LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

LEARN

OVER

LUNCH

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WHAT IS A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION?

• A letter from a teacher, counselor, coach, manager, or other person who knows you well and will say positive things about you
• Some colleges REQUIRE a letter of recommendation and some colleges say that it is RECOMMENDED or OPTIONAL
• Letters of recommendation are used in the college admissions process but can also be used when applying for scholarships. The same letter can be used for multiple colleges.
• Letters cannot be written by family members or friends. College applications will require the letter to be from a teacher.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED ONE?

• In the Common App, add the school(s) you’re interested in to your “My Colleges” list

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• Complete the FERPA Release Authorization form
• You must select the “waive” option
• You only have to complete the form one time–it doesn’t matter which school you complete it for, it will apply to all of them.

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FERPA Release Authorization Form

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You must select “I waive my right…”

HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED ONE? (cont.)

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Go to your Common App “Dashboard” and then “Application Requirements” (top right) to view all of your saved colleges in one place

TE = Teacher Evaluation, i.e. Letter of Recommendation

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You can also look under “Recommenders and FERPA” for each college for more specific information

• For non- Common App schools: look on the college/university's website under the 'Admissions' or 'Application' section of their website. All colleges are required to share what materials are needed for a complete application.

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HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED ONE? (cont.)

HOW DO I GET A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION?

• Make sure the letter is required (vs. recommended)
• Come up with a list of 2-3 people who you want to ask
• Generally, letters should come from core subject area or world language teachers (strongly recommended that you choose teachers from 11th or 12th grade)
• Visit the CCC or your counselor to receive a Letter of Recommendation Authorization Form
• The CCC/counselor will confirm that the letter is required before signing the authorization form
• You must have a signed form to give to your teacher
• Ask a teacher if they will write the letter for you. Give them at least 2 weeks notice.
• When the teacher agrees to write the letter, send them a request through Xello (CCC/counselors will help with this). Always ask the teacher first!

Counselor Authorization for Teacher Letters of Recommendation

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ETIQUETTE & HELPFUL TIPS

• It’s always best to ask a teacher in person, but if that isn’t possible, send them an email
• Be kind, respectful, and professional (be sure to say please and thank you!)
• Ask if they can give you a “strong recommendation”
• Give a specific deadline for when the letter is due
• If a teacher writes a letter of recommendation for you, consider writing them a thank you note to show your appreciation
• Remember: do not click “Request” in Xello until you speak with your teacher and they agree to write a letter of recommendation. Counselors/CCC will assist you using Xello.
• Be prepared: your teacher may ask you to fill out the “Letter of Recommendation form” to write the best letter for you

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Help your teachers identify your strengths, interests, and goals by completing this Letter of Rec form found on the CCC website

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(Under “Paths After High School” and then “College”)

Questions?