An application to college involves several different components, ranging from your grades in school to the activities you participate in, to letters of recommendation (LORs). Many schools request LORs in order to form a better understanding of the student applying to their school. Understanding the purpose of an LOR and finding recommenders who can provide unique insights and perspectives through their LOR is an important step in the college application process.
What is a Letter of Recommendation?
LORs are typed letters provided by someone familiar with the applicant who can share first hand knowledge about the qualities and characteristics of the applicant. They can play a big role in an individual’s application package, and a strong LOR can elevate a student’s application greatly.
LORs are thus important to think about prior to applying to colleges. There are a few different types of people you can request LORs from. These include:
Many schools require LORs, although different universities have different expectations. Most schools accept or require a counselor LOR, which is generally written for every student in a high school. Reaching out to your counseling department at your high school to better understand their process for writing these letters of recommendation is a good step to take in your junior year (or earlier).
Beyond the counselor LOR, universities will have different requirements. For example, MIT writes on their website, “We require letters of recommendation from two teachers. We recommend one evaluation from a math/science teacher, and one from a humanities, social science, or language teacher. We also require materials from your school counselor.”
Conversely, UNC writes, “We do require one letter of recommendation as you’re applying to Carolina as a first-year or transfer student. Some students may want to share an additional letter of recommendation to provide another perspective or additional information. We’re happy to receive an additional letter as part of your application. “
Who Should You Ask?
It can be hard to know who to approach to write you an LOR. Generally, the bottom line is that your recommender should know you well and be able to speak to your strengths and character. As such, forming good relationships with the people you encounter in school and beyond is invaluable.
Teachers who have seen you display qualities you are proud of both inside or outside of the class are good options to consider. Additionally, teachers who have served as club sponsors for the activities you have been involved in can also be potential recommenders, since through the club, they have seen you display leadership, dedication, and more.
Outside of school, if you have a job or volunteer, your supervisors in those situations (e.g. your boss or volunteer coordinator), can also provide similar details in their LOR, serving as other potential recommenders.
Throughout high school, creating good impressions, being respectful, and working hard in your activities and courses is important. These are qualities that colleges are looking for and through displaying these characteristics regularly, you provide potential recommenders with plenty of experiences to include in their LORs.
When Should You Ask?
Since the person writing your LOR is willingly taking time out of their day to reflect on you and share that information through a letter, it is important to ask respectfully and courteously.
Early requests are appreciated by recommendation writers since writing an LOR can take time. For college applications, this would be around the end of your junior year. This gives teachers and other recommendation writers the entire summer to work on the LOR.
This is also a good step to take for the applicant, since some teachers and recommenders may be asked by multiple students. The later you ask, they may be more likely to say no simply due to other LOR commitments.
Sometimes, though, last minute requests are necessary or unavoidable. In these cases, providing at least a month’s notice is appreciated, although as always, the earlier the better.
How Should You Ask?
If possible, it is best to ask your recommender in person. Share the reasons for why you need an LOR, when it would be due, and ask if they would be able to write a strong LOR for you.
Next, be sure to follow up on that discussion with an email. If it is not possible to ask in person, then asking through a polite email would be the next best option.
In your email, reiterate the purpose of the LOR and when it would be due. Thank the recommender for writing the LOR, and share a copy of your resume. This can give more details to your letter writer and make the writing process easier.
After Submission
After your recommender writes you an LOR and submits it, remember to send a thank you email. They spent their time writing a letter on your behalf and contributing to your application, so it is important to recognize and appreciate their hard work.
