Letters of Recommendation

Esperanza High School Letter of Recommendation and Secondary School Report Guidelines

If you are requesting a recommendation or Secondary School Report from a teacher or counselor, please observe the following procedures.

1. Strategize in advance which teacher(s) you would like to use, and ask that teacher if he or she would be willing to write a letter of recommendation on your behalf. You can do this even before you have begun completing applications so teachers have as much notice as possible, and can begin working on your letter. Also, notify your counselor immediately that you will be needing a letter.

2. Submit a completed Senior Data Form to each person who will be writing a letter for you. Make sure your Senior Data Form is legible and well thought out. Remember, the quality of what you write will directly affect the quality of the letter that comes as a result.

3. With Secondary School Reports, please organize them by date due when giving them to the counselor.

4. With each letter you request, include a pre-addressed, stamped envelope. 9 1/2'" by 12" manila envelopes work best. Envelopes going to teachers need only one stamp. Those going to counselors will need two stamps, as they will include your Secondary School Report, letter of recommendation, school profile, and official transcript.

5. It is imperative that you give a teacher or counselor AT LEAST 2 weeks notice to complete a letter of recommendation. These two weeks do not include non-working days such as Winter Break. Failure to do so may result in no letter being done for you.

6. Always keep a copy of your application.

7. Watch your deadlines closely, they are YOUR responsibility.