Why You Need College Recommendations
Are you the type to avoid eye contact when passing your teacher in the hallway? Do you pop into the counselor’s office once a year and that’s only when threatened? You’re thinking — Oh my gosh, how weird, I feel like you’re speaking directly to me. Yeah? Well, awesome — I’m glad I know you so well! But wait, that actually kinda stinks — who’s going to write your college recommendations?
Often times, colleges and universities ask for letters of recommendation from superiors who can judge your personality, intellect, work ethic, and leadership abilities.
So back to the question, who’s going to write recommendations for you? Ask those you know like a counselor, teacher, coach, sponsor, or employer.
Guidance Counselors
First and foremost, guidance counselors are the best source. Ideally, your counselor should be extremely familiar with your character, academic strengths, extracurricular achievements, etc. Realistically, you might be thinking that your counselor butchers your name every time he/she/whatever sees you and doesn’t know the first thing about you.
Truth be told, that could be just as much your fault as it is the counselor’s — so make it a point to change that — it’s never too late. Trust me, counselors are anxious to get to know you — let them know what’s up with you and your academics, job, youth group, etc.
Teachers
Teachers are also a very strong source as they should have firsthand knowledge of your student persona. Pick one that you had a good rapport with and whose class you did well in. If you’re applying for a specific major — it can be helpful to ask a teacher who specializes in that area (i.e. a potential journalism major should pick an English teacher).
When you meet with the chosen one, offer a list of your interests and things you enjoyed about his/her class — this will help him/her to compose a more personalized and accurate portrayal of you.
Coaches or Employers
Finally, coaches, employers, or sponsors are a good resource to offer insight into your personality and work ethic. Individuals in this category shouldn’t be your only rec. writers but they are a good supplement to your other sources.
A Few College Recommendation Tips to start:
- Be sure to provide your sources with a few weeks notice. And drop them a thank you note after a few weeks — not only is it polite but it can also work as a little nudge if they’ve yet to write it.
- Definitely, absolutely, certainly waive your rights to see the rec. Just be sure to pick people who will undoubtedly write positive things.
- Can you send recommendations to schools who don’t ask for them? Sure! Will they read them? Maybe. If you’re borderline — a strong rec. could help — it can’t hurt!
- Provide as many recommendations as the school asks for. You can offer more than required, just be sure each one is equally strong.
