How to Request a Letter of Recommendation

April 18, 2016

(Provided by CalPac, Monday, April 18, 2016)

Whether you are applying for a job or school letters of recommendation will usually be required. These guidelines also apply for any student in any grade level—middle or high school—who may ever need to request a letter of recommendation from his or her counselor or teacher.

As a student in a virtual high school, we try to give you many opportunities to get to know your teachers and counselor. Whether it be through our clubs, field trips, live sessions or weekly check-ins with you—we always want to keep our finger on the pulse of the heart of this school—our students. With that being said, it is also important for you to stand out to us as an individual, especially if you will be seeking a letter of recommendation from a member of our staff or faculty.

Hard work and organization are paramount to your success as a student and in life, but being personable and approachable will also get you very far. Remember to approach members of CalPac with respect, this means using proper grammar and language in your emails and instant messages to us. Remember to say “please” and “thank you”—its sounds very simple but it goes a long way! This is step one, and something that will always benefit you in life!

Here are some other important tips to properly request a letter of recommendation:

Organization

Know your deadlines and be considerate! Give your teacher or counselor at least two weeks to write a letter for you. Make sure that you meet deadlines for applications and try to submit your materials early, it makes you look better as an applicant. Keep a calendar where you can visualize your deadlines and make sure to meet them.

Preparation

Before asking your teacher or counselor for a recommendation, prepare a biography of yourself and a resume (if you have one). Essentially any information you can provide that will help your teacher or counselor better understand your circumstances and know you will help them to write a great letter for you.

Here are some things to include:

What obstacles have you faced in life? For example: you are the child of a single parent, you are one of many children in your household, you are the first in your family to graduate from high school, etc.
What talents do you possess? What are some special interests or hobbies that you have that drive your passion in life?
Are there extenuating circumstances that might explain poor grades or absences?
Why did you choose to come to an online high school?
How did you overcome the obstacles that you faced?

Be Polite

Make sure to thank your counselor or teacher once she has submitted a letter for you. Thank you cards are a special step that never go unnoticed and will go a long way should you ever need another letter of rec.! As a student at an online high school, consider sending whoever wrote you a letter an e-card!

Asking for a letter of recommendation is an art form—with a little thought, planning and consideration for the person writing it for you, your letter of recommendation will be a glowing one! As a student at a virtual high school, never forget to practice your online etiquette and technical skill. A task as simple as asking for a letter of recommendation will prepare you for many other things as you transition into post-secondary education or the work force.

News