I just sent out my first application, it was an early decision application, and I really wanted to thank my recommenders. My questions are:
Should I thank them now, or when I decide on / get into a college?
Is a box of chocolates with the note card too much?
These seem so technical, but I was just wondering what most people do as there really isn’t a formula to these kinds of situations.
Thanks!!
You can thank them now, but if you get in it would be great to tell them at that point too.
I would not give a gift, rather I would write a card/letter saying why you liked them as a teacher.
We did notes and small gifts when our kids got in. The recommenders put a lot of time into writing these recommendations and its nice to be acknowledged for their help.
My kids wrote a short note after the writers uploaded the LoR’s. After admissions decisions and their selection of a school, they wrote long heart felt letters to their teachers. You could tell from the teachers’ notes back that something like that just makes their day.
S went in person to thank his recommenders when they uploaded the letters. As far as a small gift, I’d say it’s appropriate if it’s under $10 and is something you’re confident the person will like.
There is no one right way to do this other than to keep saying thank you. My kids thanked the teachers in person when they sent in the letters. Then when the process was complete they wrote a personal note to each teacher as well as their guidance counselor (who was excellent in both cases), got them a small gift (our district has a $25 limit which we stuck to), and let them know where they were going to college next year. Honestly I think the kid’s handwritten notes and taking the time to let the LOR writers know what college they would be attending next year were most appreciated.
On my graduation day I handed handwritten notes to 3 of my teachers, 2 of which happened to be my recommenders
I wrote thank you card along with a Starbucks gift card (around $10 I believe) after I committed to a school.
My kiddo did about a million thank you notes on the last day of highschool. All her favorite teachers, office people, custodians, counselors, lunch ladies…everyone who touched her life in a positive way…got cards and a zip lock of cookies she baked. The teachers who wrote her recommendations got handmade Swarovski Chrystal beaded spiders. (cute plant ornament, sun catcher, or Christmas tree decoration) My kid was known to be a spider breeding enthusiast, and figured the spiders would remind her teachers of her.