How to Obtain a Counselor Letter of Recommendation
Timeline
A Counselor Recommendation Packet Folder must be submitted
to Mrs. Weber in the Counseling Center at least three weeks before the postmark due date.
3…3…3 Three Weeks Notice is Required!!!
Timeline:
Read this PowerPoint Presentation and Download the Counselor Recommendation Packet
3…3…3 Three Weeks Notice is required
Fill out the Counselor Recommendation Packet completely
Bring a Counselor Recommendation Folder with all materials included to Mrs. Weber in the Counseling Center
If you are submitting a request for several letters, the earliest due date should be considered.
College 1 Due 11/1 College 2 Due 12/1 College 3 Due 1/1
Any student who gives less than three weeks notice must realize that the letter(s) may not be submitted on time.
If you are requesting letters for several colleges, organize all your requests in one folder.
Cover Sheet
Use Cover Sheet and list several colleges
If you need to request more letters later, create a new folder for the additional colleges.
Last Dates to Submit Counselor Recommendation Packets
Early Decision or Early Action
Other Admission Plans
October 6th is the last day a Counselor Recommendation Packet can be submitted
December 1st is the last date for all other deadlines or the letter to the college may be late.
All colleges have been notified that letters are sent directly from the school.
Letters will not be returned to you so send the rest of your materials without letters of recommendation. Colleges will notify you that they have received all application materials.
What is in the Counselor Recommendation Packet?
In order to request a letter of recommendation from a counselor, you must submit items1-7 explained on the following slides to Mrs. Weber in the Counseling Office enclosed in a manila folder.
Packets must be completed and turned in no later than October 6 for EA or ED and December 1st for all other deadlines.
Required Items: 1. Counselor Packet Cover Sheet 2. Secondary School Report Forms 3. Student Questionnaire 4. Updated Resume 5. College Essay 6. Character/Anecdotal Statement-optional 7. 8 1/2 X 11 Envelope Addressed for each college 8. Transcript Request Form Submitted to the Front Office
Download Counselor Recommendation Packet
Click here to download a Counselor Recommendation Packet
1. COUNSELOR PACKET COVER SHEET
This should be stapled to the outside cover of a folder. Be sure to fill in all items on this sheet. If you are requesting letters for more than one college during the college admissions season, try to include all requests on this sheet. A new Counselor Recommendation Cover Sheet and folder must be submitted if you later add colleges to your initial request.
2. SECONDARY SCHOOL REPORT FORM(s)
This form is usually included in your admissions packet and should be detached from the application and placed in this folder.
This may also be titled as a Letter of Recommendation Form to be filled out by a counselor or school official. Be sure to include forms for all the colleges you have listed on your Counselor Recommendation Cover Sheet. Request the appropriate number of copies of your official transcript to be placed in your counselor’s box before your first deadline.
Example of a School Report Form
3. STUDENT INFORMATION QUESTIONNAIRE
The Student
Information Questionnaire is
a part of the Counselor Recommendation Packet which can be downloaded from the Guidance and Counseling website.
4. Updated Resume
The Updated Resume should be an updated version of the one turned in to your junior English teacher last year.
5. College Essay
This should be a final typed version of the essay you will submit to one of the colleges you are applying to this year.
This essay should assist your counselor in distinguishing you as a college applicant.
6. Character/Anecdotal Statement-optional
This should be filled out by an adult who knows you well such as a parent, grandparent, older brother or sister or community member. This should not be a Saint Francis staff member who is already writing a letter for you.
7. Transcript Request Form Submitted to the Front Office
Request the appropriate number of copies of your official transcript to be placed in your counselor’s box before your first deadline.
Envelopes
Make sure there is an addressed 8 ½ X 11 inch envelope for each college. Use self sealing envelopes if possible
Envelopes
Place three First Class Stamps on an 8 ½ in envelope. Include an envelope in the Counselor Recommendation Folder for each college you would like a letter sent to Failure to fill the envelope out properly will delay your letter.
Three First Class Stamps Use 81/2 by 11 inch envelope Office of Undergraduate Admissions Occidental College 1600 Campus Road Los Angeles, CA 94001
Download the Counselor Recommendation Packet
Click to download the Counselor Recommendation Packet
REVIEW
Step 1: Staple the Counselor Recommendation Sheet to the outside cover of a manila folder. Step 2.: Fill out any section of the Secondary School Report Form requested such as your full legal name and social security number.
Step 3.: Write the name and address of the college to which you are applying on an 8 1/2 x11 inch envelope. Include one for each college. Step 4.: Affix three First Class stamps to the each envelope. Do not use a postage meter. Leave the return address blank.
Step 6.: Put all Secondary School Reports in the folder along with the envelopes and turn into Mrs. Weber in the Counseling Center at least three weeks prior to the first due date of the group of colleges in the folder. A new folder will be required if you later add colleges to your initial request.
Step 7. Go to the Main Office in the 100 Bldg. and fill out the Transcript Request Form for the same amount of colleges you listed on your folder. Make sure this request is made well in advance of any due dates. Transcripts should be given to your counselor. All letters of recommendation will be sent directly to the college or university.