Reference Letter Request Form
Dear Student:
Applying to college is a stressful time for all those involved in the paperwork process. To ensure that I do the best job possible for the many students who request recommendations from me, I require that you complete the following form.
Please return it to me at least two weeks before any required deadlines. Thanks.
1. Name: ____________________________
2. Your ultimate goals as a result of securing this position/acceptance/scholarship. College major, career goal, long range or life-long goals…
3. What capabilities, experiences, talents and personal qualities would you like emphasized? (Consider academics, athletics, social/leadership, community service, unique responsibilities and/or overcoming difficulties.)
4. List at least three adjectives or phrases that you would like to see in a letter describing you and provide one or two examples of support for each one.
5. Write about an anecdote of a positive contribution you made to my class/team. In other words, what qualifies me to recommend you? (Describe a special project, class participation, group interaction, etc. It needs to be specific to you, not about the whole class in general.)
6. What grade did you get in my class? If an AP student, what score did you get on the exam.
7. Explain one or two things that you would consider your weaknesses. (Challenge: try to explain how the weaknesses are actually good things or facilitate good things.)
8. On a separate sheet of paper, list complete addresses and deadline dates for all required schools.Use the following format: School or organization name:Complete mailing address:Attention: Person name, title and/or officeDeadline date:
9. Provide stamped, addressed envelopes for each school to which the recommendation should be sent directly.
10. Fasten all papers securely together or place into a large envelope.
11. Don’t hesitate to check back with me a few days before the deadlines so that you can be reassured that “all is well”.