Hi guys,
I recently asked one of my teachers to write me a college rec and he accepted, saying to email him a follow up email with information. What info should I tell him? Thanks!
Everything
thanks boss
Sometimes teachers want related outside ECs, some want a resume of your ECs. Perhaps an English teacher didn’t know that you submitted poetry to an outside publication. Include that. Otherwise, I would try to remember instances when the teacher can cite an anecdote that puts you in a good light: taking a lead in a group project, helping afterschool with some tutoring, anything that stands out in your mind in the context of your relationship w/that teacher.
For instance, my kid became the site administrator for a creative writing forum when she was in HS. Her Physics teacher included that in her rec letter because 1) she was impressed that my daughter did that totally on her own, including learning how to code and 2) my daughter told her about it – the teacher otherwise wouldn’t have known.
My D’s teacher gave her a word doc with the following questions: 1) What do you believe are your outstanding qualities; 2) What do your friends think of you?; 3) What do you think you want to do for a major or career; 4) Which schools do you think you will be applying to, and do any of them have early deadlines?; 5) Give a resume of activities both in and out of school; 6) Why did you choose to ask him to do your recommendation?
Depending on how you answer, you can steer him/her toward the types of ideas you would like included, to be consistent with the theme of the rest of your application. Hope this helps!
Ask the teacher what he/she wants. Some of my kid’s teachers asked for specific things (ex. one gave a questionnaire with some very specific questions, one asked for a list of activities, a couple said that they already knew enough to write a great recommendation). You can offer a copy of your resume if they don’t have any specific requests.
Thanks for all the responses guys! I’ll be drafting my letter tonight.
good luck.