How To Ask for a College Recommendation Letter

The Homeschool Highschool Podcast

This week on Homeschool Highschool Podcast: How To Ask for a College Recommendation Letter.

How To Ask for a College Recommendation Letter

For many years, 7Sister Vicki served as junior/senior advisor for our local homeschool umbrella school, while the rest of the 7Sisters taught these teens. SO we all have written a LOT of college recommendation letters for our homeschool students! Here are so tips that we always told our teens.

Plan Ahead for Recommendation Letters

One of the most important steps in securing a college recommendation letter is to plan ahead. Start the process early, ideally in the summer before senior year.

Start talking with your teen about getting recommendation letters and, together, try to identify potential recommenders. Anyone they have worked with can be a good recommender, such as teachers, coaches, mentors, youth pastors, volunteer leaders.

When it’s time, give your recommenders at least three to four weeks’ notice to ensure they have ample time to craft a quality letter. These are all people who who can provide valuable insights into their character and abilities, work ethics and commitment, and a growth mindset.

So understand the application timelines!

In addition to brainstorming with your teen on who to request a recommendation letter from, you will also want to understand the timelines for college applications, especially for those using the Common App.

This will help your teen manage time effectively and ensure that everything is submitted before the deadlines. It’s important to stay organized and keep track of all the requirements for each college or university your teen is interested in or applying to.

Empower Your Teen to Ask

Who asks for the recommendation letter? Not you! It’s time for your teen to prepare for the next stage in life, and that includes reaching out to appropriate individuals themselves for recommendation letters.

So encourage your teen to personally ask for the recommendation letter. This is an essential life skill that teaches them the importance of polite and direct communication. Whether in person or via a well-composed email, your teen should clearly request the favor, expressing gratitude and respect for the recommender’s time.

Ask in Private and Follow Up

Asking for a recommendation letter is one thing, but how your teen asks is equally as important. Coach your teen to ask for the recommendation letter in a private setting, not in front of others.

Doing so ensures the request is taken seriously and remembered. You do not want to assume the recommender will say “yes” and by asking in an open setting, your teen is putting the recommender in an uncomfortable situation..and possibly an embarrassing one for your teen as well.

After your teen does ask, they should follow up with an email. This puts the request on the recommender’s radar and provides a written record of the conversation. Do not be afraid to follow up multiple times too.

People get busy and things get pushed to the wayside the busier we become. Do not take it personal. Just politely bump it back up in the forefront of their attention by following up.

Provide Supporting Information

Once the recommender agrees, it’s a good idea for your teen to promptly send a list of their accomplishments and experiences, such as an experiential resume. This information helps the recommender highlight specific achievements and qualities, making the letter more personalized and impactful. Provide clear examples and anecdotes that showcase the your teen’s strengths and skills.

This can significantly enhance the credibility of the recommendation letter, and if it has been a while since they worked with your teen, it could refresh their memory of their experiences.

Then after the recommendation letter is written, encourage your teen to thank the recommender sincerely. A heartfelt email or even a handwritten note can go a long way in showing appreciation. It’s not mandatory but this really sends the message of gratitude and ends it with a nice touch of appreciation. It not only acknowledges the effort the recommender put into writing the letter but also fosters positive relationships.

You never know when their paths may cross again in the future!

How To Ask For A College Recommendation Letter

Securing a strong college recommendation letter is a vital part of the admissions process for soon-to-be graduating homeschool students. Use these steps to only help your teen in obtaining a compelling recommendation but also to teach them valuable life skills during the process.

Have questions or need more advice on college recommendation letters? Join the 7Sisters Homeschool Facebook group for support from experienced homeschool parents. Share your experiences, ask questions, and become part of a warm and friendly community dedicated to helping homeschool families succeed!

Thank you for Seth Tillman for editing this podcast and for Richie Soares with Homeschool and Humor for writing this blog post!

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The post How To Ask for a College Recommendation Letter appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.