TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS

[What do your teachers say about you?] 

Created By

Jim Dai

Acacia Jeppson

Amanda Jones

Kristine Popielarczyk

Kyndra Sisayaket

Amanda Vo

Teresa Zorich

What are 'Teacher Recommendations' and why do I need them?

     Teacher Recommendations, otherwise known as 'Letters of Recommendations,' are part of the application process for college.  They provide insight into your personality, achievements, and improvements inside and outside the classroom. 

     Letters of Recommendation allow colleges to see you as a person, rather than a grade-point average or a list of activities like on a resume.  Colleges want to see what you, as a person, can do.  These teacher recommendations can show colleges how you perform academically in the classroom.  Most colleges ask you to have at least one or two when you apply. 

How to Choose the "Right" Teacher 

     What TO do:    

- Ask a teacher from a class in which you actively participated.

- Give the teacher plenty of notice.

- Provide the teacher with a resume or a short anecdote about

something that happened in class.

      What NOT to do:  

- Ask a random teacher who you have never had

- Ask a teacher in a class in which you received a low grade

                    (especially if that grade was lack of effort)

- Ask a teacher who doesn't like you

Suggestions for Who to Ask

      There are many people you can ask for a teacher recommendation, but a recommendation should be written by those who know you best.  Here are some of the best people to ask:

• An English teacher
• A Math teacher
• A coach or a supervisor in an activity
• A counselor 

What to Have When Asking

      Teachers need to have some information about you before they write your recommendation, even if they know everything about you.  Here are some things you might give:

• A short anecdote about you in a class or activity
• For example, at first, your writing was horrible, but you improved so much over the school year.  That would be something worthwhile to write about. 
• A list of colleges applying for, along with deadlines and appropriate forms - (Very important!)
• A list of goals and interests
• A list of some accomplishments or activities

More Tips with Teacher Recommendations

       We all need those teacher recommendations, but how do we get them?  The best way is to ask for them, but how do we?  Here are some tips and guidelines to follow when working toward that prized letter of recommendation:

• Never wait until the last minute to ask your teacher for a letter of recommendation.  The less time a teacher has to write a letter, the less time they will spend on it.  Also, many teachers write recommendation letters for multiple students, so ask at least three weeks before the due date so the teachers have plenty of time to write quality letters without stressing out.  

• Ask a teacher who actually knows and likes you. A teacher recommendation full of unnecessary baggage will only degrade your image to colleges.  The more they know about you, the better your letter of recommendation will turn out.  Make sure it's good, not bad.
• Recommendation:  If you've already dug the hole for yourself, try to change and improve.  Teachers will more likely write about your improvements than your previous character.  

• Make sure they say something positive about you.  If a teacher tells you that they will not write a positive recommendation, it is better to ask someone else. 

• Do not pester or pressure a teacher if they are writing a recommendation for you at the moment.  Reminders are fine, but reminders too often can make a teacher feel pressured. 

• Proofread your teacher recommendation before sending it in.  Teachers can make mistakes when writing them.  Check it for any errors or if you want to add any more information.

• Remember to thank the teachers who recommended you.  They spent their time perfecting this letter just for you.  Give a thank you note or do an act of service in return. 

• DO NOT FORGET to have your teachers sign the teacher recommendations!

Teacher Interviews

     These teachers have been writing recommendation letters for years and have a good idea of what helps them write the best letters possible for students. 

     Interview with Mrs Smith

     Interview with Mr Kelly

More Teacher Recommendation Help

     Need more help?

• CollegeBoard - Teacher Tips - Collegeboard.com is very useful about college info period.
• Jerome A. Cole's Video Guide - Jerome A. Cole, M.A., is the Director of College Counseling for the Edmund Burke school in Washington, D.C. and the founder of Cole Educational Consulting Services.  There are a few videos he has about teacher recommendations.
• Sample Letters of Recommendations - Examples - These aren't perfect, but they're useful as a guideline. 

About Teacher Recommendations

      FAQ - Teacher Recommendations  

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