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Is it good to have a letter of recommendation from my high school principal for college applications (common app) ?
My principle stated they can give me a letter of recommendation but I'm not sure if that is too much/kinda odd and bad. I do not know I should add it..
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6 answers
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Andrea !
This is a great question ! To have your High School Principal write a recommendation letter for you for college application is both outstanding and impressive ! It is in no way "too much, odd or bad" as is your concern.
The reason that this is an outstanding opportunity is because your school principal oversees education on a daily basis, has a high position and knows the important things a college would like to know about you. A recommendation of this quality will be very welcomed by colleges. I advise to have the principal follow through with writing the recommendation letter.
Once you have the letter, scan it to your computer so you will have it to upload and attach to the any college you apply to. Keep the original in a safe place. If you are ever asked for a hard copy of this letter by an employer or college, give them a copy, always keep the original. Of course if the principal does it all electronically, it's just a matter of e-mailing the letter to people.
The Common App has sections for Recommenders and Principals do not fit into that category. I still say to ask the principal to fill out the Recommender Section under the "Other Recommenders" portion. You will also need for your Guidance Counselor, one Teacher, and your parents only have to complete that section if you are doing early enrollment. Each college does have their own recommendation requirements, however, so research the particular colleges information about it before completing the Common App. You would have to invite the Principal or any others to the Common App to type their recommendation directly on the website.
I hope this is helpful to start out with. Familiarize yourself with the Common App and the application requirements of the individual colleges and don't hesitate to apply to some colleges individually outside of the Common App. I wish you all the best moving forward with this !
This is a great question ! To have your High School Principal write a recommendation letter for you for college application is both outstanding and impressive ! It is in no way "too much, odd or bad" as is your concern.
The reason that this is an outstanding opportunity is because your school principal oversees education on a daily basis, has a high position and knows the important things a college would like to know about you. A recommendation of this quality will be very welcomed by colleges. I advise to have the principal follow through with writing the recommendation letter.
Once you have the letter, scan it to your computer so you will have it to upload and attach to the any college you apply to. Keep the original in a safe place. If you are ever asked for a hard copy of this letter by an employer or college, give them a copy, always keep the original. Of course if the principal does it all electronically, it's just a matter of e-mailing the letter to people.
The Common App has sections for Recommenders and Principals do not fit into that category. I still say to ask the principal to fill out the Recommender Section under the "Other Recommenders" portion. You will also need for your Guidance Counselor, one Teacher, and your parents only have to complete that section if you are doing early enrollment. Each college does have their own recommendation requirements, however, so research the particular colleges information about it before completing the Common App. You would have to invite the Principal or any others to the Common App to type their recommendation directly on the website.
I hope this is helpful to start out with. Familiarize yourself with the Common App and the application requirements of the individual colleges and don't hesitate to apply to some colleges individually outside of the Common App. I wish you all the best moving forward with this !
Updated
Victoria’s Answer
As long as you have a good relationship with your principal and they know you well enough to write a well-rounded letter of recommendation, then I think it is a good idea. Check the letter before submitting it.
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Hi Andrew,
Any letter of recommendation can be valuable, provided it's pertinent to your current situation. Just remember to avoid using any that were written over 4 years ago :)
In my opinion, it would add a unique, personal element if we could get to know you beyond just your cover letter or CV.
Best of luck to you!
Any letter of recommendation can be valuable, provided it's pertinent to your current situation. Just remember to avoid using any that were written over 4 years ago :)
In my opinion, it would add a unique, personal element if we could get to know you beyond just your cover letter or CV.
Best of luck to you!
Updated
Camille’s Answer
Hi,
It will definitely help. I used to think that they where useless but I changed my mind. The fact that someone in a leadership position takes time to think, write and create content about you says a lot about your motivation and brand. The more the better!
It will definitely help. I used to think that they where useless but I changed my mind. The fact that someone in a leadership position takes time to think, write and create content about you says a lot about your motivation and brand. The more the better!
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
It is a good idea, you may also want to speak with the principle about any other activities that you do that they may not know about in order to provide them with the most information possible that they can use when writing your recommendation. That includes community service if applicable.
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Andrea:
A letter from your Principal at your high school can be beneficial when filling out and submitting college and scholarship applications. Does your Principal know you through your achievements from academics, sports and extra curricular activities like clubs, band, orchestra, theatre, etc.? Does he or she know of your involvement with your community, church and other volunteer opportunities? If so, then by all means, a letter of recommendation from your Principal will be great for your future and pursuing to gain entry to the college of your choice. He or she may ask you for a list of school and community involvement activities, academic performance, etc. in order to craft a letter of recommendation that positively represents you.
College and scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. College and scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of college and scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship and gain entry to the college of your choice, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Registrar Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
There should be no limit on the amount of scholarships that one can apply to. It will take time to fill out the scholarship applications and provide all of the necessary required information. Also, there should no fee and no cost to fill out and submit scholarship applications. If there is a fee or cost that is associated with a scholarship application, then please do not send this particular scholarship application in. It will be a scam and money will be lost.
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There will be a application fee to pay for when submitting college applications. The amount of application fee will depend on the college that you are applying to. If there are questions about the college application process, please reach out to the college's Registrar Office.
Good luck on the college and scholarship applications and best wishes for your education and future career goals!
A letter from your Principal at your high school can be beneficial when filling out and submitting college and scholarship applications. Does your Principal know you through your achievements from academics, sports and extra curricular activities like clubs, band, orchestra, theatre, etc.? Does he or she know of your involvement with your community, church and other volunteer opportunities? If so, then by all means, a letter of recommendation from your Principal will be great for your future and pursuing to gain entry to the college of your choice. He or she may ask you for a list of school and community involvement activities, academic performance, etc. in order to craft a letter of recommendation that positively represents you.
College and scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. College and scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of college and scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship and gain entry to the college of your choice, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Registrar Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
There should be no limit on the amount of scholarships that one can apply to. It will take time to fill out the scholarship applications and provide all of the necessary required information. Also, there should no fee and no cost to fill out and submit scholarship applications. If there is a fee or cost that is associated with a scholarship application, then please do not send this particular scholarship application in. It will be a scam and money will be lost.
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There will be a application fee to pay for when submitting college applications. The amount of application fee will depend on the college that you are applying to. If there are questions about the college application process, please reach out to the college's Registrar Office.
Good luck on the college and scholarship applications and best wishes for your education and future career goals!