Recommendations

Most colleges require two teacher letters of recommendation. Each Laurel student will also be provided a College Counselor recommendation.

Teacher Recommendations
  • What should you provide? There are two forms to download and provide to each teacher you ask for a recommendation.
    • The Teacher Recommendation Request Form provides the names of colleges, deadlines and an agreement to release the recommendation. You need not wait until your college list is final to make the request; it is better to ask early.
    • The Teacher Evaluation Form is used by Laurel School for all evaluations. To increase both the candor and credibility of the recommendation, you should waive your right of confidentiality.
  • When should you provide it? Requests for recommendations should be made at the end of the junior year and reconfirmed as soon as school begins senior year. Teachers are entitled to set their own deadlines. Make sure your recommendations are requested so they can be received in the College Guidance Office in a timely manner.
  • How should you ask for a teacher recommendation? Respectfully. Teachers have the right to decline to write for you if they do not feel they would be able to do so effectively. Be able to take a subtle hint. If a teacher responds to your request by indicating that she has already signed on to do a number of recommendations and is concerned about having enough time to devote to yours, or notes it has been several years since he had you in class, accept the response gracefully. Don't press. Move on to your next choice. The teacher is only acting in your best interest.

 

College Counselor Recommendation
  • What you should provide: A College Recommendation Questionnaire must be turned in to The College Guidance Office.
  • When you should provide it: At the beginning of school senior year. Your recommendation cannot be started until you provide the form.
  • How you should fill it out: As carefully, completely and openly as possible. The quality of the recommendation you receive will reflect, in part, the quality of the information which you provide.