Transcript Wk5 (Letters of Rec)

Apply Yourself!
Week Five
Letters of Recommendation
1
We will learn…
 what a letter of recommendation is.
 why it is necessary.
 who you should ask to write one.
 what you should give to your referrer.
 how to ask someone to write you a
letter.
2
What Is a Letter of
Recommendation?
 A letter written on your behalf
 Can be written by a teacher, employer,
counselor, etc
 Your referrer recommends you to the school
you are applying to.
 You are often not allowed to see what the
referrer writes.
3
Why Are They Necessary?
 They help schools get a better picture of you.
 They can emphasize non-academic
accomplishments.
 They explain why you will be an asset to the
school from someone who knows you.
 Most schools require 1-3 as part of the
application.
4
Who Should I Ask?
 Ask someone who knows you personally and
academically.
 Ask someone who knows about your career
plans.
 Ask someone who will write a strong letter.
 Ask someone who will complete the letter on
time.
 Check your application to see if they require
a specific person (counselor, teacher, etc.).
 Good examples: teachers, counselors,
employers, coaches, advisors, supervisors, 5
What Should I Give to My
Referrer?
 A recommendation form from the school (if
applicable)
 The address to send it (an addressed and
stamped envelope too!)
 A list of accomplishments so they have
something to work with
 A way to contact you with questions
 Plenty of time before the deadline
 A big Thank You!
6
How to Ask?
 If you know some of the faculty well, politely
ask them to write you a letter and give them
plenty of information.
 If you aren’t very close with any school
faculty, try one of the following statements:
7
Starters:
Hi. I am applying to ______ and am looking
for people to write me a letter of
recommendation. I have a list of my interests
and accomplishments to help. Would you be
willing to write a letter on my behalf?
Hi. I am applying to _____ and was hoping
you could write a letter of rec for me. If you
need to know more about me, maybe we can
meet after class? I have a list of my interests
and accomplishments with me as well.
8
References
 Rochester, L., and Mandell, J. (1989).
The one hour college applicant: You
don’t need to read a 300-page book to
apply to college. Memphis: Mustang
Publishing Company.
9
Questions??
10