<p>I heard it was pretty standard to give a gift to the teachers who write rec's, if so, how much do you spend? Does this offend them in any way? We're very confused about this.</p>
<p>thanks</p>
<p>if it is because of their rec that gets your rejected, don't give them any gifts at all</p>
<p>I'm confused about this too.</p>
<p>Before summer I told my teacher that I'd be going to Japan and she told me to bring her back something small. It just so happens that I'll be asking a rec from the same teacher. I don't want it to seem like I got her a present in hopes of getting a rec.</p>
<p>Ack!! help! Is the key to give them the gift after or before you ask for the rec?</p>
<p>We gave our son's college counselor and teachers who wrote his recommendations a gift card to Borders Book Store--I think they really appreciated it</p>
<p>This is exactly why recs are a joke. A better idea would be to give the gift before, so the rec is better....</p>
<p>Thanks mom,</p>
<p>When you say college counselor are you meaning high school guidance counselor? Thanks again</p>
<p>let's face it, it is basically their job...but if you want to give a gift, do it when you're graduating, not before.</p>
<p>When our D was accepted at her ED choice, she went to each rec teacher to tell them the good news and gave him/her a small gift--special chocolates in a nice box. It should be a thank you, not a bribe! Certainly should not cost more than $10--this is a symbolic gesture not a reward. I am talking about public schools. The private school expectations may be on a higher scale.</p>
<p>At my son's school he had both an advisor all along (sort of a guidance counselor). They met weekly in a small advisee group (about 5 students) and she looked out for him in general, approved his schedule and contacted us if there were concerns. In the fall of his Junior year he had a college couselor assigned at his school. She worked with about 20 students through their junior and senior years on their college list, applications, and wrote their school report, called the colleges to which they applied--that sort of thing. At his school their were about 6 college counselors in all.</p>
<p>One more thing--my son attended an private, independent school which is why he was so fortunate to have so much individual attention with the college process.</p>
<p>As far as the value of the book store gift cards we gave, I think we spent 20 dollars for each one---not extravagent, not a bribe, just a thank you,</p>