Requesting a Letter of Recommendation

Student Responsibilities:

Need a Recommendation?

Make sure that this is a person who knows you well and will only say positive things about you.
In a positive manner, ask a faculty member or other qualified adult if they are willing to write a letter of recommendation for you. Make sure that this is a person who knows you well and will only say positive things about you.
Provide this person with a Student Information Worksheet or resume.
Fill out the Student Information Worksheet as completely as possible, not all sections may apply to you however.
Attach your written statement as described on the Student Information Worksheet.
Plan ahead to meet your deadline. Ask for the letter in person. Allow the person 10-14 days for the completion of the letter. DO NOT assume the letter will be completed unless you make personal contact with the individual.
You MUST give the writer a self addressed, stamped envelope or provide the appropriate electonic address if the letter is to be submitted electronically.
Always write a “Thank You” to the individual who has supported you in this process. These letters are hard work!

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Somerset High School

Student Information Worksheet

Student Name _________________________________________________

E-mail Address ___________________________

Letter Should Be Addressed To: ______________________________________

Future Goals:

Academic Honors or Awards:

Special Interests, Hobbies, Talents:

Clubs or Organizations In School (Please include years participated in HS):

Non-School Activities (Please include years participated):

Athletics (Please include years participated in HS):

Please add any additional information that you would like the writer to know about you and/or the purpose of this letter before writing the recommendation.

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Somerset High School

Writer’s Information Form

In order to assist you in writing a meaningful and complete letter of recommendation, the student has been asked to provide you with the following:

A complete Student Information Worksheet and attached personal statement.

A Self-Addressed, Stamped Envelope

If you did not receive both, please wait until you have a complete packet before writing for the student.

The following is a list of criteria you may wish to consider in your evaluation:

Academic ability and focus
Motivation of self and others
Reaction to criticism
Emotional Stability
Cooperation with others
Leadership Qualities

You may also wish to include:

Examples or anecdotes to illustrate characteristics or special abilities of the student

A comment about the accuracy of your first reaction to the student.Do you still feel the same way?Why?
Input you have received from other members of the faculty or staff.
Comparisons with previous candidates to the same school.
Your telephone number for further information if needed.
If you have letterhead paper, please use that for the final copy.

It may be helpful to keep a copy of the final letter in case another letter is needed. Some students may request multiple copies, please try to print and sign these separately as originals.