FAQ #1: How can I find out if a college requires teacher recommendations, and if yes, how many they require?

ANSWER: For colleges that accept the Common Application, two teacher recommendations are required, plus one School Report from a student’s high school counselor. To find out if a particular college accepts the Common Application, go to www.commonapp.org.

For other colleges, teacher recommendation requirements vary. Some colleges require none; some require one; yet others require two or three recommendations. For the best way to find out if a particular school requires recommendations, go straight to the admissions section of a college website.

FRESHMAN YEAR TIMELINE FOR DEVELOPING TEACHER RELATIONSHIPS

STUDENTS
This is the opportune time to begin forming good teacher relationships. Among the actions you can take are:

1. During the first week of class, make a point of introducing yourself to your teachers.

2. Be polite and treat teachers (and other students) with respect. Always arrive at class on time.

3. Engage in class discussions, and speak up when teachers ask questions, but don’t “hog” classroom discussions.

4. Complete homework and papers on time. To get an A, go the extra mile and complete extra assignments. (The quickest way to get a poor grade is NOT TO DO homework.)

5. As soon as you find yourself not understanding class material, speak with the teacher.

6. Let teachers know that you appreciate what they do; and without any sense of fawning, compliment them on something that they do well. Remember to say,“Thank you.”

7. If you run into a teacher at a school event or some place outside school, make a point of saying hello.

PARENTS
Parents can play a significant role in their children’s relationships with teachers. Among the actions they can take are:

1. Attend any Back-to-School night functions. If the opportunity presents itself, seek out your child’s teachers and introduce yourself. Offer to be helpful to the teacher in any way you can.

2. Take advantage of any teacher conferences that are offered by the school.

3. Be polite and treat teachers with respect. Always arrive at conferences or meetings on time.

4. Become involved with your child’s school by volunteering for events; become a part of the Parent’s Board; run for trustee of the school. Become a respected, friendly, known quantity.

5. Make sure that all communications between you and teachers are positive; when a difficult situation arrives, be polite, constructive and helpful. Refrain from being negative, blaming, or destructive.