Seniors, Here's How To Get The Best Possible Recommendation Letters

The recommendation letter helps colleges understand what you’re like as a student in your high school classroom, and what you could contribute to their campus. 

This year, especially, with inconsistency around grades and inequitable online learning experiences and barriers to taking the all-important SAT or ACT, your recommendation letters will provide crucial insights for admissions committees. 

How can you earn a glowing recommendation? Keep reading for Revolution’s best tips. 

1. Choose someone who can showcase your strengths

Are you applying to study math? You likely want a math teacher as one of your recommenders. Continuity between sections of the application reinforces your “hook.” Also, PLEASE make sure you did well in their class! You want someone who will enthusiastically speak to your successes.

2. Share a brag sheet 

Once you’ve identified a recommender, and they’ve agreed to write for you, share a brag sheet to remind them of your accomplishments. If you have a resume or activities sheet prepared, that’s a great thing to send along. If there’s a specific accomplishment or extracurricular you’d like them to highlight, you could let them know that as well. 

3. Build relationships

Stay after class to chat, or ask your teacher if they’ve read that article that relates to the topic you’re discussing. Be genuinely engaged, and teachers will be more likely to be on your team! If they like you, they’ll want to help you! 

Want to run through your options? Schedule time to talk.