Recommendation Articles

 

Our panelists reveal how much they actually expect students to put together the "perfect application."

So your uncle attended your dream school. Should you ask him to write you a recommendation?

Maybe your school is too expensive. Maybe you finished a two year program and want to pursue a four year degree. Maybe you've given the social scene your best shot but you haven't been able to find your niche. Maybe

Do you ever wonder what colleges are really looking for in prospective students? Well, here are the answers.

Choose teachers who know you well and like you! Pick teachers who have taught you either junior or senior years. English teachers tend to write well, so they are usually a good bet. An academic teacher who has also known you outside the classroom (through clubs or sports teams) is generally an excellent choice. Ask a teacher who respects you and can testify to some of your intangible qualities, i.e. intellectual curiosity, academic passion. The best teacher to ask is not necessarily the one who gave you the highest grade. Sometimes, picking a teacher in a class where you have struggled and persevered, might be an excellent option.

The process for getting those letters is relatively straightforward, but there are certain things that will speed up the procedure and guarantee that you receive the best recommendations possible.