Students thinking about requesting a letter of recommendation for jobs, internships, educational programs, scholarships, or college admission please read carefully.
Being asked to write a letter of recommendation is an honor and writing these letters is something I take seriously. Including all of the types of programs that require letters of recommendation, I have averaged over 25 letters per year for the last several years. It takes me a long time to write a good letter and this is not something teachers have built into their schedules. I am happy to do it for deserving students, as I want to help you achieve your goals, but it will require some work on your part too.
Being asked to write a letter of recommendation is an honor and writing these letters is something I take seriously. Including all of the types of programs that require letters of recommendation, I have averaged over 25 letters per year for the last several years. It takes me a long time to write a good letter and this is not something teachers have built into their schedules. I am happy to do it for deserving students, as I want to help you achieve your goals, but it will require some work on your part too.
Before asking for a letter, find out the following:
1. Know which programs you are applying to and if they require a letter of recommendation. 2. Determine if I am the right person to write your recommendation.
3. Know the application / recommendation deadlines for your program(s) and make sure you give me at least three weeks’ notice to complete the recommendation. |
Still interested? Good.
- Come see me and ask me in person so we can discuss the details.
- Don’t ask during passing period. It is too busy to have a serious conversation. Before or after school is best.
- Don’t “group” ask. It’s pretty awkward for me to say yes to you, but no to your friend.
- Review the elements of the "Ultimate Letter of Recommendation Request Conversation" found below.
The Ultimate Letter of Recommendation Request Conversation:
(The following is fictitious but I am still hoping for it to actually happen some day.)
You: “Hey Mr. Britton. Do you have 5 minutes to talk?”
Me: “Sure. What’s up Bobby/Susie?”
You: “I am in the midst of applying to college and I have some deadlines about three months out so I’m trying to be proactive and organized before I get buried in the application process. (This shows your thinking ahead) Of all the teachers I’ve had, I think you know me the best and I was wondering if you could write me a strong letter of recommendation?" (Using an adjective to describe the letter you want is important. I can write all sorts of letters, for any sort of student. What type do you want?)
Me: “Oh Bobby/Susie I thought you would never ask” (Bobby/Susie must have been a really amazing student. Don't be discouraged if I don't get this excited when you ask.)
You: Really? That would be awesome! I have already looked at your website and read it closely. Now that you have accepted my request for a letter I will print out the “Request for Letter of Recommendation” form, thoughtfully fill it out, and get it back to you with all of the required documentation attached. You should see an email request from Naviance/Internship/Institution for electronic submissions soon. I will also follow up with an email to you so you can reach out if any questions come up. Do you need anything else from me right now?”
Me: “Uhmm, no. I think you have got it all covered for now. I knew there was a reason that you were always my favorite student.”
(The following is fictitious but I am still hoping for it to actually happen some day.)
You: “Hey Mr. Britton. Do you have 5 minutes to talk?”
Me: “Sure. What’s up Bobby/Susie?”
You: “I am in the midst of applying to college and I have some deadlines about three months out so I’m trying to be proactive and organized before I get buried in the application process. (This shows your thinking ahead) Of all the teachers I’ve had, I think you know me the best and I was wondering if you could write me a strong letter of recommendation?" (Using an adjective to describe the letter you want is important. I can write all sorts of letters, for any sort of student. What type do you want?)
Me: “Oh Bobby/Susie I thought you would never ask” (Bobby/Susie must have been a really amazing student. Don't be discouraged if I don't get this excited when you ask.)
You: Really? That would be awesome! I have already looked at your website and read it closely. Now that you have accepted my request for a letter I will print out the “Request for Letter of Recommendation” form, thoughtfully fill it out, and get it back to you with all of the required documentation attached. You should see an email request from Naviance/Internship/Institution for electronic submissions soon. I will also follow up with an email to you so you can reach out if any questions come up. Do you need anything else from me right now?”
Me: “Uhmm, no. I think you have got it all covered for now. I knew there was a reason that you were always my favorite student.”
letter_of_recommendation_request_form.docx | |
File Size: | 16 kb |
File Type: | docx |