counselor simply by entering their first & last names. Do NOT enter an email address. Because we use Scoir to request recommenders, this is step is meant just to satisfy the Common App's quirk of requiring a recommender... your recommenders do not actually receive notification or use the Common App to send letters.

Step 5: Take time to thank your recommender with a handwritten note of thanks.

•  At the end of the year, let your recommender know of your future plans and thank them for their contribution to your success! Our teachers spend hundreds of hours writing letters, all on their own time, and they are truly dedicated  to providing thoughtful, personal recommendations for each student they write for!