Most
colleges and universities, and many other programs, require that students
provide recommendations to support their applications. There are a
few different types of recommendations, some of which are described
through the following links:
Guidance
Counselor Recommendation
Teacher
Recommendation
Other
Recommendation
If
there is a cardinal rule for the recommendation process it is this:
Ask
early.
Here
are some frequently asked questions regarding recommendations:
How
many recommendations do I need?
The
answer depends on the application requirements of the colleges to
which you are applying. Your guidance counselor recommendation is
a standard part of your transcript package. Apart from that, a college
will usually specify how many other recommendations they want. That
number can vary greatly from school to school. This is one of the
many reasons that it is absolutely essential that students read all
application instructions very carefully and early.
Should
I include extra recommendations?
If
the extra recommendation comes from somebody who will make significant
comments that are different than what the other writers will say,
then it may be a good idea. For example, let's say that a college
asks for two recommendations, and you have asked an English teacher
and a science teacher. You may want to ask a someone who is not a
teacher to write one more if there is something substantial to be
said, like having the leader of your youth group write about all of
the hours you spent with them going to Boston to feed the homeless.
Asking another teacher (especially in those subject areas) is not
a good idea unless the person can say something substantial and distinctly
different than what the other two will say.
Who
should write my recommendations?
Be
sure to note any requirements in your application instructions. A
college may dictate the subject areas from which they want your recommendations.
Generally,
at least one of your recommendations should be from a teacher.
For
your teacher recommendations, you should generally choose some teachers
who know you well. Senior year teachers who have only had you in class
for a short time are generally not the best choice. Junior year teachers,
teachers whom you have had more than once, teachers who know you in
other capacities (i.e. as a coach), and teachers in the field in which
you intend to major are often the best choices.
Ask
teachers who have seen the best of you and who can make the most positive
remarks. You should try to avoid overlap in subject area (i.e. don't
have three science teachers). Try to have some balance, and also try
to get a recommendation from a teacher who can comment on your writing
ability, preferably an English teacher.
Other
good choices for recommendations include coaches, employers, and clergy
who know you well. Family members, neighbors, and people who have
little or no direct experience with you are not good choices.
