Letters of Recommendation

Though some schools don't even require letters of recommendation like the UC and CSU schools, good letters of rec. can definitely give your application an edge over others'. This is usually the "effortless" aspect of the application from students because well, hopefully students don't write their own letters of rec. However, there are certain guidelines that students need to be aware of.

Who To Ask?

• Ask the teachers who you have close connections a.k.a who know you more than just a student in their classes. There are couple teachers at Amat that I opened up with about my personal life. Your teachers probably have other students to write letters of rec. for too, if you don't give them anything unique, the best they can do is commenting on your grade in their class and that is pretty much it. Sure you can provide a resume but nothing beats personal conversations in my opinion. One of the teachers that I asked for a letter of rec. was Mr. Davitt. Sure, he taught me IB History, which was not related to my major but at the same time, he knew me more than most of my teachers did. On top of that, he guided me to complete a 4000-word formal research essay on McCarthyism. Furthermore, we had already had many conversations discussing what my hopes and dreams were. Mr. Davitt finished my letter of rec. less than a week.

• Ask the teachers whose classes you did well in. Again, colleges are still most concerned with your academic performance. Hence, even though you know a teacher really well, if you barely passed with a C- in that class, you probably don't want to ask for a letter of rec from that teacher.
• Ask teachers that have classes related to your major. You want to show colleges that you have a true desire for your major and your teachers in the related classes can really back you up. For example: if you want to major in pre-med, make sure to ask your life science teachers such as biology and chemistry. Bonus if they are higher level courses.
• Ask your coach(es)/supervisors. If you are involved in after-school activities like a sport or club, your coaches and supervisors can provide valuable insights of who you are out of school too. Colleges really want interesting kids, show them what you got.
• Ask other members of your community. Technically you can ask anyone to write your letters of rec. A janitor's letter of rec. helps a kid get off the waitlist of a prestige college. If you feel a special bond towards someone, feel free to ask for a letter of rec.
• Ask your best friend. A few colleges actually allow applicants to include letters of rec. from their friends. Be careful though. Make sure your friends make honest, reflective and professional letters. College admission officers read a lot of apps a day, don't waste their time and your money too. Unprofessionalism can be a huge red flag.
• Also if your teachers are notorious for writing letters of rec. late, avoid choosing them if possible. I've known a lot of students ended up not having as many letters of rec as they want to because their teachers forget/procrastinate.

How To Ask?

• Ask your teachers after you have completed a detailed resume, telling them your achievements
• Give your teachers 2 weeks at least to complete letters of rec.
• Don't expect your teachers to write your letters of rec. over holidays.
• After your teachers have submitted letters of rec, express your gratitude.