Finalize the List of Adults You Want to Have Complete Recommendation Forms (or Letters of Recommendations) on Your Behalf.

Finalize your list of teachers, counselors, coaches, employers, community members, or other adults you will ask to complete recommendation forms (or letters of recommendation) on your behalf.

Teacher recommendation forms should be completed by educators who know your strengths and stellar work in the subject you plan to major in.  For example, if you plan to major in biology, have your high school biology teacher complete a recommendation form (only if you are an outstanding student in that teacher's class).  If you plan to major in English, have your high school English teacher complete a recommendation form.  Ideally, these teachers will know your character and personality, as well as your excellent academic qualifications.  This way they can weave together all your strengths to write a great recommendation.

Keep in mind that your best recommendations may not come from teachers that gave you top grades.  For example, a teacher of a class in which you showed steady improvement may have great things to say about your work ethic and class participation.

Other adults you ask must know your excellent work and know you as a good student and person.  A great letter of recommendation goes a long way to impress college admission officers.  Be sure to ask for recommendations from adults that will paint a picture of you as an outstanding addition to a college community. 

For each college you’re applying to, go to their website and print Teacher Recommendation Forms and Counselor Recommendation Forms (often called “Secondary School Reports).  Colleges and universities that use these forms require teachers and counselors to fill them out by hand.  Print these forms and file them in your paper filing system; on October 1, 2010 retrieve the forms and prepare to hand them to your adult recommenders.