Requesting a Letter of Recommendation

  1. Plan: As you build your college list, make a note of any that require letters of recommendation. CSU and UC campuses don’t require them. However, you will need two letters of recommendation for EOP at the CSU. (EOP provides additional student support and financial aid for low-income first generation students.)


  1. Provide Questions & Supporting Materials: Does the school or scholarship want a general letter, or do they have a form they want the recommender to complete? If they have a form, print it out. Even if the person will submit it online, it’s good to give them a paper form to see what questions they will be asked.

Give your recommenders copies of your resume, transcript, and activity/brag sheets. Most counselors and teachers will write several letters. It’s good to provide them with materials to reference. Reference accomplishments or experiences on your activity sheet that the recommender will be able to write about. Make sure you list your education and career goals for your recommender.

*give them 2-3 weeks*


  1. Ask Early, Ask Personally: Ask teachers now if they will be recommenders for you. If you are applying to EOP at a CSU, ask the recommenders at the beginning of October when the applications open. Make sure you let your recommender know the deadlines for your colleges or scholarships. The EOP programs have different deadlines at all of the CSU campuses.

  1. Send a Thank You Note


Tip: Even if the schools you aren’t applying to don’t require a letter of recommendation, they can be required for scholarships