Letters of recommendation are a key part of your Common App application. A strong letter can provide admissions officers with valuable insight into your abilities, character, and potential. But how do you go about securing the best letters of recommendation? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to request and manage letters of recommendation for your Common App. For more tips and resources, visit CommonApps.
1. Understand the Importance of Letters of Recommendation
Before requesting letters of recommendation, it’s important to understand why they matter. Admissions officers use these letters to learn more about you beyond your grades and test scores. They want to understand:
- Your character: How do you act in school? Are you kind, responsible, and a leader in the community?
- Your academic abilities: What are your strengths in the classroom? Are you diligent and committed?
- Your potential: What can you contribute to the campus community?
Knowing what colleges are looking for can help you approach your recommenders in a way that will get you the best letters. For more guidance on managing your letters, visit CommonApps.
2. Choose the Right Recommenders
Selecting the right people to write your letters of recommendation is critical. The best recommenders are those who know you well and can speak to your strengths. Here’s how to choose wisely:
- Teachers: Choose teachers who taught you in core subjects like English, Math, or Science. Ideally, they should have taught you in your junior or senior year and be able to speak to your academic growth.
- Counselors: Your high school counselor can write a strong letter that speaks to your overall character, accomplishments, and potential. They often have a wider perspective on your academic and extracurricular achievements.
- Other mentors: If you’ve worked closely with a mentor, coach, or employer who can speak to your skills and character, consider asking them for a recommendation as well.
For more information on how to choose the best recommenders, check out CommonApps.
3. Ask Early and Politely
Teachers and counselors are busy, so it’s important to ask for a letter of recommendation well in advance. Ideally, you should make your request at least 4-6 weeks before the application deadline. Here’s how to do it:
- Ask politely: Approach your recommenders with respect and ask if they would be willing to write a strong letter of recommendation for you.
- Provide details: Give your recommenders plenty of time to get to know your achievements and personality. Share your resume, a list of accomplishments, and any personal information that might help them write a detailed and personalized letter.
- Set a clear deadline: Let them know the exact date by which you need the letter submitted. Give them a reasonable timeframe to write it.
To help guide you in making your request, visit CommonApps.
4. Provide the Necessary Information
To help your recommenders write a detailed and compelling letter, make sure to provide them with all the relevant information. This will save them time and allow them to write a more effective letter. Include:
- A copy of your resume: This will give your recommenders an overview of your achievements, extracurricular activities, and skills.
- Personal statement or essay: If you have a draft of your personal statement or essay, share it with your recommenders so they can tailor their letters to align with your narrative.
- Details about the schools you’re applying to: If there are any specific programs or aspects of your application you want them to focus on, let them know.
For additional tips on providing information to your recommenders, visit CommonApps.
5. Submit Letters of Recommendation via Common App
Once your recommenders have written their letters, they will need to submit them through the Common App. Here’s how the process works:
- Add recommenders to your Common App: Log into your Common App account, go to the “Recommenders and FERPA” section, and add the names and email addresses of your recommenders.
- Request the letter submission: After you’ve added your recommenders, send them an invitation to submit their letters electronically. They will receive an email with a link to upload their letter directly to the Common App.
- Track the submission: You can monitor the status of your recommenders’ submissions through your Common App dashboard. Make sure that all letters are submitted before the deadline.
To learn more about submitting recommendation letters, check out CommonApps.
6. Follow Up and Express Gratitude
Once your recommenders have submitted their letters, be sure to thank them for their time and effort. A simple thank-you note or email expressing your gratitude can go a long way in showing appreciation for their support. Additionally:
- Follow up: If the deadline is approaching and the letters haven’t been submitted, send a polite reminder.
- Update them on your results: Once you’ve received your admissions decisions, let your recommenders know how things turned out. They’ll appreciate hearing about your success.
For further advice on following up with your recommenders, visit CommonApps.
Conclusion
Securing strong letters of recommendation for your Common App is crucial to your college application. By choosing the right recommenders, providing them with the necessary information, and submitting your letters on time, you can ensure that this important part of your application is handled smoothly. For more tips on managing letters of recommendation, visit CommonApps.
With careful preparation and attention to detail, you can make sure your recommendation letters reflect your best qualities and support your college applications.