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At the beginning of your senior year, you should make arrangements with one or more people to get the recommendations you will need to accompany many of your applications. Generally, you should choose a person who not only knows your abilities and personal qualities, but who likes you and you like, as well. A bad recommendation can really hurt you. A generic “he is a nice guy and a good student” recommendation will not help. But a strong recommendation from someone who knows you well can make a positive difference. The individuals listed below may serve as your recommender(s). It is important to select recommenders in the following order:
1) Teachers from core subjects such as English, math, history, science or foreign language.
2) Teachers in other subjects, such as fine arts. (If you are applying for an arts scholarship, then a teacher from this area should be one of your primary recommenders.)
3) A coach or sponsor.
4) An adult who has worked with or supervised you in an activity outside high school (e.g., Youth pastor or employer).
5) A student at the college who knows you, or an alumnus of the college who you or your parents know well.
Guidelines to Follow
- Give the recommender at least two to three weeks of lead time.
- Provide a stamped envelope with the college address on it and a “post it” note reminding the recommender when it is due. Some colleges request that recommendations be returned to you and mailed with your application.
- Give a copy of your resume to the recommender.
- Let the recommender know if you will need further letters of recommendation so he/she can save it.
- Follow-up with a thank-you note to the recommender.
- Check back politely with the recommender before the deadline to verify that your letter was mailed.
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