Nearly all college applications require letters of recommendation. These guidelines will help you know who and how to ask for letters.

    1. Ask the right people to recommend you

    Many students make the mistake of getting letters from distant acquaintances who have powerful or influential positions. The strategy often backfires. Your aunt’s neighbor’s stepfather may know Bill Gates, but Bill Gates doesn’t know you well enough to write a meaningful letter. This type of celebrity letter will make your application seem superficial. The best recommenders are teachers, coaches, and mentors you have worked with closely.

    2. Ask politely

    Remember, you are asking for a favor. People have a right to refuse your request. Don’t assume that it is anyone’s duty to write a letter for you, and realize that these letters take a lot of time out of your recommender’s already busy schedule. Most teachers, of course, will write you a letter, but you should always frame your request with the appropriate “thank you” and gratitude.

    3. Allow enough time

    Don’t request a letter on Thursday if it is due on Friday. Respect your recommender and give him or her a couple weeks minimum to write your letters. Your request already imposes on your recommender’s time, and a last-minute request is an even greater imposition.

    4. Provide detailed instructions

    Make sure your recommenders know exactly when the letters are due and where they should be sent. Also, be sure to tell your recommenders what your goals are for college so that they can focus the letters on relevant issues.

    5. Don’t be afraid to remind

    Some people procrastinate and others are forgetful. You don’t want to nag anyone, but an occasional reminder is always a good idea if you don’t think your letters have been written yet. You can accomplish this in a polite way. Avoid a pushy statement like, “Mr. Smith, have you written my letter yet?” Instead, try a polite comment such as, “Mr. Smith, I just want to thank you again for writing my letters of recommendation.” If Mr. Smith hasn’t actually written the letters yet, you’ve now reminded him of his responsibility.

    6. Send thank-you cards

    After the letters have been written and mailed, follow up with thank-you notes to your recommenders. A simple card shows that you value their efforts. It’s a win-win situation: you end up looking mature and responsible, and your recommenders feel appreciate.

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