Requesting a Letter of Recommendation 

Click here to get a fillable Letter of Recommendation Form! (Please make a copy before filling in the form)

The Basics 

As you are completing applications for a college or university, scholarship, apprenticeship, internship, or job you will likely need to have one or more letters of recommendation.  A letter of recommendation is when a teacher, counselor, or other adult in your life is willing to write a detailed and personalized letter sharing your strengths, qualifying experiences or skills, and other relevant information. 

Selecting Your Recommender:

Generally speaking, your counselor is a great person to ask for a recommendation because they have known you throughout multiple years and have seen you  perform in multiple domains.  You should also look for 1-2 teachers to recommend you as well.  When deciding which teachers to ask for a letter of recommendation, it's important to think about who knows you well and can speak to these things best.  Generally speaking, seniors should ask teachers they have had in the last year or two unless they had an exceptionally close connection as a freshman.    You may also decide to ask an additional important adult in your life, such as a coach, mentor, or supervisor to write a letter.  Please remember this should not be a family member or family friend. 

Making the Request: 

Keep in mind that your teachers, counselors, and coaches have many students asking for letters of recommendation so be considerate and make it as easy as possible for them.  

• Give Time! Make sure to provide at least two weeks advanced notice when requesting your letter.  This is a busy time of year and teachers are juggling a lot - the more time you give them the better their letter for you will be! 

• Be Personal!  Make your request in person if possible over the phone or video meet if not.   Share with them why you chose them and what they have meant to you over the years. 

• Give  Information!   Your recommender should know you well but writing a complete and thorough letter that feels really specific and personal can still be challenging.  You'll want to provide them with an activities list or resume and the answers to the questions below  to give them as much information as possible to write on. 

• Give Thanks!   Be sure to send a note of thanks to your recommender.  A handwritten note expressing your appreciation and how they've helped you is a really special thing to receive and goes a long way! 

Providing Information:

As stated above, the more information you can provide your recommender the better.  They may want to ask you questions in person but be prepared to share a resume/activities list and answers to the questions below: 

1. Is your academic record an accurate reflection of your ability?  Why or why not?

2.  Describe an academic experience that has been a highlight during your high school years.  (i.e. a particular class, a paper you wrote, project you worked on, etc. Be specific.)

3.  What has been your most difficult/frustrating academic experience?  What did you learn from this struggle?

4.  Have any outside circumstances interfered with your academic performance? 

5.  How have you used your time outside of school?  -  Hobbies, significant travel experiences, religious activities, family commitments or any other special interest you have developed.  Which of these activities is most meaningful to you and why?

6.  List three adjectives that your parents or friends would use to describe you.  Give an example if possible.

7.  What academic areas do you hope to pursue in college?

8.  What career(s) are you interested in pursuing?  Why?

9.  Is there anything else you think would be helpful for me to know about you?