| Letters of recommendation are probably the most | | | | -Why you'd like that teacher to write you a |
| underlooked (and consequently underutilized) tools in | | | | recommendation |
| the college admissions process. | | | | -A few accomplishments that you're most proud of, |
| There's a fundamental reason why - high school | | | | and any accomplishments that were either in that |
| students are afraid of their teachers/bosses/coaches. | | | | teacher's classes or sponsored clubs |
| They're afraid of asking for what they really want - | | | | -What your overall story is for the Ivy Leagues, and |
| an outstanding, glowing letter of recommendation | | | | how what you've done helps you build on that story |
| that highlights strengths and re-affirms the student's | | | | 4. Prepare a brag-sheet/resume. This should be the |
| story. | | | | exact same one for Common Apps. Attach this for |
| Part of the solution is to simply get over yourself. Be | | | | additional context |
| courageous. That's something that this blog won't be | | | | 5. Chat with your teacher in-person when asking |
| able to help you achieve. | | | | them to write the rec. In this talk, make sure you |
| But I can help you with the process. And following | | | | cover things similar to Step 3 - why you're applying |
| these steps will significantly increase your chance of | | | | to Ivy League schools, why you think you should be |
| getting the exact letter of recommendation you'd | | | | admitted, what your story is that you're telling |
| hoped for - one that Harvard, Stanford, and the best | | | | adcoms, and why you thought they'd be a great |
| schools in the world will enjoy reading. | | | | recommender. Don't simply ask them to write a rec, |
| Here goes: | | | | smile politely, and walk out of the classroom. This |
| 1. Identify the teachers who a) know you best and | | | | in-person conversation is crucial to providing your |
| b) you performed the strongest in their classes. | | | | teacher more info about your particular process |
| These teachers will generally write the best letters of | | | | 6. GIVE YOUR TEACHER PLENTY OF TIME TO |
| recommendation. Hopefully they're the same ones | | | | WRITE THE RECOMMENDATION. A week is not |
| that sponsor extracurricular activities in which you | | | | enough. A month is perfect. This is yet another |
| partake. If not, I'd recommend approaching some of | | | | example of how early planning is critical for Ivy |
| them to sponsor new clubs that you'd be starting. | | | | League admissions |
| Win-win | | | | 7. Followup gently. If you haven't heard a response |
| 2. Have your parents meet with that teacher. I didn't | | | | from Mrs. Smith or Mr. Davis and there's 2 weeks |
| do this, but in retrospect I should have. | | | | before application deadlines, politely inquire about the |
| Parent-teacher conferences are a great way to | | | | status of your recommendation |
| strengthen the student-teacher bond, and a great | | | | 8. Thank them for their time. Give them a little |
| way for parents to indirectly express their wishes | | | | thank-you gift and/or card to express your gratitude. |
| (and their kid's wishes) to the teacher. Just make | | | | After all, this may not be the last time you'll ask for |
| sure this type of meeting is non-threatening and | | | | their help and they've just done something for which |
| friendly. I actually remember reading teacher | | | | they expect nothing in return |
| recommendations which obliquely referenced | | | | Step 5 is particularly important. Do everything else |
| controlling parents...these don't go over too well with | | | | wrong, but as long as you execute Step 5 well, your |
| admissions committees | | | | recommender will have the info and context they |
| 3. Prepare a letter addressed individually to that | | | | need to write you something thats personalized and |
| teacher. In this letter, talk about the following things: | | | | shows they care. After reading hundreds of these |
| -What schools and why - in more than just a few | | | | letters, you can quickly spot the genuine, heartfelt |
| sentences | | | | ones versus the form ones. |