Recommendations

Choose your recommenders wisely.

Pick a recommender who can speak highly of your character, not just your academic abilities.  

Ask your recommender EARLY - at least 2 weeks before your deadline.

Provide your recommender with any additional information they request to support them as they write your recommendation.

Add your recommenders to your Common App portal ASAP so they have plenty of time to craft your recommendation.

Send a FRIENDLY reminder as your deadline approaches.

Expect poor planning on your part to be someone else's crisis.

Feel obligated to pick  your recommender based on which class you got the highest grade in.

Expect your recommender to regurgitate your resume.

Get offended if they say "no".  Appreciate the honesty and find someone more appropriate!

Forget to say Thank You!