I will be happy to write recommendation letter for you. Please read the following carefully: 1. Asking for a Recommendation - First thing you need to do when you would like to get a recommendation letter from any teacher is to show the teacher courtesy and respect by ASKING if they can write you a recommendation. I should not receive an email for a recommendation before you discuss this with me. Also, using the words "please" and "thank you" are definitely a good idea as recommendation letters take a lot of time to write. :)
2. Consider Which Teacher to Ask - The reality is that the better I know you, the better recommendation I can write. It's easy to write recommendations for highly involved, passionate and invested students that I have conversations with. I highly recommend you pick teachers to write you recommendations that have had recently unless you are in regular contact with the teacher. If I haven't had you in a year or two and haven't seen you or have only had you once in class, then it's not as easy to write the recommendation.
3. Give Me at Least Two Weeks - Please give me at least TWO WEEKS before the deadline you want it back (not the deadline the organization requires it).
4. Hand Me These Materials - Please provide me a hard copy of the following five items stapled together: 1. Resume- a hard copy; activities in and outside of school (include volunteer work, sports, awards, accomplishments) 2. A list of eight adjectives that describe you. Again a hard copy. 3. Statement about your aspirations after high/school college. Include career and/or intended major if you know it. Again a hard copy. 4. Statement of the major goals you have for yourself in life. Again a hard copy. 5. Give 3 examples of leadership. Again a hard copy.
5. How I get You the Recommendation - For the Common App, please use my [email protected] email address, not the .net address because my account is set up with the .com email. If the recommendation has to be mailed, please include addressed envelope and stamp.
6. Give Me a Specific Date - Write your name on the calendar next to my desk on the date you wish to receive the letter.
7. Remind Me! - If I agree to write your recommendation letter you must remind me frequently and verify with me by the due date it has been completed. School and life get busy so if you want the recommendation, help me by verifying it has been completed. The is for me and you so deadlines are met.
Why does Mr. Hardin need all this? This will help you get the best possible recommendation as I will use all the materials you give to write the letter. ****Frequent reminders from you as the date approaches wouldn't hurt. The school year is very busy for me. If your deadline is a few days away and I haven't finished it please continually remind me. So, please annoy me to make sure it gets done on time. :)