<p>So, it's the summer before senior year.
My AP teacher gave us her home email address at the end of the school year. This teacher adored me, I made a 5 on the exam, 99 in her class, I was the department student of the year, and she writes brilliant recommendations. It's a no-brainer to ask her.
She writes her recommendations over the summer and asked that students contact her no later than Aug. 1st for requests.
My problem is...I have NO idea how to approach the process in the email. Do I need to give her a list of schools to which I am applying (I don't know yet!!!) Does one general letter suffice? What material do I need to give her?</p>
<p>Basically...how does the whole letters of rec process work??</p>
<p>Most teachers do it their own way. I would email her saying that you would be interested in getting a rec from her if she would be willing to do so, and say something like “If that would be possible, what would I need to provide you with?” Or say nothing and let her tell you herself, but I would go with the first one – you sound more considerate IMO. Just show interest in the beginning and let her tell you what she needs. It’s usually that way with most every teacher, as you can’t predict what each one would want from you. Sometimes it’s a list of colleges, sometimes they have a whole information sheet for you to fill out. If she likes you as much as you say, there’s nothing to be worried about.</p>
<p>E-mail her now that you are starting your college process and that you would like her to write a college rec. for you. Mention that you haven’t finalized your college list (I would start that asap!) but that as soon as you know, you’ll inform her. Be sure to be courteous and appreciative when she accepts. The Common App has a seperate info sheet for teachers to fill out and maybe colleges have a separate one too, not sure. Some teachers are comfortable enough to give you your rec. and then you can make the appropriate number of copies to send to schools. Others prefer to give the rec. to the college counseling office and they make the copies to send to colleges. Figure out what the system is usually. The earlier you tell your teacher about the rec., the more time she has to write a well-written piece about you. Be thoughtful and write to her as soon as you can so that she has the time. </p>
<p>**It would be smart to start your essays now so that you don’t have to do that on top of your regular senior classes. I suggest starting your Common App essays at least. The earlier you start, the more time you can devote to your essays which will develop over time and allow you to send something to colleges that you will be proud of. Don’t wait until the last minute to write a rushed essay that won’t reflect yourself in the best possible light. Colleges put a lot of time and effort to read essays so give it your best, starting now.</p>
<p>There’s been some good advice above. I just thought I’d add a sort of draft of an email that might give you an idea of what to say. Obviously I don’t mean this as a word-for-word guide, but rather a general sense of what points you want to touch upon.</p>
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<p>I did much the same thing, except in person, and perhaps not quite as coherently. I would say, specifically: try to mention a specific assignment or project from that class that you did very well in; I think the angle of “I did some great work in your class so I feel comfortable asking you” works pretty well; always give the teacher a way out (it doesn’t seem likely in your case, but it’s only courteous to); mentioning a specific timeline for getting her information is good, because it displays personal responsibility.</p>
<p>Just remind the teacher what an excellent student you were. =)</p>