A letter of recommendation, or LOR, is one of the most important documents which is required for getting an admission to a college or a university. It makes a very strong statement for your admission to the college of your choice, especially since it is given by someone else. Getting a good letter of recommendation however is no easy task. A more systematic approach towards getting that great LOR will not only ensure a place in the college, but also give them a sense of achievement.
1. Get to Know the System
Find out from your school the system followed for an LOR. Does your school have a guidance officer or counselor who forwards your LOR? Do the teachers write and forward themselves? Do you have to forward them yourself after it is written by the teacher? Does your school forward an electronic system of LORs which get generated from your file? Get to know the system thoroughly much before you have even shortlisted your targeted colleges. You should also get to know what the colleges expect in terms of an LOR before hand. This helps you to plan your moves in a systematic manner.
2. Timing Your Request
Put in your request for an LOR as early as possible. It should be at least one month before the deadline for submission. Time your request when the teachers are not busy or on vacation. Show respect and consideration for the teacher’s time and they will be more inclined to give you a good letter of recommendation.
3. Select the Right Reference
It is quite natural to get confused as to whom to approach for a letter of reference. Check from the college you are applying to what they expect. Some colleges specify from whom they would prefer the LOR. Choose a teacher who knows you well and with whom you have interacted often. It is also wise to select a teacher from your school in the discipline you are applying to. Your music teacher is not the best choice if you are seeking admission in a science college. Ask if the teacher is willing to write your recommendation; if not approach the next choice.
4. Information Helps
Once your teacher (or anyone else) has agreed to your request for an LOR, it becomes your duty to provide all help to get a great recommendation. It helps if you hand over a list of your achievements in academic, social and cultural events, and your special skills, to the teacher. You must also prepare a file containing your resume, a Statement of Purpose (SOP) detailing why you want admission in a particular college, the colleges and streams you are applying for; in short all the information you can give. Interact on a personal level, communicate in person, and express your gratitude. Teachers are human – your enthusiasm will incline them to give you a great letter of recommendation.
5. Follow up
It is most important to follow up on the progress of your LOR from time to time without seeming to be pushy. Check about a week or two before the deadline that the LOR is due on. Recheck on the addresses of the colleges where you are seeking admission. Thank your references once the LORs are completed and dispatched.
A thank you note to your reference after your admission is a superb idea; after all you are where you are because of a great letter of recommendation!
Leave a Reply