Requests may include job applications, college admission or scholarships. Typically these take 1-2weeks for recommenders to complete so please be mindful of this when making your requests. When making your request you will need:

• To approach your teacher/counselor in person and ask if they will be willing to help you by writing a recommendation letter.

• Clarify if they will be electronically submitting the letter or mailing it in.

• Provide a resume or fact sheet about you.

For colleges not using the Common Application, you must research each college’s requirements for submitting letters of recommendation. These schools may require teachers and counselors to submit their recommendations online through the college’s website, to mail school-specific recommendation forms, or to mail traditional letters of recommendation on high school letterhead.

For colleges using the Common Application, students must first ask their teachers which method they are using to submit their recommendations, either (1) submitting electronic letters using Common Application online procedures, or (2) using Common Application paper recommendation forms. For counselor recommendations/reports, students should invite their counselor, and then schedule an appointment with their counselor to follow up on the process.

For teachers to be able to use the Common Application online procedures, students MUST first "invite" teachers and counselors through the Common Application website. After teachers and counselors are “invited,” they will be notified via e-mail on how and when to submit student recommendations. Before starting the process of “inviting” teachers and counselors, be sure you (the student) have the following information: Your high school's CEEB number (242-075)and street address (100 George Ramseth Dr. Redwood Falls, MN 56283). Each teacher's first and last name and e-mail address.:

• *When requesting letters of recommendation for scholarship applications, use the same procedures as requesting a recommendation for college admission, but make sure adult recommenders understand the details of each scholarship application. Be sure to stress what each scholarship is specifically looking for in winning applicants and how you meet or exceed those requirements. Students will be able to pick up letters from the teacher in a sealed envelope to include with all other necessary paper work for the scholarship. Always be aware of deadline dates and allow 1-2 weeks for request.

Prepscholar Article on "How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation": https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-request-a-letter-of-recommendation