Recommendation letters are one part of the college application process that a lot of people seem to slack on. Even though it’s not your responsibility to write the actual letter, it is most certainly your responsibility to build the necessary relationships with teachers and others in order to receive a good recommendation letter. I’m not suggesting that you run out and buy your teachers flowers and candy, but rather that you get to know one or two teachers, coaches, or administrators in a way that they feel comfortable vouching for your awesomeness. I was very close with my homeroom teacher because he was also my class advisor and my Spanish teacher. Because he knew me better than most of my other teachers he was able to write a very personalized and sincere recommendation letter, which makes a huge difference. If you don’t have a teacher with whom you feel comfortable building a relationship, try to get to know a guidance counselor, a class advisor, or a coach. Just keep in mind, receiving a glowing recommendation letter requires more effort than just asking for the letter. Lay the groundwork, build a relationship, and get a letter that accurately reflects all of your great attributes!
Recommendation Letters
Published: July 3, 2009
About the Author
BRITTANY: Massachusetts-born Brittany is an Economics major, lacrosse player, and rising junior at Brown University. As our only recruited athlete, Brittany will provide an untraditional perspective to the college admissions process.
This will help me with my college application.
There are a few things you can do to obtain a solid letter of rec if you are homeschooled:
1) If you have a mentor you have been working with during your studies, they are great.
2) Do you do any community work? The people you interact with there should have a good idea of your worth ethic and capabilities. Do not be afraid to ask them!
3) Whatever you do, do not ask any relatives. Even if they were pretty involved in the process, colleges generally do not like to have direct relatives giving an objective analysis of your skills.
But the best piece of advice I can give here is for you to go check out the schools you think you want to apply to and look at their homeschooling requirements. You are not the only one in this position
They often have a whole section in their admissions info that will take you step by step through it all.
Hope that helps!!
Best,
Shawna