Request Guidelines
I cannot keep up with the number of requests I receive for student recommendations, so I must restrict the number of recommendations. Please do not be offended or upset if I do not agree to write a recommendation for you. I understand that students need a certain number of recommendations for selective colleges, scholarships, and academies; however, students have many teachers from whom to request recommendations. I trust that if I am unable to write a recommendation for you, you will turn to another teacher, guidance counselor, or coach. Remember, the focus of my recommendations is your reading, writing, and speaking, and critical thinking skills. Colleges want to know that you have the necessary communication skills to be successful at the next level of your academic career.
Should you decide to request a recommendation from me, please answer each of the questions below, and submit them in a Microsoft Word document as an email attachment. I will use your answers to these questions in making my determination about whether or not to write a recommendation for you. Your request must be submitted at least 60 days before the recommendation is due.
1. Did you take the AP exam?
2. What was your score on the AP exam? Preference will be given to those scoring a "4" or a "5".
3. What grade did you earn in AP Language for each semester?
4. How many absences and tardies did you have from my class each semester?
5. What late assignments did you have? What missing assignments did you have?
6. How did you make a positive contribution to classroom discussions and other classroom activities? (Please use specific examples.)
7. In what specific ways did your writing, reading, and analytical skills improve during AP Language and Composition?
8. Explain any other factors that I should take into consideration in my decision about whether or not to write a recommendation for you. (Please note: factors involving your “need” for a recommendation are not pertinent to my consideration.)
9. How often were you insubordinate and /or disrespectful? Think about this one carefully…
10. Priority will be given to those students who were fortunate to have me for more than one year (class).
After I get back to you regarding my ability to write a recommendation for you, I will ask that you gather the rest of the information listed below so that I can begin writing for you.
NOTE: The majority of recommendations I forward to your institution of higher learning are emailed.
Recommendation Materials
Since college admissions officers are interested in your ability to communicate clearly, this is the topic about which I always write.
Carefully follow the directions below to provide me with all of the materials necessary for me to write an effective letter of recommendation for you.
1. Fully-completed and signed recommendation forms (if I need to send them through the mail)
2. Addressed envelopes with postage applied (if I need to send them through the mail)
3. Post-it note(s) with the latest possible due dates that letters of recommendation MUST BE SENT attached to front of envelope(s)
During the fall of every year, many, many students request recommendations from me. After I have agreed to write a recommendation for you, so please give me at least 30 days notice (after you’ve turned in all of the items listed above). If you can allow me more time, that is even better! Each letter takes approximately two (2) hours to write. Typically, I write and send letters far in advance; however, with so many requests, I want to make CERTAIN that your letter is on time!
Feel free to drop off the materials at school in my room (404). Do not ask the office secretary to put the materials in my mailbox. Should you have further questions, please let me know.
