By Marjorie Hansen Shaevitz

Table of Contents

Definition Of Letter Of Recommendation

The Bottom Line

Timelines For Asking People To Write Letters Of Recommendation

Sophomore and Junior Years
End of Junior Year
Senior Year

August/September
October
November
January

Parents

A. High School Counselor: Secondary School Report Form And School Profile

Definition Of School Profile

Other People Who Might Complete The School Report Form
Helping The Counselor Do A Good Job For You
What To Provide The Counselor
Dos And Don’ts In Working With The School Counselor

FAQ #1: What if I get a new college counselor at the beginning of my senior year?

B. High School Teachers: Teacher Evaluation and Instructor

Recommendation Forms

Who To Ask To Complete The Teacher Evaluation Or Recommendation Forms

Formula For Determining Who To Ask

FAQ #2: One of my applications says that I need teacher recommendations from different disciplines. What if my strongest ties are with teachers who are both in the social sciences?

Helping Teachers Do A Good Job For You

What To Provide Teachers

C. Other Recommenders

What To Provide Other Recommenders

FAQ #3: Who should I NOT ask to write a letter of recommendation for me?

D. Keeping Track Of All Those Forms And Letters To Make Sure The Colleges Receive Them

Endnote

Recommended Resources

Websites
Books