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Letters of RecommendationPart of your college application for financial aid will include letters of recommendation. These letters tell the reader about your skills, talents and personality. Only someone who really knows you can describe you in these terms, so your letter writers will have to be written by people you've spent some significant time with. Ask people who have a degree of respect within the community. If you belong to a religious or social group, a club, or do volunteer work, ask someone you've worked under. If you've had a job for a period of time, consider asking your boss. Former teachers are also frequently asked for such letters. Before asking, though, review what you know about this person. You will need someone who is not only willing, but who can write well enough to create an impressive letter. Begin by listing people who want to see you succeed. Think about businesspeople in your community, the librarian, even a family friend, as well as former teachers and supervisors. Next, cross off all those who do not express themselves well verbally. This isn't a condemnation, and some of your favorite people might not make this cut, but the fact is that your letters of recommendation are crucial to receiving the money you need for college. Anyone who often misses deadlines should also be crossed off. Your letters of recommendation are serious business, and you must deliver them on time. It's a good idea to ask more people for letters than you actually need. That way, if someone fails to deliver, you're still covered. One letter should be written by a teacher, supervisor or boss about your work ethics, skills, sense of responsibility and trustworthiness. The second letter, from someone you know personally, should reflect your specific talents, interests, accomplishments and personality. If possible, these letters should be printed on letterhead. To makes things easier, it's a good idea to supply your letter writers with a 'cheat sheet' that includes brief information about the subjects you need covered. Make a list of your extracurricular activities and provide a brief explanation about why you want to further your education. Remind the writer of prizes, awards and other accomplishments. Please keep in mind that you are asking a lot of this person. For this reason, if you will be completing a number of different applications, see if the requirements are such that your letter writer needs only one or two variations. Just remember that each letter needs to be addressed to the specific individual or scholarship in question. Of course, give the writer plenty of time. It's a good idea to check on the writer's progress a couple of weeks before the letter is due. Ask your letter writers if it's all right for you to review the letters. After reading, enthusiastic thanks are in order. If something important was left out, you'll need to ask that it be added. Alternatively, if you asked for more letters than you needed, perhaps one of your fall-back letters will be better suited.
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