Avid Student Information Worksheet For Letter Of Recommendation printable pdf download

The Letter of Recommendation

• Most private colleges, competitive college major departments, and some employers will request a letter of

recommendation.

• Colleges are looking for personal insights about student applicants, not a reiteration of grades and test scores.

The most effective letters are usually obtained from teachers who know the student very well.

• The most competitive colleges usually prefer letters from teachers of college prep courses (i.e., English, lab

science, advanced math, and foreign language). These faculty members have witnessed strengths in the classroom.

These teachers are often better able to promote admission than, for instance, an administrator who has not had

such extended personal interaction.

• In selecting people to write your recommendations, consider that you may want these letters to illustrate a

balance of your interests. For instance, recommendations from an English teacher, a math teacher, and a coach

would give a broader picture than recommendations from three math teachers.

• When requesting a letter of recommendation, allow the teacher 10–14 days for completion. Requesting the letter

of recommendation early will help both you and the teacher to avoid the last-minute rush to meet a critical

deadline.

• Make personal contact with the teacher. DO NOT assume the letter will be completed if you send a request by

mail.

• Be sure to give the teacher an addressed, stamped envelope. It would help if you would also leave the following

information on a sheet of paper:

— the name of the individual/office to receive the letter

— why you are interested in this particular college or position

— a summary of your career goals and plans for college

— a few words about your involvement in any of the following:

clubs and service organizations

non-school activities (church, community, employment)

student government

athletics

hobbies, special interests, talents

awards, honors

— a short statement describing your strengths, attitudes, and/or skills which may help you to be successful

• Write a short thank-you to the individual who has taken the time to support you in this way.

When requesting a letter of recommendation from a teacher, be sure to:

• Fill out the student information worksheet as completely as possible; not all sections may apply.

• Think of a teacher who knows you well.

• Make an appointment to ask the teacher to write a letter or recommendation for you. Plan ahead to meet your

timeline, and allow the teacher 10–14 days for the completion of the letter. DO NOT assume the letter will be

completed if you leave the request in the teacher’s mailbox; make sure you make personal contact with the

teacher.

• At the time of the appointment, give the teacher an addressed, stamped envelope for each school that requires a

letter and your completed information worksheet.

• Write a short thank-you to the teacher who has supported you in this way.

Avid Student Information Worksheet For Letter Of Recommendation