Counselors :: College and Career Planning

Letter of Recommendation

• Be sure to ask someone who knows you well to write the letter.
• Allow 2 weeks for your letter to be written.
• Don’t forget to give the deadline the letter must be sent by.
• Keep in mind that teachers and counselors have very busy schedules.
• You will get a quality letter by providing ample time for the person to write it.
• It will also show your organization skills and common courteous in doing so.
• Hand the letter writer a resume, an unofficial transcript, your student profile, a peer recommendation, and a description of the purpose of the letter (ASU application, Elks Scholarship, etc.).
• Do not expect to read the letter.
• Teachers/Counselors will usually send letters directly to colleges.
• Colleges and scholarship donors hold private letters in high regard.
• This is because they know the writers are free to be candid, and, therefore can provide complete information.
• Give your letter writer an addressed, stamped envelope, and ask to have the letter sent directly to the college or scholarship organization.
• Some applications request that the letter be included in the packet.
• If this is the case you must still include an envelope.
• It will be returned to you sealed with a signature over the seal to insure privacy.

Additional Information