A strong letter of recommendation can definitely bolster a college application. Unfortunately, too few students understand the importance of this pivotal piece of the college admissions puzzle. The norm seems to be that students wait until the last minute to ask the most popular teacher. What’s wrong with that picture? Just about everything.

Teachers, coaches, community leaders, and employers know students can offer unique perspectives. While high praise in a letter of recommendation isn’t an automatic acceptance, a mediocre letter can signal red flags and spell disaster. Colleges read all the letters submitted, but they generally come into play when trying to distinguish between students who present similar grades and test scores.

How do you prepare recommenders to write the best letter possible?

• Start Early – Asking early demonstrates both a measure of responsibility and thoughtfulness on the part of the student, i.e., that you understand the value of the letter of recommendation, are taking the college admissions process seriously, and appreciate the recommender’s time. Most guidance counselors recommend asking teachers just before the end of junior year and then reconnecting with them in the fall of senior year.
• Approach recommenders carefully – Ask them if they feel comfortable writing you a letter of recommendation. If you get even a hint of hesitation, just say thank you and move along to the next recommender on your list.
• Be strategic about whom you ask –Asking the teacher who gave you the “easy A” may not work in your favor. You need to ask yourself, “Who knows me and my work best?” Figure out which teacher can share the most about your intellectual curiosity, strong work ethic, ability to get along with other students, capability to lead, and your potential career success? Students and parents often ask if it is critical to have received an “A” in a class before they can ask for a letter of recommendation. No, just getting an “A” in a class doesn’t mean that a teacher will write a stellar letter. Frequently, the most powerful letters of recommendation come when a student has struggled in a class, but has really shown determination and perseverance.
• Waive your rights – Most applications will ask if you’re willing to waive your rights to see your letters of recommendation. Check the “yes” box. Otherwise, the recommender may be leery about being honest, and the college will have doubts about your confidence in your recommenders.
• Don’t forget your manners – Remember that no one is getting paid to write these letters of recommendation for you. Thank them properly with a hard copy, not an email, thank-you note, and be sure to keep them updated on whatever you hear from your colleges.                                                                                                                                                                                                                      How to prepare your recommender to write the strongest letter on your behalf. Make the recommender’s job as easy as possible. Help your recommender help you by providing the following:
• Prepare a resume or brag sheet that gives the teacher a better understanding of your involvement in community service, extracurricular interests, how you’ve spent your summers, any honors, scholarships, or awards you’ve received, any internships or job-shadowing experiences, and any employment. The teacher will use this information to provide depth and breadth to your letter of recommendation.
• Your Personal Statement.  Many teachers will write the letters of recommendation once you return to school in the fall and will appreciate reading what you have to say about yourself.
• A brief paragraph on what you’re looking for in your college experience. This is where you can address your specific interests, possible majors you’re considering, and the type of colleges that represent a good fit for you. This will help the teachers personalize their letters.
• Your college list with specifics on their application deadlines (Early Action, Early Decision, Restricted Early Action, and Regular Decision.

Bierer is an independent college adviser based in Charlotte. Send questions to: lee@bierercollegeconsulting.com; www.bierercollegeconsulting.com