How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation for College

A recommendation letter for college is a letter written by a previous teacher, employer, or another person who can vouch for your personal character, abilities, and academic performance. Universities and colleges ask for recommendation letters because they allow for a more holistic view of the potential student and provide information about an applicant’s abilities to learn and grow within their college program. It also gives insight as to an applicant’s willingness to work hard as well as their commitment to their education.

Most colleges and universities want to see recommendation letters from an applicant’s high school teachers, counselors, mentors, or previous employers. However, some schools require letters of recommendation from specific individuals. For example, if a person is applying for an English program, the admissions board may ask that the applicant provide two letters of recommendation from previous English teachers.

Some universities and colleges are much less stringent in their guidelines. For example, a college may simply ask that applicants submit one letter of recommendation from someone in academics.

To ensure an effective recommendation letter, applicants should ask sources who have a solid understanding of the applicant’s academic abilities and personal strengths. The more detailed a letter is, the more likely it is to have a lasting impact on the admissions team at a college.

The following are steps to follow when asking for a letter of recommendation for college:

1. Make sure you’re asking ahead of time. Before you ask for a recommendation letter, you must first ensure there is plenty of time for whoever you ask to write the letter. A good rule of thumb is to ask at least a month in advance of when the letter needs to be submitted. Many teachers receive several requests for recommendation letters, and writing these letters in addition to their regular academic responsibilities can be overwhelming. Providing your letter writers with ample time will ensure they can write an effective letter and don’t feel rushed or pressured.
2. Make your request in person. Asking a teacher or other academic figure in person to write a letter of recommendation for you is much more personal and mature compared to sending an email or writing a note. Set a time to meet with the individual you wish to ask to ensure there is enough time to discuss the details and that you aren’t interrupting their schedule.
3. Prepare what you’ll say in advance. Asking someone to write a letter of recommendation on your behalf can be nerve-wracking. To stave off nerves, prepare what you’ll say ahead of time and practice with a close friend or family member.
4. Provide the letter writer with all relevant information. If the person agrees to write a letter of recommendation for you, you’ll need to provide them with all of the relevant details needed to successfully write and submit the letter. Information to provide includes when the letter needs to be submitted, how to submit the letter, your goals and accomplishments, the colleges you’re applying to, the major you plan to pursue, and any other information that will allow the individual to write a well-rounded letter on your behalf.
5. Follow up. Follow up with your recommenders at least a week before your application deadlines to ensure they have either submitted the letter or still plan to do so. Be sure to thank them once again for their time and invite them to contact you should they have further questions.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when asking for a letter of recommendation for college:

• Give the recommender an out if they aren’t able to or don’t want to write the letter to avoid causing the recommender to feel pressured. It’s better to have a letter written by someone who truly wants to contribute to your college career than by someone who feels inconvenienced by the task.
• Provide information related to your values and goals in relation to your college career so the recommender has a better understanding of what you wish to accomplish.
• Give the recommender a resume if you have one that includes your strengths, skills, accomplishments.
• Always thank the recommender both when they agree to write the letter and after they have submitted the letter.

Here is an example of a college letter of recommendation letter request you can use when formulating your own:

Dear Mrs. Smith,

I am writing to ask for a letter of recommendation to be submitted alongside my application to Union University, where I am planning to pursue a major in English. I’m sure you have other students asking that you write recommendations on their behalf as well, so I appreciate your time in this matter.

I learned a significant amount about English when I took your English Honors class during my junior year, and I believe that you would be able to offer insight as to my abilities and understanding of English to increase my chances of getting accepted into college.

I have included a copy of my most recent resume and my application for your use. I have also included information about my accomplishments and abilities related to English.

If you agree to write the letter on my behalf, I will promptly send over all of the relevant information you’ll need to complete and submit the letter. If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I would appreciate knowing whether you’ll be able to write this letter at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely,

Sarah Jones

sarahjones@email.com

(748) 675-9347