It's spring, early May, AP tests start this week, and you are nearing the end of school; but have you considered who might be writing your letter(s) of recommendation?
I try to begin this process as early as the freshman year by encouraging my counselees and clients to participate in class, to take the initiative in projects and discussions by volunteering, and to also reach out to students who need academic assistance. Teachers take notice of students who distinguish themselves as different from the status quo. Of course, even just as important as the forementioned is the behavior and attitude exhibited by the student in the classroom and on school property. This includes indiscretions that present inappropriate behavior and poor judgment; thus resulting in detentions, suspensions, and the worse, expulsion.
A teacher’s recommendation represents a subjective, yet objective, portrayal of an student’s ability to function in an educational setting, navigated by a daily assessment. The evaluation presents both the academic and behavioral perspective. Teachers opinions can form early, so why get off on a bad start.
I suggest that students consider teachers who can best present qualifications that are not obvious on a transcript. To have a teacher only say, “John gets A’s and B’s in my class,” as the recommendation is not very helpful to the admissions committee, because they will access that information by reviewing the transcript.
Students who participate and engage in class give teachers more substance for a recommendation and colleges can view a more complete student profile. This helps to distinguish the applicant from his/her competition in tight decisions.
As a school counselor, I highly recommend my students schedule a minimum of three appointments, per semester, to meet with me, in order to establish rapport and to work collaboratively throughout their high school career. It's helpful to have a counselor's recommendation that can present supportive insight not obvious on a transcript, as well.
I encourage my second semester juniors to approach their intended teacher(s) about the upcoming recommendation before school ends, since some teachers limit the number of letters they will write. If a student plans to declare a major, I always suggest a letter from a teacher in the discipline, or related area. If the student is undecided, I suggest an academic teacher. If the major is an elective, then a teacher in the related subject would be wise.
So how do you approach the teacher? First of all, it should be posed in the form of a question, since the teacher is not obligated to write a letter. You could say, "Ms. Smith, I am planning on applying to College A and College B as an engineering major. I would like to know if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me, since you are my AP Calculus teacher this year?" If the teacher agrees, remember to say "Thank you." You can also include that once your plans are more definitive, you will return with details. The details will be the deadline dates, forms, and other pertinent requirements. Ask the teacher if more is preferred from you, such as a resume. Some teachers like to include additional support in their letters.
If the teacher declines, do not be overly sensitive and try to psychoanalyze the rejection. Of course you might be disappointed, but still express gratitude to the teacher for listening to your request. Many teachers decline to write a letter because they feel it is in the best interest of the student. They don't feel it's appropriate to mislead a student if they cannot be supportive on their behalf.
Always be sure to follow directions, which means, don’t request a recommendation from a non-school source, unless permitted. Why raise unnecessary red flags?
Select teachers who return graded tests and quizzes on time. If promptness is not their forte, you don’t want that trait to affect the timely manner your materials are submitted to the admissions office.
Taking care of this business now, will eliminate stress and uncertainty months later. Remember, early intervention is the key!!
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