Teacher Recommendations

In early September, you need to be thinking about whom you will approach for recommendations.

Those students who are considering or know they are applying early -- rolling state admissions/Nov. 1/Nov. 15 deadlines -- especially need to approach teachers in very early September.

Each school will indicate how many teacher recs are required so read the application carefully.

with some, you may choose whomever
with others, they will ask for an English teacher
with others, they will ask for a teacher from a discipline you're interested in pursuing
with a few, they will ask for a peer rec

In terms of whom you should approach, in some cases, it's very clear.

if they require an English teacher, then ask your junior English teacher or ask an English teacher you had sophomore year and senior year; to ask your current English teacher whom you've had only for one quarter is begging the reader of your file to ask WHY?
if they ask for a teacher in a discipline you are interested in, choose a teacher who knows you well, not necessarily a teacher for whom you merited an A; choose a junior year teacher if possible.

If you have total choice in the matter, give some thought to whom you will ask

if a teacher indicates -- verbally or in writing -- that he/she would like to write a letter for you, by all means pursue this
if you worked really hard for a grade with a teacher, particularly meeting outside of class, consider this teacher as he/she can make a case for your perseverance and initiative
if you are required to submit a peer rec, choose your friends wisely; make sure he/she can write and meet deadlines

If you are considering asking anyone from your scout leader, your athletic coach, your club sponsor, or your music teacher to an influential member of the community or a well-connected alum to write a letter for you, please consult your college counselor about the advisability of such a move.

Many rec forms ask you to indicate whether or not to waive the right to review the information contained in the teacher recommendation. We STRONGLY urge you to waive [some teachers will not write if you don't waive] because a confidential letter has more CREDIBILITY.

When you approach a teacher for a rec, please do it diplomatically. Ask the teacher if he/she can write a strong letter for you; if there is any hesitation, consider withdrawing the request and asking another teacher.

If a teacher agrees, then, at a convenient time, approach the teacher, give him/her

A copy of your UPDATED RESUME
The rec form FILLED OUT at the top
A STAMPED, ADDRESSED ENVELOPE [RETURN ADDRESS PHS]
on a post-it note, write out the DEADLINE

DO NOT SIMPLY DROP A FORM INTO A TEACHER'S MAILBOX IN THE UPPER SCHOOL OFFICE. Have the courage for a face-to-face encounter.

If you are asking the same teacher(s) to do more than one rec [they will write one letter], then present them with a folder in which you place your recs, your resume, your stamped and addressed envelopes and clearly marked deadline dates. Some teachers will also ask for your self-description.

Write your recommending teachers a brief note of thanks. Writing recs is a time consuming task that all teachers take seriously so thank them, even before you get word on your status with the school(s).

It's a thoughtful gesture if you keep a teacher who's submitted several recs informed about your responses from schools.