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Plan Your Teacher Recommendations
Many schools request up to three teacher recommendations. Why are they asking for these letters? Frankly, the schools want to see your true intellectual level of engagement in the classroom - and these letters can really show your personality.
HEAD Lines
Take some time to pick teachers that really know you well so they'll be happy to "reserve" their time to write for you. Likely, these teachers will be writing for several of your peers, too, so make sure you ask them now, so they'll be freshest when they write your letters.
Pick your teachers with the following criteria:
• Teachers that know you best and can really talk about your work in and out of class.
• Teachers in your favorite subject areas can be good, but not always. A great recommendation can come from a teacher who has watched you struggle and attest to your determination and hard work.
• Teachers you are sure like you (no kidding!).
• Teachers who watch you work - not just study for an exam and ace it.
•Teachers that fit the criteria outlined by the school to which you're applying. If a school asks for a humanities teacher and a math/science teacher, that's what you have to choose. (But that doesn't mean you can't ask a third person, like your foreign language teacher, to write a recommendation for other schools, if you're sure he'll have great things to say about you.)
From Other HEADS
AT THE BEGINNING OF YOUR SENIOR YEAR, it is your responsibility to meet with each teacher you will ask for a recommendation. You should give them an addressed and stamped envelope and all the required forms. It is also helpful to provide a "brag sheet" so they have a complete view of your achievements and activities outside their classroom. One of my teachers told me that she had no idea how involved I was in my church and wouldn't have known to include that information in her letter if it wasn't on the brag sheet.
-- EILEEN DAILY
EAST CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM OTHERS aside from teachers can help. My daughter was introduced to two Penn alums, who wrote letters of recommendation for her. One was especially helpful in that he met with us and, after speaking with my daughter, he tried to focus on one aspect of her accomplishments that might help her stand out. He felt that her work in a political campaign was something that many high school kids would not have, so his recommendation letter to Penn emphasized that part of her background. She applied early and was accepted.
-- R.F.
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Web Resources
Check out EssayEdge.com for the nitty gritty on asking for recommendations: www.essayedge.com/college/admissions/recommendations/asking.shtml
HoH Tip
Give teachers a "brag sheet" of great things they might want to include to help them make you look good.