Teachers
are often asked to write a very large number of recommendations. Writing
a good recommendation requires a great deal of time, thought, and
energy, so please ask for them early (at least 4 weeks before the
due date). When a teacher has agreed to write a college recommendation
be sure you give these things to them:
1.
A brag sheet
2.
Teacher Recommendation Forms from the colleges, if any, with identifying
information completed.
3.
Stamped envelopes addressed to the colleges.
Some
teachers may also request a brief interview from you. Remember that
the teacher is doing a favor for you.
Please
take the time to read this letter taken from "Dear Abby",
printed on 1/4/01:
"Dear
Abby,
"I
must differ with something you stated in a recent column. For high
school teachers and some counselors, being asked to write a letter
of recommendation is not always a compliment. There are many students
(and parents!) who think that teachers owe them a letter. Around
college application time, teachers are flooded with requests. . .
"Students
are not always thoughtful in making their requests, so please allow
me to offer a few suggestions that will guarantee worthwhile teacher
recommendations:
1.
Teachers are very busy. Don't leave your request for the last minute
and expect it to be accommodated.
2.
Provide the teacher with all of the relevant information about your
high school career, such as student activities, work experience, future
plans for study and career, and why you're applying to a particular
school.
3.
Provide a stamped, addressed envelope if the recommendation is to
be mailed.
4.
Write a thank you note to the teacher for taking valuable personal
time to help you. This is good practice for job applications later
on.
5.
Parents, this is your child's job, not yours. However, if a teacher
has played a significant role in your child's life, a handwritten
note from you is more precious than any 'teacher-themed' trinket gift
and appropriate at any time of the year.
"Most
teachers want to see their students succeed. A little planning and
good manners make all the difference.
-
A Popular Teacher, Minneapolis"
Also,
please be sure to take the time to tell the people who wrote your
recommendations where you did and did not get accepted.
Back
to Recommendations
