Letters of Rec – Who should you pick?

Wed, Feb 8, 2023 11:30 AM

Letter of Recommendation season can be hectic for both students and teachers. It’s important to have your student pick out a few teachers they have bonded with over their high school career to potentially write a Letter of Recommendation for them. When your student chooses their letter writers, be sure to explain the importance of choosing a teacher or mentor who knows them in and out of the classroom. It is a good idea to provide teachers with a list of achievements and a brief description or even better a high school resume, so the teacher can reference this kind of information when they are writing their letter. However, having them write their letter just based on their own positive experience with your student can be priceless and much better than just re-sharing what your son or daughter has already listed in the activities section of their college application.

Since the most popular teachers often have several students asking them to write a Letter of Recommendation, I encourage your student to approach them no later than the spring of their junior year. Picking the right teacher(s) may be tough due to the impact virtual instruction has had on a teacher’s ability to get to know your student, and vice versa. Going with teachers in subjects that complement a student’s future college major is important too. If possible, students should avoid asking teachers who are known for writing an impersonal boilerplated letter because generic letters won’t showcase your student’s accomplishments and character.

Please note: some colleges also allow a student to submit a Letter of Recommendation from someone other than a teacher. This can be anyone who knows your student: from church youth leaders to coaches, or even a club sponsor. Be sure to have your student follow the directions listed on their college application on how many and what types of individuals they can request to get letters from.

Want to learn more tips and strategies or need an expert to help your family navigate your way through the college process? Schedule a FREE 15-minute Discovery Zoom Meeting with me TODAY!