UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

updated on 2/3/09

A General Statement: Teachers recognize that many schools require students to have letters of recommendation and that we have an obligation, as a faculty, to assist students in meeting those requirements. Students should realize that composing an initial letter takes one to two hours. Each application can add an additional one half hour to complete. Asking a teacher to write letters for five schools, for example, can take several hours.

Expectations:

· Include all materials in a manila envelope

· Print in chronological order on the outside of the envelope the schools with the dates that the applications are due

· Include self-addressed stamped envelopes attached to each application

· Make sure that all portions of forms that you are responsible for are filled out

· In the case of a “common form,” include a separate copy of the form for each school

· Submit all requests for letters at a single time

· Give teachers a minimum of ten working days (and more if possible)

Things to Include (individual teacher’s needs may vary):

· Copy of transcript

· Brag sheet – list of clubs, honors, activities outside of school

· College essay (check with teacher)

· Specific things you may wish the teacher to note

· Your career goals and/or intended college major

Manners:

· Keep in mind that teachers of honors, AP and other upper division courses often receive more requests than they can reasonably handle. Ask early and have a backup choice.

· Understand that sometimes teachers do not feel comfortable writing letters for certain individuals. Respect their refusals.

· Choosing not to sign the “confidentiality waiver” may not be in your best interest. Many teachers feel constrained when their letters are shared with the student. The result is a letter that is more generic and does not describe your special abilities.

· Considering the limitations on teachers’ time, please apply only to schools that you are seriously considering attending.

· Asking two or more teachers from the same subject area in order to “split their load” only adds an additional burden on everyone. Please minimize the number of teachers per department whom you ask to write a letter.

· An appropriate and sufficient expression of appreciation is a thank you note.

· Teachers like to know if you were admitted to the school of your choice and where you plan to attend. Don’t forget to tell them.