Impactful College Recommendations

by Brenda Shepherd

As the application season approaches, now is the time for juniors to consider who can best advocate for them.

It’s awkward to ask someone for a favor. Maybe it’s even more so when the request is an important part of an already overwhelming experience like applying to college. But asking for a letter of recommendation from a teacher, school counselor, coach, employer, or peer is actually your way of saying, “I value the role you’ve played in my life and your perspective on my character and potential matters to me.”

You won’t know which schools require recommendations until applications open in August. However, if you're planning to apply to private colleges, it's wise to assume you'll need them. While some public universities do accept recommendations, most Florida public universities do not. Overall, it's best to have recommendations ready, as many applications for scholarships and honors colleges may require them.

Key Points to Remember:

1. Choose the Right Person: Select someone who can speak to your character and strengths, not just a teacher from a class where you excelled. A teacher who has seen you struggle, help classmates, or lead a discussion can provide valuable insights. First, you should choose two core subject area teachers, preferably from junior year. Choose one from math or science, and another from English, social studies, or world language. Depending on where you apply, you may also have the opportunity to ask an additional person who is not a core subject teacher.

   
   

2. Ask Politely: Request a recommendation in person or via email, ideally at least one month before your first deadline. Asking before summer break is even better. You may want to share why you are asking that person specifically, suggesting a moment they could highlight.

   
   

3. Provide Helpful Information: Ask your recommender what they need from you. Many high schools have students fill out a brag sheet or autobiography near the end of the semester, which tends to be more helpful than a résumé.

   
   

4. Understand the Process: Since multiple colleges may read the same letter, recommendations should be general and not tailored to specific institutions. You can assign different teachers to each school, but keep in mind you won’t be able to read their letters.

   
   

5. Be Mindful of Deadlines: It’s okay (and recommended if the deadline is close) to submit your application before a college receives all of your recommendations. Remind your teachers of deadlines, but don’t stress; most colleges allow a one- or two-week grace period for supporting materials.

   
   

6. Show Appreciation: Always write thank-you notes to express your gratitude for their time and effort in writing your recommendation.