San Ramon Valley High School

Requesting Letters of Recommendation

Teacher Recommendation
Your teacher will write one broad letter or recommendation that can be used for each of your applications. Ask your teacher if he/she would be willing to write you a letter of recommendation. After they agree, invite them to write your letter through Naviance. Under Colleges I'm Applying To you will see a link to request teacher recommendations. 
 
If your college has provided a specific recommendation form, you should fill out the top portion with your name and address, sign the waiver statement, and give it to your teacher as soon as possible. Your teacher will write “see attached” in the narrative section, add check marks to any rating boxes, sign, and follow the mailing instructions.
 
You should pick teachers who know you, respect you, and will write positive things about you.  Also, be sure to ask the teacher in a way in which he or she can politely decline. Try to talk to your teacher when he or she has a few minutes to spare and ask if “You would consider writing one of my recommendations.” 
 
Counselor Recommendation
 
Counselors are frequently asked to write recommendation letters for private colleges. A complete packet is found on Naviance: Home Page: Document Library (on the right).Once your packet is complete, make an appointment to see your counselor. 
 
To provide the best recommendation possible, your counselor needs as much information as possible. 
 
Give your counselor plenty of time to write your recommendation.  At lease three weeks is recommended.
 
Say Thanks
It is "good manners" to thank teachers and counselors after completing a recommendation letter for you. A great deal of thought and effort goes into these letters and your acknowledgement is greatly appreciated!