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Letter of Recommendation

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

INTRODUCTION TO LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
Letters of Recommendation give admission committees information about the student that cannot be told anywhere else in the student's college application. These insights from a counselor/teacher/coaches are invaluable in getting to know the student's character inside and outside of the classroom, their academic motivation, and engagement with peers and staff. 
 
WHO NEEDS A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION?
Not all universities will request a letter of recommendation. 
Most private universities, CSU EOP, and scholarship applications will require student recommendation/evaluations. Some schools/programs will request a letter from a specific recommender (counselor, teachers, employers, coaches, etc.) while others will only indicate how many letters are required rather than who they want it from.
 
SECONDARY SCHOOL REPORT REQUEST- (for Private Universities)
Private colleges and universities often require letters of recommendations from their applicants. Most will ask for two letters of recommendation and a secondary school report. The secondary school report is completed by your college counselor. This report takes a more global view of the student and requires not just the report form but also a letter. The letters of recommendation will come from, depending on the school, either one or two teachers and/or community members. 
 
 
CSU EOP RECOMMENDATION 
 
Students who are interested in applying for EOP must submit their application along with supplemental documents, which includes two letters of recommendation. 
If you are requesting an EOP recommendation, please fill out the EOP Recommender Request at least 2-3 weeks before the deadline. 
 
 
 
PRIVATE UNIVERSITY RECOMMENDATION
 
  • Completed Student Profile/Brag Sheet
  • Online invitation/application information or paperwork at least three weeks prior to the application deadline
  • Any additional information as requested by the counselor/teacher upon receipt of the above if necessary. 

      Each teacher has their own policy regarding letters of recommendation.  Check with the teacher first. 

There is a very specific process at AHS that students need to follow in requesting a letter of recommendation from their counselor. Please see the steps below:

 

Step 1: Determine if you will need a letter. UC’s do not ask for them and CSU's will only request a letter if student is applying for Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) . Private universities and some out of state pubic universities often do require a letter. Many universities use the Common Application. Counselors are asked to fill out the Secondary School Report, which includes a letter of recommendation.

Step 2: Access the Student Profile/Brag Sheet to request a recommendation letter AND a School Report form submitted on your behalf.  Please read it carefully and fill it out completely. Include all additional documents as requested. 

Step 3: Please be sure to turn in the Student Profile/Brag Sheet THREE WEEKS BEFORE THE DEADLINE.

Counselors will NOT write letters of recommendation as part of the Secondary School Report for any student who submits their information after this deadline. Please note that the earlier you turn in your packet and the more time you give your counselor to write a letter on your behalf the better. 

Step 4: Be prepared to meet with your counselor in case she has any questions to ask you after reviewing your packet of information.

 
 
 
 
 
 
RECOMMENDATION ETIQUETTE

 

When choosing who you would like to write your letters, focus on those individuals that know you the best. You may not have earned the best grade in the class but maybe that teacher knows a lot about you personally or about your love of that subject. If the recommender does not know a lot about you, make it your job to let that person know why you are choosing that college or that major. The more information you provide, the better your letter will be.

 

Here are some points of etiquette when asking for a Letter of Recommendation for College.

1. Ask nicely. Politeness goes a long way. If you are rude or demanding, it might be reflected in the final product. Do not assume that someone will write you a recommendation without first asking. This means asking your teacher or counselor prior to listing their name on the Common Application.

2. You should allow your letter writer at least 3 weeks to complete your letter. This time does not include weekends or vacations. Remember that you may have the two weeks of winter break to work on your applications but your letter writer is on vacation and may not have the opportunity to complete your letter.

3. Remember that it takes time to write letters of recommendation. Only ask for letters for schools that you are going to apply to. If you ask for a letter of recommendation and then change your mind, inform your letter writer. It saves time and embarrassment when the colleges call because they have received a letter of recommendation but no application.

4. Say “Thank you”.  Many counselors/teachers will spend hours of their own time outside of the school day writing your letters. Showing your gratitude towards your counselors/teachers with a hand written thank you card is very much appreciated.

6. Keep in touch with your letter writer. They would love to hear which schools you got into!