College Recommendation Tips
Copy into Project / Portfolio Section:
Five Steps to Getting Perfect College Recommendations
1. Start Early
Most colleges require two teacher recommendations and a school report completed
by your counselor, principal, or headmaster. Some schools also allow you to
submit an extra recommendation. Giving out the recommendation forms early should
be your first priority.
Copy into Project / Portfolio Section:
2. Hunt Down The Best
References
Identifying quality references is much like finding star witnesses for a
courtroom. You want people who can testify in support of your strengths, who are
believable, and who won't reveal anything incriminating. Essentially you want to
find people who know your strengths and will attest to them.
Copy into Project / Portfolio Section:
3. Give Them Everything
They Need
Once you have your references, put together a packet with a cover letter,
resume, and all of the forms that they need to fill out for the colleges. Be
sure to include in the cover letter a list of all the deadlines. Also, spend the
extra money and put stamps on the envelopes so all your recommenders have to do
is drop their recommendations in the mailbox.
Copy into Project / Portfolio Section:
4. Check In Often
Make sure that none of your recommendations are turned in late. It's your
responsibility to make sure that your references are aware of the deadlines and
complete everything on time. Without pestering, make sure you inquire every so
often about the status of the recommendation. A subtle way to remind them is to
send a thank you note a week before the recommendations are due.
Copy into Project / Portfolio Section:
5. Send Thank You Notes
It is important to show appreciation for the time and effort that has gone into writing a letter of recommendation. Send a personalized thank you note to each of your references.