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Most colleges require 2 letters of recommendation. Some colleges
put a high degree of importance on these letters while other colleges
don’t even look at them. The point is, this is your chance to shine by
having a professional who has seen you in action write about how amazing
you are. There are a few things to remember when acquiring a letter of
recommendation.
- Be
sure to pick up the recommendation form from the
Counseling
Center
. You should have one for each letter.
- At
the top of the form it asks you if you waive your right to see the
letter.
DON
”T WAIVE YOUR RIGHT. It is a good idea for you to take a look at
the letter before it is sent out.
- While
you need two letters, acquiring 3 or 4 is not a bad idea. If you
have a teacher who attended the school where you are applying, this
can really boast your chances of acceptance. The back of the course
selection handbook has a list of faculty and the last college they
attended.
- It
is perfectly acceptable for you to ask a teacher you learned from in
Junior year. This is especially important if you are going for early
decision. Many junior teachers will not write a letter for a student
who is no longer in that teachers class so ask before the end of the
year. Don’t wait until the end of the year as teachers are
overwhelmed with assessments and grades.
- To
request a letter of recommendation, simply approach the teacher
(never during class time) with the recommendation form and ask,
“If it’s not too much trouble, would you consider writing a
letter of recommendation for me?” Most teachers consider this an
honor so don’t be shy. BE SURE TO SAY,”THANK YOU”.
- Wait
about 2 weeks and then go to the Counseling center to ask them if
your letter has been submitted. I hate to have to tell you this but
it is possible that a teacher will tell you he/she will write a
letter and then not submit a letter to Counseling. If, after two
weeks, no letter has arrived, ask the teacher if he/she has had time
to complete the letter. If, after another week no letter has been
submitted, ask another teacher to write the letter for you.
- I
suggest that you get three or four letters. If you have a clear
first choice school, you may consider asking a teacher who is a
graduate to write a letter specifically for that school.
- You
are not allowed to receive the letter from the teacher. He/she must
submit it to the Counseling Department. You can ask your counselor
to show you the letter there and decide if you want it sent with
your application.
- You
may ask someone who is not a teacher at O’Hara to write a letter
for you. He/she will need to mail the letter to the Counseling
Department (attention: your counselor).
- Once
your letter has been submitted to the Counseling Department it is
IMPORTANT for you to send a “Thank You” note to the teacher. It
takes a teacher about 30 minutes to write a good letter and the
least you can do is say thank you.
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