Letters of Recommendation

Letters of Recommendation Procedures
Many schools require letters of recommendation to support an application for admission.  Most schools ask for three: one from your counselor and two from academic and/or art teachers.  Some schools specifically request that academic teacher recommendations come from a Math and an English teacher.  Some schools do not consider an arts teacher an academic teacher unless they have had you in an arts-related academic subject, e.g. Art History.  (Letters from these teachers should state this fact, or they may be undervalued.)  However, if you are applying as an art major, a letter from your primary art teacher is necessary.

Some students follow the unwise advice of “More is better.”  They submit an excessive number of recommendations.  A Helpful Hint from the Admissions Insiders’ motto: “The thicker the file, the thicker the skull.”  Do not go “recommendation crazy”!  Unless there are highly unusual circumstances, three are plenty. 

There is an aura of mystery that surrounds these letters of recommendation.  Because they are kept confidential (unless this is waived by the author) students and families usually do not read these letters.  Before we cover that aspect, it is important to know what actually is included in these letters of recommendation.  Please realize that both strengths and weaknesses are expected to be included in these letters. A good letter of recommendation will balance these qualities well.

The College Handbook contains more details on:

• What information the counselor and teacher recommendations provide
• How to ask for a recommendation
• What it means to waive access to your recommendations

About Confidentiality
It is important to understand that letters of recommendation are considered confidential.  A teacher or a counselor has the right to keep these letters private.  This can sometimes create anxiety on your part.  Some teachers opt to share the letter content before it is sent.  Again, this is their prerogative; you may not demand to see it.  Any letter of recommendation filed in your college counseling record is also kept in strictest confidentiality.  Written authorization from the teacher or counselor is required to permit you read this letter.  The letter is not part of your permanent school record, but will be kept on file by the College Counselor for four years should you transfer or re-apply in the future.

More importantly, admissions offices expect that these letters are confidential.  They depend on the evaluation as a private, honest exchange between professionals.  They trust that the information shared is an accurate portrait of your record, ability, personality and prospects. 

With This in Mind….

• Ask the teachers no later than November. (October for Early Decision candidates)
• Ask teachers who have taught you recently.
• Ask teachers who have had you in more than one course.
• Select a teacher who can support your declared major.
• You do not need to ask teachers from whom you earned an “A”, but one who knows you and your hard work best.
• Remember: Some colleges require a Math and English teacher recommendation specifically.  Check the application carefully before it is too late.
• Remember: Some schools do not accept teachers of arts classes as an academic recommendation.  If they have also taught you in an academic class, that should be included in their letter.
• Even if a college does not require a recommendation, it may be a good idea to send one in borderline circumstances.  Ask the College Counselor if in doubt.

Common Courtesies of Recommendation Writing
This particular step in the recommendation process is often overlooked at the Arts Academy. 
The act of writing a letter of recommendation takes a great deal of time.  It is only polite to properly thank the people who took the time and made the effort to help you in your college application process. 

Here are some basic rules of etiquette:

• Give the teacher plenty of time to write your recommendation.  It should be no less than three weeks ahead of any deadline.
• All requests should be made before the end of November. 
• Write the recommending teacher a thank you note in January.  State that you appreciate their efforts in helping your bid for admission.
• Write them another note in May when you have made your final decision about which school you will be attending.  All too often, students assume that word of mouth lets the teachers know.  This is not the case. It is your communication that lets them know where you will enroll. 

How to ask a teacher for a recommendation
You must ask in-person for a recommendation. Many teachers will just ignore a request scribbled on a piece of paper and left in their mailbox. Unless you talk directly with your teacher, you should assume that he or she is NOT writing you a recommendation. Make an appointment to meet with the teacher in private. At that appointment in a large envelope or manila folder, bring for them:

• Your resume
• Letter of Recommendation Form (filled-in: including all colleges’ names, addresses and application deadlines when each recommendation needs to be sent)
• A formal letter requesting a letter of recommendation
• Any teacher recommendation forms from your schools with your section completed.
• Pre-addressed envelopes for all colleges.

Spend some time talking to the teacher about why you are selecting him or her.  Ask if the teacher is capable of writing a positive letter in support of your application.  If they are not, thank them for their time, and find another teacher. 

How not to ask a teacher for a recommendation

• Passing in the hallway! (Show some respect. You want them to write nice things about you.)
• Three days before the application deadline!  (They can’t do it. Nor should they.)
• Without providing them any information! (They will be vague.)

Take a moment and think this through.  Would you rather have a teacher writing about you who has spent some time thinking about what they are saying, or one who is pressured and irritated by your inconsiderate disorganization?  The key is planning ahead.