Asking teachers for recommendation letters is something every high school senior faces when applying to colleges. However, not all recommendation letters are alike, and teachers are much more likely to write you high-quality letters and give you preferential treatment if you send them an official "letter of request" for a recommendation rather than a hastily-typed email. If you need help and don't know where to start, here is an example from which you can draw inspiration!
[Current date]
Name of Teacher
Street Address
City, State & Zip Code
Dear [Name of Teacher],
I have thoroughly enjoyed taking [subject] in your classroom and continuing to see you a few times in the subsequent years. Because I am approaching the beginning of my senior year, I have decided to start applying to several colleges. Hopefully, all of the applications will be completed by [insert estimated deadline]. I would really appreciate it if you could write a recommendation letter to these colleges that highlights my skills and accomplishments as a student.
Currently, I am applying to be a [category/subject] major. These areas of study would require qualities such as creativity, fluency, intelligence, diligence, and enthusiasm [or any relevant characteristics for your major]. Up until now, I have tried my absolute best to express these traits in all aspects of my school experience and outside life.
Having worked with you in the past, I have gained a valuable expansion in my thought process and logical reasoning abilities. I feel that my willingness to continue pushing myself to be more than just competent in the classroom will be an advantage in college as well.
If you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation, it would mean a lot to me. I am applying to [names of universities] in the fall through the Common Application [or any other app system like Coalition, etc]. The letters should be submitted through [name of system or portal, for example, Naviance, etc] online. [Names of schools]'s deadlines are all November 1 [or other deadline, if applicable]. I have attached to this letter a copy of the application I will be submitting, my resume, and a personal statement.
If you have any further questions or concerns about the application, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email and phone number]. Again, thank you for this incredible, invaluable favor.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
