Reference Letters

Teachers are great people to ask for a recommendation letter. However, pay close attention to any stipulations that the college has made in regards to recommendation letters. Also, consider asking ministers and/or places that you have volunteered or worked at for recommendation letters. Only request recommendation letters from people you know.

Limit how many letters you send. Most colleges only require two.

Provide the following to the person whom you are asking to write a letter:

• Any deadlines.
• Your personal information and short resume.
• An addressed, stamped envelope to the school.

Be sure to follow up and write thank you notes. If someone refuses to write a recommendation letter for you, don’t take it too hard. That person may be very busy writing previously requested letters or may feel that he/she doesn’t know you well enough to write a good letter.