Letters of Recommendation
What are Letters of Recommendation?
A Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is a document that highlights a person's character traits and work ethic to aid them in their application process. Students may use it to help them enter an academic program or career.
Someone who has spent time with them in an academic or professional setting often writes the letter. It provides universities or companies a reference's account of an applicant's qualifications, including their skills, strengths, goals, and accomplishments.
How do I get Letters of recommendation?
We recommend reaching out to your recommenders at least one month before the LOR is due. Some applications require your LORs to be from specific people (i.e., counselors and teachers), whereas other applications may allow you to choose anyone.
Think of at least two adults who you would want to write your LORs. They should be someone who knows you well and would be able to write about you well.
Some recommenders to consider include teachers, counselors, coaches, mentors, club advisors, employers, leaders in religious groups, etc. Adult family members should not write LORs for students.
Once you have confirmed your recommenders, you will need to obtain their contact information to include on your college and/or scholarship applications. Your recommenders will then be contacted with instructions for how to submit your LOR from their end.
You should also send your recommenders your filled out Brag Sheet (see resources below). This will give your recommenders more context about you and your goals.
Letters of Recommendation resources
Complete either one of the forms below before asking a recommender for a Letter of Recommendation.
