Hi guys,
So the old college counsellor, who I was really close with, left and he offered me to write a recommendation letter before in hand.
We have a new college counsellor now and I know that she will have to write rec letters for us, and I’m kinda scared that it won’t show the best of me.
What can I do to lessen the possible effects that can bring this?
Colleges will understand the situation and it won’t hurt you. Many times counselors get changed, students move etc. and some counselors simply have too many students to write meaningful letters. Be sure you get teachers who know you well to write those recommendations so your personality, abilities etc. will shine through in their letters. .Here are a couple of other ideas:
–See if you can include the old counselor’s recommendation as a supplemental recommendation.
–Also I would meet with the new counselor at the start of the year, let him/her know a bit about you, the schools you want to apply to etc. and ask if there is anything you can provide to help him/her write the recommendation (ex. a resume if you have one, a list of activities etc.). I would also ask the new counselor if she/he has any suggestions for you so he/she feels you value what he/she has to say.
(PS as a side note the correct spelling is counselor if you write either one an email or something down the road)
You should make an appt. to introduce yourself to her and bring a “brag sheet” of your accomplishments with you, along with a list of schools and scholarships you are applying to with their deadlines. You can also let her know which teachers know you best so she can get positive anecdotal notes on you from them to include in her recommendation for you.
The more information you provide, the stronger the letter she can write. She will also get a good impression if you are organized and prepared for your meeting.
Good luck!
This happened to one of my children. I was worried at first but everything worked out great. The new college counselor was enthusiastic, hardworking, and truly made an effort to get to know and advocate for my child.
Oftentimes, a new employee wants to impress and will put forth their best effort. I hope you have the same success we did.