Helping Teachers Do A Good Job For You
It’s important to recognize that when teachers write letters of recommendation or fill out college evaluation forms for you, they are doing this in addition to their regular teaching responsibilities (let alone all the other things they do as a professional and family person).

1. One of the first things you can do is ask your teachers early. The old saying, “The early bird gets the worm,” is particularly appropriate for teacher recommendations. Because teachers usually write letters for many students, the earlier you ask, probably the better the letter will be.

2. It doesn’t hurt to gauge a teacher’s enthusiasm as he/she responds to your request for a recommendation. You could say something such as, “Mr. X, I’m thinking ahead to college applications in the fall and was wondering if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me?” If there is real positive energy in his response, then you know you have one teacher on your team. However, if you hear hesitancy or a lack of enthusiasm, you can ask further or clarify: “Mr. X, from your response I sense that you may not be up for writing an admissions recommendation for me. Is that right?” Depending on his response, you can say thank you and suggest that you will ask another teacher or say thank you for being willing to do it.

Once you know that a teacher will be completing a teacher evaluation form for you, make sure that you are:

• Neat and organized

• Get everything to him/her on time... even better, early

• Appreciative of whatever is done

adMISSION POSSIBLE® TIP! Save special papers and projects for which you have received As and good comments to give to teachers who complete your teacher recommendations.