The College Tip That Could Get You Into the Grad School You Want

When applying to college, you want to give yourself the best chances of getting in! In addition to grades and extracurriculars, letters of recommendations can help set you apart and better your chances when applying for competitive programs. Whether you are applying to a school for undergraduate or graduate programs, you will most likely be asked to submit 2-3 recommendation letters. No teacher is going to tank your chances by writing a bad recommendation, but at the same time, they can only speak into the extent of the relationship they have had with you. Have they seen you take initiative? Serve the community? Show professionalism? Commit to a worthy extracurricular program or project? The key to a great recommendation is investing in relationships with faculty you enjoy working with. Getting more involved with your teachers or college professors is easy if you ask! So, here is the plan:

Keep In Touch

You might not be thinking about college apps and letters of recs right now, but keep in touch with the teachers and professors that you've really enjoyed working with! When the time comes, you can feel comfortable and confident when asking them for a recommendation.

Most college students now have the intention of following up with grad school. Some college professors can have hundreds of students a semester! If you really enjoyed the class, keep in touch so they will genuinely remember who you are years later.  You might want to consider asking your school counselor! They may be able to offer more insight into your role at the school and growth over a longer period of time.

Get Involved

Consider asking a teacher who also knows you outside the classroom.For example, a teacher who you saw for extra help or advised your school club can make a great reference. By showing your teacher or professor that you take the initiative to explore opportunities, you'll end up with a strong and compelling recommendation letter instead of a generic one!

Prepare a Brag Sheet

Even if they know you well, it’s a good idea to take some time to speak with them. Make it easy for them to give positive, detailed information about your achievements and your potential by refreshing their memory. Here’s how:

Talk to them about your class participation. Remind them of specific work or projects you’re proud of. Tell them what you learned in class. Mention any challenges you overcame. Give them the information they need to provide specific examples of your work. If you need a recommendation letter from a counselor or other school official, follow these guidelines: Make an appointment ahead of time. Talk about your accomplishments, hobbies and plans for college and the future. If you need to discuss part of your transcript — low grades during your sophomore year, for example — do so. Explain why you had difficulty and discuss how you've changed and improved since then. Whether approaching teachers, a counselor or another reference, you may want to provide them with a resume that briefly outlines your activities, both in and outside the classroom, and your goals.

Know Your Deadlines

When asking for a recommendation, your teachers need to know your application deadlines! The earlier you ask, the better. Teachers are most free during the summer but make sure to ask your references at least one to two months before your deadline. If you apply for early decision or early action, you'll definitely need to ask for recommendations by the start of your senior year or before.

Remember, you aren't the only ones asking for recommendation letters! Your teacher will write a better letter if they are not rushed. It doesn't hurt to send a couple of follow up or reminder emails about your upcoming deadlines!

Show Gratitude

Your references should be someone you know who can confidently speak about your character and skills. For the teachers willing to take their own time to speak on your behalf, you should definitely show how a token of appreciation! When asking them for a recommendation, try asking in person. It adds a personal touch and gives you another opportunity to leave a memorable impression of yourself. After your recommendations are in, write them a thank you card! You can also let them know which college or program you were accepted to with the help of their letter.