How to Request A Strong Letter of Recommendation

A strong letter of recommendation can serve as the push institutions need to accept your application. With the number of highly qualified applicants, this letter can provide more insight into your edge, who you are, and what you can offer. However, not everyone can recommend you wholeheartedly, which is why you need to select the right people. This article can serve as your ultimate guide on how to get strong recommendations.

What Makes a Strong Letter of Recommendation

A strong letter of recommendation showcases your strongest qualities and helps institutions know you better outside of your transcripts and resume. The more detailed the information, the better. Generic letters are generally considered weak.

Here are some achievements to highlight when seeking a recommendation letter:

• Best courses, highest grades, and overall grade point average
• Top attributes and how you’ve demonstrated them 
• Extracurricular activities you’ve participated in
• Volunteer work or relevant work experience
• Notable hobbies or special interest projects
• Improvements you’ve made along the way

When to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation

You should give people two to four weeks to write your letter of recommendation. It takes time to write a strong letter, and a good recommender will likely need time to think about what makes you a great candidate. Give them a deadline so they can manage their schedule. If you need a letter of recommendation on short notice, you can still ask for one in the time that you have. However, the more time your recommenders have, the more thoughtful your letter will be.

Who to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation

Your recommendation letter should be written by someone who knows you well academically or professionally. They can easily identify the qualities that make you a strong candidate. They can also write specific accomplishments, such as a brilliant paper you wrote, and why it stood out from the rest of the class. 

Recommenders can be your: 

• Teachers or professors with whom you’ve built a relationship
• Guidance counselor whom you’ve conversed with about your goals
• A supervisor who has seen your growth at work
• A coach or club advisor who has witnessed your great performance
• A leader in your volunteer group who has worked with you firsthand

If you believe that there isn’t anyone who knows you enough to write the letter in detail, consider scheduling a meetup with your prospects. Talk to them about your goals and prepare a “brag sheet” that lists your key accomplishments. 

Note that the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) highlights counselor and teacher recommendations as important factors in admission decisions.

How to Get a Letter of Recommendation

To ask for a letter of recommendation, follow these steps:

1. Ask for References in Person

It’s common courtesy to ask people for recommendation letters in person if possible. This also helps you get a good idea of whether they are confident about doing so and can craft a strong recommendation. Avoid asking people who seem hesitant or unsure. Some people may not be comfortable writing recommendation letters, and the reasons may not be personal to you.

An institution may require two to three letters of recommendation. Having backup options can be a good idea, but you need to ensure that supplemental letters are acceptable to the institution.

2. Prepare Your “Brag Sheet” or Resume

Your brag sheet contains your relevant experiences that can help your recommender write your letter. Even if you’re asking someone who already knows you, the brag sheet can still serve as a good reference and reminder of your accomplishments. If you’re applying for an internship, your resume should highlight your achievements and might be a suitable replacement for a brag sheet.

3. Send a Formal Letter of Request

Send a formal letter of request through email and include your brag sheet or resume. Customize this email for each recommender. You should also provide more details about your goals and the purpose of the recommendation letter. 

Here are some examples of information to share with your recommender:

• Information about the school, scholarship, position, or opportunity you’re applying for
• Your relevant skills and accomplishments
• Why they’re the right person to write the letter
• Any requirements they should know about
• The letter’s deadline
• How to submit the letter of recommendation
• Instructions for reaching you with any questions

4. Follow-up on Your Request

If your recommender has not submitted the recommendation a week before the deadline, you can politely follow up and ask if you can offer more information to help them complete the letter. In some cases, they could have forgotten the deadline or lost your information in their inbox. That said, you should only follow up once. If you still don’t receive confirmation from them, it’s time to move on to your backups.

5. Thank Your References for Writing the Letter

After your references have submitted their recommendation letters, thank them for their time and effort through a personalized email. You can also inform them later if your application has been successful and tell them how they played a role in that success.

Why a Letter of Recommendation Is Essential

You may be asked for a letter of recommendation for:

• College applications
• Scholarship applications
• Internship or job applications
• Volunteer opportunities
• Special programs or honors
• Transfer applications
• Personal statements or portfolios

These recommendation letters are essential because they help institutions get a glimpse of your strengths, personality, and whether you’re a great fit for their community. Assuming all applicants have high grades, recommendation letters will include the information that can make you stand out.

Common Mistakes in Letters of Recommendation

Although you can’t control what your reference will write, there are common mistakes with recommendation letters that you can avoid on your end.

Mistakes to Avoid When Requesting

When asking people to write your recommendation letter, avoid:

• Selecting someone who doesn’t know you well: You’ll need someone who can speak positively about your abilities and provide specific examples of how you showcase your strengths.
• Asking too many people at once: Remember that some institutions strictly limit the number of recommendation letters to accept. You should also be selective when choosing your references.
• Waiting until the last minute: Rushing the request can lead to generic or poorly written letters. If you don’t have two to three weeks, ensure you provide sufficient information for your reference to write a thoughtful letter despite the time constraint.
• Failing to provide context: Inform your recommenders about details of the program, job, or scholarship and why you’re interested. Indicate the qualities or achievements you want them to highlight to ensure your letters align with your goals.
• Disregarding formatting requirements: Ensure your reference understands the formatting and submission requirements of the institution you’re applying to.

Mistakes to Avoid During Follow-up

After you’ve made the request, there are a few follow-up mistakes to avoid:

• Neglecting to follow up: The first mistake is not following up at all. Even if you’ve informed your references of the deadline, a polite follow-up can be a helpful reminder. This also helps you avoid rushing a letter at the last minute.
• Ignoring the importance of gratitude: Failing to thank your recommender after they’ve submitted the letter can damage your relationship. Always express your appreciation, whether in person or through email.
• Forgetting to update recommenders: Inform your recommender about the outcome of your application to keep them informed. This shows that you value their support.

Prepare for the Future With Insight Education

Since 1999, Insight Education has been helping students and families with their college admissions journey. If you need help creating a standout request for your recommendation letters, we offer personalized and comprehensive guidance to craft a compelling application to your dream school. If you’re ready to get started, request an initial consultation today.