How should I ask my teachers to write a letter of recommendation for me? What should I say to the teacher to help them write a good recommendation for me? Colleges give very specific instructions about who they want to write your recommendations. Usually it is a junior or senior teacher in an academic subject like English, math, science, history or foreign language. Some schools will even specify particular subjects. So first check the requirements of each school for which you need recommendations.
Once you determine which teachers to ask, pick the one who knows you best and can discuss your specific involvement in classroom discussions, inquisitiveness, insight into the material, growth, and potential. Make an appointment with them to discuss this in peace and quiet. Explain that you are applying to colleges, will need letters of recommendations, and are hoping he or she would be willing to write one.
Since you are talking to a teacher who has some idea of who you are and, hopefully, has written recommendations before, he/she should agree to write it. Here's where you say "thank you" — and then schedule a time when you can meet again with specific information. At home, compile a packet with a cover letter explaining which schools you'll be applying to and their application deadlines, the school's letter of recommendation forms, stamped and addressed envelopes, and a resume of your activities (both in school and out of school). It's helpful, too, if you include copies of your applications' essays or other writings to help your writers enhance their recommendations. Always waive your right to read the letter of recommendation: Schools feel the writer will give a more accurate indication of your strengths and weaknesses if they know you won't be seeing it. If you are careful in your choice of teachers, have been a good student, and the teacher knows you from class and/or extracurricular activities, you should receive a good recommendation.
Does the major I write on my application affect my chances of being accepted at a certain college? That depends on where you are applying. Read each school's catalog to find out its rules on applying by major in the application process. Generally, liberal arts schools will ask just for informational purposes and your application will be compared to all those who are applying.
Schools who ask you to apply by major usually compare you with your fellow applicants interested in that major and then select those most qualified from that group. In this situation, you could be denied admission if other students are more qualified than you.
Engineering is one area where schools would like you to state your major. Engineering requires many courses and in order to finish in four years, schools prefer it if you start your freshman year. Not only can you start taking the courses immediately, but you'll quickly learn if engineering's right for you. While you can always transfer to a non-engineering major if you find it's not a good fit, it's difficult to transfer into an engineering major because of all the pre-major requirements you'll have to make up.
Along these lines, here's one more thing to keep in mind: If a school has requirements for certain majors that you feel you cannot meet as an incoming freshman, you shouldn't necessarily apply to an "easier" major. If you're accepted, you may not be able to transfer into the "harder" major.
Is it easier to get into college if I know somebody important? Opinions differ on this issue. The more competitive the college, the more likely someone in admissions will note your connection. However, few schools will admit an unqualified candidate based solely on connections. Most selective schools have many more applications from qualified students than they can admit. Admissions officers are careful to select qualified students—those who will be successful and assets to their school—based on their talents, accomplishments, diversity of race, diversity of location, grades, disabilities, unusual circumstances and community involvement. These factors are more important than connections.
Does it matter if I go to a well-known or Ivy-League school or a less well-known but academically excellent school? Both types of schools will serve you well. Ivy Leagues have world-wide recognition. Academically excellent but less well-known schools have national or regional recognition which would help if you stay in that area. The key is how you fit on the different campuses because ultimately, success after graduation depends on your grades, leadership, research opportunities, internships, network and faculty letters of recommendation. You have to back up the school's reputation with your own personal accomplishments.
What criteria do admission officers look for in an application? Research the schools you are interested in and check out their acceptance criteria. Each school has its own admissions philosophy, policy, and procedures, but basically all schools weigh course work, grade point average, test scores, rank in class, activities, essays, letters of recommendations, and interviews. The importance placed on each item changes from school to school. This information is available in the college catalog or by talking to an admissions counselor or college representative—but we don't know of any school that weighs test scores more heavily than your high-school GPA and course selection.
When will I find out if I have been accepted? It depends on which plan you applied under. If you applied under the regular plan, you'll be notified in April and have until May 1 to reply. If you applied under early-decision and early-action plans, you will be notified by December 15 of your senior year, and you must respond immediately for early decision or by May 1 for early action. With rolling admissions, you'll receive notification about two or three weeks after mailing your application to the college, and you'll have until May 1 to reply.
To how many schools should I apply? There is no clear rule on this issue, but it's helpful to make a shortlist of six colleges to apply to—two long-shot, "dream" schools, two schools that are well-matched to your academic competitiveness and preferences, and two safety schools where you're fairly certain to be accepted—and then apply to one or two schools in each category. Make sure to only apply to schools you really want to attend.
How important is the actual application? Every step of the application process says something about you as an individual. You want to represent yourself as a worthy candidate for this school. Since admissions officers read hundreds of applications quickly, it's crucial to take time in preparing your application. Reading the directions, following instructions and meeting deadlines all make you look like the viable candidate you are.
Applications which require essays and short answers are looking for ways to find out how well you can articulate your thoughts on a given subject. This gives them a more personal look at you than your test scores, course work and grade point average, so spend significant time writing your responses to reflect you at your best.
Do all schools require an essay? Not all schools require an essay as part of their application process. It is up to you to find out the application requirements of each school. Read the school's application instructions fully to make sure to provide everything the school needs to consider your application.
How important is the essay? In the application you supply all the nuts-and-bolts about your course work, grades, test scores, work, activities, honors and awards. The only place colleges can find out how you think or feel about life is in the essay. This is where they hear your voice.
As schools consider all your quantifiable academic and extracurricular attributes, they compare you to your peers and judge your achievements. Occasionally those measurable attributes alone can win you a coveted acceptance to that college, but usually schools need a bit more insight into you. The essay is where that happens. It can be the deciding factor in your acceptance, so never underestimate its importance. Remember, since the college is asking you to write it, they intend to read it; don't waste your time or their time on a slapdash effort.
How do I make myself sound interesting to a college in my personal essay? The best way to sound interesting is to write about what you know, not what you think you should write. The biggest essay mistake students make is trying to sound "smart" or "highly intelligent" rather than sounding like themselves. Admissions officers are interested in your focus, perceptions, and opinions. They do not want a description of how you did a project—they want your perceptions of all that went right or wrong, how something made you look at life differently, or how you applied your experience to other areas of your life. Avoid facts and write about your observations, reactions, opinions, perceptions, and reflections.
How do I write a good essay? You need to commit time and energy to do it right. Start by writing what you know and care about, then have people, such as friends or a teacher, read what you have written. Be sure to spend time gathering your thoughts, finding the right opening and closing sentences, and deciding what topic to write about.
After you have written an essay, put it away for a few days before coming back to read it; your critical eye will be sharper if you give it rest. Does it still interest you? Is it written in a positive tone throughout the piece? Have you thought of a more interesting way of writing about the same topic? Your essay should evolve over time so that you can write a concise, meaningful piece that reveals your personality.
