4 answers
4 answers
Updated
Paras’s Answer
Great question Jing! Along with what Heather mentioned above, I would also consider the teachers you may interact with the most and the courses they may teach as compared to the industry you are most interested in. Teachers do see these requested often so definitely don’t shy away or worry about asking for a letter of recommendation at any time! Wish you the best of luck!
Updated
Elissa’s Answer
Hi Jing,
I second Heather's and Para's answers. Asking for a recommendation can be intimidating but like Heather said the worst they can say is no in which case you can ask another person. An example would be emailing someone and saying something along the lines of
"Hi mentor's name,
I hope you are doing great.
I am applying for xxxx and was wondering if you could give me a recommendation letter as you are someone I really look up to.
Please let me know if you are able to. I am applying on xxxx date.
Sincerely,
Jing L."
Do not feel obligated to use my example. You can tailor your request for your recommendation request to fit your situation.
You got this!
Elissa U.
I second Heather's and Para's answers. Asking for a recommendation can be intimidating but like Heather said the worst they can say is no in which case you can ask another person. An example would be emailing someone and saying something along the lines of
"Hi mentor's name,
I hope you are doing great.
I am applying for xxxx and was wondering if you could give me a recommendation letter as you are someone I really look up to.
Please let me know if you are able to. I am applying on xxxx date.
Sincerely,
Jing L."
Do not feel obligated to use my example. You can tailor your request for your recommendation request to fit your situation.
You got this!
Elissa U.
Updated
Heather’s Answer
Hi Jing! In my experience, you would be more surprised who is willing to write a recommendation letter if you just ask! Take a deep breath, a leap of faith, and put yourself out there. The worst that someone can say is no, but if you have actually worked with the person (versus just an acquaintance), then 9 out of 10 times they will do it for you. Hope that helps your confidence!
Updated
Paul’s Answer
The best way to ask is to approach people who know you the best and can speak very highly of your qualities. This could be your favorite teacher or the teacher of the class in which you receive the best grades, it could be a current or former employer who could highlight your work ethic and it could also be the director or manager of the place where you do volunteer work. The guidance counselor and teacher are usually the obvious choices so they should be your 1st or 2nd letter but if you are allowed to submit more than two, consider my other suggestions.