If you'd like me to write a college recommendation for you, please...
- Send me a list of colleges and the need date for each. If you have more than four or five colleges, you should ask yourself why. Then you should prioritize them for me. Then you should hope they all use the Common Application.
- Fill out and send me any teacher recommendation forms that the colleges provide (print a copy from their web site). I prefer using their forms and answering their questions rather than a generic letter of recommendation.
- A brief "resume"--the most important item on this should be a paragraph or two describing your college & career plans (intended major, etc.). Have you done anything outside of school that relates to your college/career goals?
- Give me at least three weeks (not including vacation time)
- Ask yourself: why would Mr. Rhine write a recommendation letter for me? If you worked hard for me, I'll do the same for you. I do write balanced recommendations. If there were some weaknesses you exhibited (e.g., missing/late homework or projects), I may include that as part of my recommendation as well.
