Seniors

Announcements

It is almost time to start filling out the FAFSA for Financial Aid - every student who plans on going to college or trade school needs to fill out the FAFSA or the CA Dream Act. 

The 1st step is creating an FSA ID - please click here for information and directions. You can do this NOW and then fill out the FAFSA starting Oct. 1st. 

How should students ask for letters of recommendation?

8 Tips For High School Seniors Seeking Letters Of Recommendation

  1. The recommendation is about the "personal connection."  It is not about asking the teacher who necessarily gave you the highest grade on your transcript.  Teachers are expected to illustrate how you "go beyond" in their classes.  Examples of how a student experienced setbacks and failure can be just as powerful.

  2. If academic recommendation letters are required, these typically come from 11th or 12th grade teachers in your core subjects: English, math, science, social studies and foreign language.  These letters can often be supplemented with a letter (or two) from someone outside of these areas as well.  For outside letters, it is not about the "title" or glossy letterhead used.  Does this person add a new voice to your overall file, allowing admissions to learn more deeply about you? (As a learner, citizen, teammate, employee, musician, volunteer, etc.?)

  3. Students should always ask for letters of recommendation in person.

  4. Waive your right of access, as well.  Show admissions officers that you have complete faith and trust in your recommenders and did not insist on reading them first.

  5. Seniors should partner with teachers by providing them a detailed summary of the following: things you enjoyed in class, favorite moments, obstacles faced, areas of growth you experienced and what you found most challenging.  Do you have a graded paper or project that brings you great pride?  Make a copy and provide that to your writer.  (Use the Senior Profile as a template)

  6. Follow your high school process for inviting teachers electronically to upload letters via admissions portals — such as Naviance and The Common Application — and make certain that your teachers have a list of the colleges you are applying to with listed postmark deadlines and any special directives you need to provide.

  7. This leads into your partnership with your high school counselor.  They typically upload a letter of recommendation for you as well.  Talk with them often.  Complete any questionnaires they may give you.  Follow their recommended deadlines and processes.

  8. Show gratitude to those who support you.  Thank people for writing letters and always update them on your college application journey and outcomes.

Information taken from here.