Photo by Stephen Phillips on Unsplash A letter of recommendation is frequently required when submitting an application to colleges, summer camps, and many other opportunities. It enables the person evaluating your application to gain a thorough understanding of your expertise and achievements but also learn more about you than just what's on your résumé, which increases their interest in you as a candidate. However, if you have never requested one before, asking for a letter of recommendation might be daunting. Due to this, we are about to provide you with some tips that will set you on the right path in asking for a letter of recommendation.

First and foremost, it's necessary to carefully select the writers of those LoR. Check the requirements carefully because some programs have particular guidelines on who you need to obtain the LoR from. If not provided, you may choose someone who is close to you in terms of your academic or non-academic activities and achievements. Make a list of potential LoR writers. It can be your coach, teacher, or guidance counselor, for example. A manager from the company where you are an intern or the professor who supervises your volunteer research are both suitable candidates as well. Once you have found a suitable writer, here are some suggestions for how to ask for a letter of recommendation

1. Find out how many LoR you must submit to a specific program.

Before you ask someone to write a LoR for you, do some research on how you want to use these LoR. Many university applications, scholarships, internships, and even summer camps may request varying numbers of LoR. For example, the average US university requires three LoR, whereas the UK just requires two. Keep in mind that it varies depending on the institution and major; for example, Harvard Law School requires two letters of recommendation, whereas Harvard Medicine School enables you to submit up to six. Summer camps usually require you to submit two letters of recommendation, but remember to double check.

2. Ask early

Writing a thoughtful LoR may be time-consuming, especially as teachers have other responsibilities they have to fulfill as well as writing other LoRs. The more time they have to write it, the better it will turn out. You should ask them as soon as feasible; at least a month in advance. Don't forget to respectfully remind them about 1-2 weeks before the application due dates.

3. Provide them with some information they could mention

The person who writes your LoR typically has some thoughts about what abilities and accomplishments best represent you. Giving them your accomplishments lists and details about the program you're applying for, however, will greatly aid them in emphasizing particular points and creating a compelling LoR. You can mention a few of your most important skills, accomplishments, projects, or awards you want them to include.. Providing this information can help you stand out from other applications and build a strong LoR.

4. Depending on circumstances, offer to write a draft

In some cases, teachers could be too busy or short on time to write you a letter of recommendation. You can offer to draft a letter of recommendation and hand it to them for completion and improving it. This is advantageous since you can keep the LoR's exclusivity while expressly including certain information you want them to mention.

Last but not least, remember to thank them. You gratefully acknowledge them for their time and assistance and appreciating what they have done for you. It's crucial to keep in mind that, if you ask respectfully, most people will happily comply, especially if you get along well with them. By following the above-mentioned tips, you can approach your teachers with confidence to get the recommendation you require to achieve your objectives.

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