College Search Essentials - The Letter of Recommendation

A letter of recommendation isn't always required to get into a college or obtain a scholarship, but sooner or later in your college search you are going to need one.

If push came to shove with your college essay you could stay up all night writing to get it finished in time. That's not the case with your letter of recommendation. The writing is in someone else's hands. So before anyone gets started on your behalf check out these tips on how to get the letter that will get you in.

1. Who to ask: The better a teacher knows you the more fully they can speak of your abilities, contributions and potential. The first step in the letter of recommendation process is really: Find a buddy. Is there a teacher whose class you particularly enjoy? Do you have good grades and history of participation in a class? This may be the teacher to ask. If you are active in a school club perhaps you are close with the sponsor. Some teachers won't write a letter if they don't know you. So if you haven't yet pick a class and get active. Pick a teacher and make a friend. Do not feel uncomfortable asking a teacher for a recommendation. You are most likely not the first to ask.

2. When to ask: Ask well in advance of your deadline. You may pull an all-nighter for your projects, but don't expect the same when you're asking a favor. Plus, one teacher may be asked to write letters for several students. If you wait until late in the college admissions calendar a teacher may be unavailable to write or may be rushed when composing the letter.

3. What do you need: Keep in mind a letter's purpose when you ask for a recommendation. One teacher may better qualified to speak on your academic prowess, while a coach may be able to talk about your leadership or community involvement. Tell a teacher the letter's intent. Don't be afraid to ask the writer to highlight certain attributes. Also, tell the writer if this letter is for a specific school or scholarships or if the letter will be used with all of your applications. You may want to keep one or two standard letters of recommendation for applications.

4. When it's time: Be sure a teacher understands your deadlines. If a teacher is mailing the letter directly to the school you should provide an addressed and stamped envelope.