Summer Applications

If you need a summer program recommendation, come see me
in person and followup with an email.

I will not fill out a recommendation unless you do.

College Recommendation Letters

Every year I get dozens of requests for recommendations, and I spend a lot of my spare time writing them. College Recommendation Letters require a good working knowledge of the subject, some effort, and a chunk of time. I do not automatically say "yes" to every request. I want to do a good job, so you have to answer some questions.

Why are you asking me to write a letter?

Maybe you enjoyed my class, or you got a good grade, or you need a recommendation from a teacher in my subject. That's great, but a good rec letter requires the author being familiar with the student. Am I the best person to write this? Most likely, I only know what you did in my class and nothing about what you do outside. Colleges want to hear about your greatest accomplishments, your volunteer work, your approach to stressful situations, how you plan to save the world, etc. You have to make it clear to me why I am best qualified to write this letter.

What do you expect me to say about you?

Recommendation letters are marketing tools that go beyond your transcript and personal essay. The rec letter should say something special about you and shine a light on an accomplishment or quality that was not in your essay. Write a short piece about yourself, and give me something different or novel that I can use in the letter.

Why are you applying to your chosen college?

Hopefully, you have winnowed your list down to a few select colleges. Let me know which colleges are on your list.
Consider the following:

  • Is your choice realistic? Don't waste your time applying to schools that immediately eliminate you based on your GPA or SAT scores.
  • Is your list too long? Your list should include a college that matches your abilities and accomplishments, a "stretch" college, and a "safe" college. Too many college applications means you are not clear on your goals or your choices.

Recommendation Process

If you have read all of this and still want my recommendation, then come see me in person. Bring the following:

  1. your transcript
  2. a copy of your college essay(s)
  3. a list of colleges and submission due dates
  4. a filled out Recommendation Request Form (PDF) (Word)

Once I have had a chance to look over these documents, then I can start on a recommendation.