Requesting Letter(s) of Recommendation
Letters of Recommendation for Colleges
Only private schools require letters of recommendation or information from your counselor. You do NOT need them for UC/CSU
Letters of Recommendation for Scholarships
Many scholarships require a letter of recommendation. Be prepared to request your letters early. You should have a positive relationship with the people whom you ask.
TIPS:
- DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO REQUEST A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION! Give your teachers and counselors at least 3-4 weeks to write it!
- DO NOT BE AFRAID TO BRAG ABOUT YOURSELF. Provide your teacher or counselor with enough information about yourself so they can write a well-written and positive letter of recommendation for you.
Teacher emails:
[last name]_[first name]@ausd.us
example: Mickey Mouse: [email protected]
Over 600 Member colleges through one convenient platform. Colleges that are public, private, large, small, secular, and religious.
Secondary School Report Required
A secondary school report is prepared by your counselor, and gives a profile of the school, the student body, etc. It includes a transcript, short answers in comparison to your peers and can include a letter of recommendation.
SENDedu
The FERPA waiver
The form offers the applicant the opportunity to waive the rights associated with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). By signing the FERPA waiver (or checking the box on an on-line form), the applicant surrenders the right to ever see the letter, whether the applicant is admitted or not. If you sign the FERPA waiver, the graduate program will understand that the person writing the letter of recommendation is being honest and candid in the letter, knowing that you will never see the letter. Therefore, letters of recommendation accompanied by a FERPA waiver signature carry greater validity in the eyes of graduate program selection committees.