How to Obtain a Teacher Letter of Recommendation
If You Have Asked a Teacher
To request a letter of recommendation from a
teacher, follow these procedures:
Select a teacher who has knowledge of your accomplishments or academic and personal qualities who would write a positive letter distinguishing you from other applicants. Some colleges request your letters be written by teachers of particular subject areas and certain grade levels. Check the instructions in your admissions packet. Many of you asked a teacher last spring to write a letter. If so, go back to that teacher and present the materials necessary for mailing your letter included in this presentation.
If you have not asked a teacher, at an appropriate
moment when your teacher is not encumbered by class business or surrounded by other students, ask politely if this teacher would be willing to write your letter.
If You Have Not Asked a Teacher Yet
If you receive a positive response, you must now
organize a packet of the materials your teacher will need to write an effective letter for you.
If you are applying to more than one college requiring
a letter, ask this teacher if he/she would mind generating one letter to be sent to several colleges.
Last Dates to Submit Teacher Recommendation Packets Early Decision or Early Action: Other Admission Plans:
October 1th is the last
day a Teacher Recommendation Packet can be submitted
December 1st is the
last date for all other deadlines or the letter to the college may be late.
Submitting the Teacher Recommendation Packet
Submit the following to your
teacher at least three weeks prior to the first postmark deadline. Any student who gives less than three weeks notice must realize the letter(s) may not be submitted on time.
1. TEACHER RECOMMENDATION COVER SHEET stapled to the top outside cover of a manila folder. Included inside the folder should be the following: 2. TEACHER RECOMMENDATION FORM taken from the admissions packet of each college. If you are requesting the same letter be duplicated for several colleges you will still need each college’s form included for your teacher. Fill out your section of the form. 3. ADDRESSED AND STAMPED ENVELOPE 8/12x 11 inches, and two First Class stamps for each letter request. 4. STUDENT REQUEST for TEACHER RECOMMENDATION QUESTIONNAIRE (see following pages) 5. Resume –a copy of your resume to assist this teacher in writing about you.
Download Teacher Recommendation Packet
Click here to download the Teacher
Recommendation Packet
1. Teacher Recommendation Packet Cover Sheet
Stapled to the top
outside cover of a manila folder. Included inside the folder should be the following:
2. Teacher Recommendation Form
You will find something like this in the admissions packet of each college. Some colleges will not have a specific form but will ask that a teacher send a letter on school letterhead. If you are requesting the same letter be duplicated for several colleges you will still need each college’s form included for your teacher. Fill out your section of the form.
3. Addressed and Stamped Envelope for Each College
8/12x 11 inch envelope for each college, with two First Class stamps
Write in the Saint Francis High School Address.
Make sure there are two First Class Stamps on each envelope
Office of Undergraduate Admissions Occidental College 1600 Campus Road Los Angeles, CA 94001
4. Student Request for Teacher Recommendation Questionnaire
5. College Essay
Presenting a college essay will give your
teacher more insight. Use the college essay written for your English class last year. Consider what a strange would learn about you from reading the essay. Does the essay portray your personal qualities?
Check In
Prior to the first deadline, politely check in
with your teacher to see if any additional information is needed. This is also a way of reminding your teacher of the impending deadline(s).
Thank Your Teacher
Be sure to keep your teacher up to date on
your admissions progress.
A small thank you note or gift may be a
nice way to show your appreciation.