Letters of Reference
The purpose of requesting letters of reference is to learn more about the candidate’s character and values. References should be provided by teachers, administrators, employers, clergy, community volunteers and others that know you well and can speak to things that matter to you. Letters of reference should not come from family members or student peers unless clearly requested on the application.
General guidelines to follow
- Ask people that know you well that are not family members. If not otherwise specified, get references from different types of writers: employer, teacher, church leader, etc. View this sample email on how to request a letter of recommendation.
- Always make sure the letter is dated, signed by the letter writer and written in the current school year. Do not use old letters of reference, especially after you leave high school and are enrolled in college.
- Don’t wait until the last minute to request your letters. Your letter writers will want to do a good job for you. To do that, they need time to work your request into their schedules.
- If you have the opportunity, read the letters before submitting including those that complete the story you want the reviewer to have about you.
- Is there something in the application that needs more explanation? Use a letter of reference to increase clarity. Do you have a learning disability? Have you overcome a significant obstacle? Were you recognized in a unique way?
- If your letter writer cannot meet the timeline of the application, find someone else. Your application will be disqualified if items are late or missing, even if “it’s not your fault.”
