Recommendations

Consider what teachers/adults you know best and have a good relationship with. Who have you known the longest? Teachers who you've had for only a few months may not be equipped to give an accurate recommendation.

Ask personally! Speak to your recommender in person, at the very least send them a direct email. DO NOT send a recommendation request from Common App or a school without directly asking first.

Give them plenty of time to write the letter. Provide a clear deadline and make sure that you give them at least one week to write it. Asking right before your deadline is not professional and increases your chances that your recommender will be unable to write a letter.

Provide as much information as possible. Make sure your recommender knows plenty about you to easily write a well-rounded letter. Provide a brag sheet (see below) to give them a list of things you are interested in and involved in.

Write a thank you note! It takes time and energy to write a recommendation letter. Make sure that your recommender knows that you appreciate what they did for you. Write a personal note - see Mrs. Teske for thank you card ideas.