3 answers
Nevaeh
Student
Jacksonville, North Carolina
2
Questions
Asked
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How do you ask someone for a favorable recommendation letter for college applications?
I am an 18-year-old socially awkward senior in high school, and I am struggling with asking my teachers and counselors for a favorable recommendation letter. Should I still ask for one when they don't really know me that well?
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3 answers
Travis Guzzardo
Accounting
7
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Travis’s Answer
Hey Nevaeh! What I'd say - and what I think any sort of school guidance counselors would say - is that a teacher or other prominent figure in your life doesn't necessarily need to know you super well in order to write an effective recommendation letter. Don't let a lack of intimate familiarity scare you away from asking for one!
In trying to determine who to ask for a recommendation letter, my question would be: Are there any teachers you'd go to with questions about assigned homework, test results, etc.? Such types of actions (e.g., asking for help or asking for clarification) can demonstrate your work ethic - and that's something that a person writing a recommendation letter would definitely want to comment on. If you do have a teacher like that, maybe approach the request for a recommendation letter from the perspective of "Hey, I found your class really interesting, and I really appreciated the time you spent with me to help me learn as much as I could in your class." Starting from that basis could help lead the conversation into ultimately asking for that rec letter.
In trying to determine who to ask for a recommendation letter, my question would be: Are there any teachers you'd go to with questions about assigned homework, test results, etc.? Such types of actions (e.g., asking for help or asking for clarification) can demonstrate your work ethic - and that's something that a person writing a recommendation letter would definitely want to comment on. If you do have a teacher like that, maybe approach the request for a recommendation letter from the perspective of "Hey, I found your class really interesting, and I really appreciated the time you spent with me to help me learn as much as I could in your class." Starting from that basis could help lead the conversation into ultimately asking for that rec letter.
Lindsay (Solotar) Vaz
Strategy Consulting
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Lindsay’s Answer
Hi! A few thoughts here:
- I would ask those that you believe do know you best, who could speak to your abilities. If you are asking a teacher, pick one where you got a good grade because higher likelihood they'll write something favorable!
- When applying to college and graduate school, something I found super helpful was also telling my recommenders I'd give them an "info pack" to help with their letter writing. This included some information about me and the types of things I'm good at / like to focus on, where I'm applying to school and why, and any qualities about myself that I wanted them to highlight in their recommendation letters
Hope this helps!
- I would ask those that you believe do know you best, who could speak to your abilities. If you are asking a teacher, pick one where you got a good grade because higher likelihood they'll write something favorable!
- When applying to college and graduate school, something I found super helpful was also telling my recommenders I'd give them an "info pack" to help with their letter writing. This included some information about me and the types of things I'm good at / like to focus on, where I'm applying to school and why, and any qualities about myself that I wanted them to highlight in their recommendation letters
Hope this helps!
Sharon Clemons, MSM
11
Answers
West Bloomfield Township, Michigan
Updated
Sharon’s Answer
It's best to ask your school counselor, coaches, and teachers. They often help with this. Be sure to ask politely for recommendation letters long before the deadline. Giving them plenty of time usually leads to better letters.