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Letters of Recommendation

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION:

 

If you plan to apply to any private schools and/or out-of-state public institutions, YOU need to check their requirements and deadlines carefully.

 

Many private schools will require teacher and counselor recommendations, which you must request at least one month before your first recommendation is due. 

 

  • You will find your counselor’s Letter of Recommendation Questionnaire on the right side of this page.

  • Students can ask teachers during the spring semester of junior year and confirm with them in the fall of senior year that they will write the recommendation. 

  • Students do not receive the recommendation letters directly. Students will add a teacher/counselor to the Common App, or other school application portal, and the recommendation letter will be uploaded for all schools on that portal. There is one recommendation written for all schools the student applies to. 

  • Give a copy of your Recommendation Form and resume (if you have one) to those who you are asking to write a recommendation for you.

  • Complete the FERPA section of the Common App. It is highly recommended that students waive their rights to view the recommendation. 

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION TIPS

To ensure positive college application outcomes, applicants should approach letters of recommendation with care and consideration. This includes choosing strong recommenders, providing necessary information, and offering timely follow-ups and expressions of gratitude. 

1. Choose your recommenders wisely:

  • Seek out individuals who know you well:
    Ideally, choose teachers who have observed your academic abilities, skills, and personality. 

2. Provide necessary information and resources:

  • Give ample notice:
    At least one month or more, to allow recommenders time to write thoughtfully. 
  • Provide a resume and statement of purpose:
    Include these materials to give recommenders context about your goals and achievements. 
  • Offer relevant information:
    Highlight specific skills, accomplishments, or projects that align with the college's requirements. 

3. Express gratitude:

  • Express appreciation:
  • Thank recommenders for their time and effort, both when you ask for the letter and again after receiving admissions decisions. 

4. Avoid common mistakes:

  • Don't wait until the last minute:
    Avoid asking for letters too close to the deadline, as this can be stressful for recommenders. Recommenders can choose to decline writing a recommendation or will let students know that the recommendation will be submitted late.
  • Don't assume they will write a letter:
    Always ask for permission to use them as a reference, even if no letter is required.
  • Don't be offended if they decline:
    If a recommender cannot write a letter, respect their decision and seek a replacement. 

APPLICATION TIPS:

The University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) have online applications.

  • You will input all of your UC/CSU A-G classes and grades using your transcript (Please Note, there are a few classes including PE, Social Issues, and a few others that are not UC approved and you will not put on your UC/CSU applications). 
  • The UC’s do not require a transcript at the time of application, but some CSU campuses may request one be sent.  It is your responsibility to check each college to which you apply to verify their policy. 
  • The UC’s and CSU’s do not accept teacher or counselor recommendations. 
  • You can find your CASSID (State ID) on your transcript under your name.

TRANSCRIPT REQUEST: You will only need to request a transcript if you are applying to colleges not using the Common Application, UC, or CSU application systems. To request an OFFICIAL transcript email dfernandez@tamdistrict.org. For an UNOFFICIAL transcript, you can view your grade history as well as see/print an unofficial transcript through your StudentVue account, click on Course History and at the top of the page you'll see a button for Unofficial Transcript.

Redwood does not send official test scores.  If you have scores that you’d like to have considered as part of your application, you must request your scores at www.collegeboard.com (SAT) and/or www.actstudent.org (ACT).

 

We understand this process can be stressful.  The best ways to minimize that stress is to plan in advance, avoid procrastination and ask for help if needed.  Your school counselor, and Ms. Bjursten bbjursten@tamdistrict.org, our College and Career Center Specialist, are here to help!