7 Steps to Great Letters of Recommendation

1. Be prepared - After you ask your teacher to write your letter, make sure you provide them with a 9x12 envelope with a cover letter detailing what they are writing the recommendation for.  For example - a job, scholarship, or admission to college.

2. Give your teachers a resume or an essay explaining in detail YOU!  What makes you stand out?  What have you done?

3. Request that your teacher print your letter on official school letterhead.  Appearance does matter.

4. Provide a timeline and a deadline of the schools/scholarships you are applying for.

5. NEVER WAIT TO THE LAST MINUTE to ask for a letter of recommendation.  Provide them at least five days prior to the time it's needed.

6. Pay for the postage!  Provide self-addressed stamped envelopes.

7. Say thanks!  Include a simple thank-you note for your teacher.  Writing a good recommendation letter takes time, and nothing energizes a teacher like gratitude! 

Early Decision vs. Regular Admissions

· Regular Admissions:  You apply by the College/Universities regular midwinter deadline. You usually hear back from them by April and you make your decision and notify the colleges by May 1st.

· Rolling admissions:  You apply and usually receive admissions within 2-6 wks. Most public universities and many private colleges use this time line.

· Early Application:  There are 2 types of early plans– one that is binding and the other is nonbinding. The college also uses regular admissions as well. The differences are as follows

· Early Action (EA):  This is NONBINDING that requires you to submit your application in early fall most likely by November 1 or 15.  The college lets you know if you have been accepted by early January, but  you have the right to wait to respond back to them by May 1.  This give  you time to compare colleges before making a decision as an EA application doesn’t commit you to enrolling if accepted.

· Early Decision (ED):  This is considered BINDING, so it’s essential that you be certain about wanting to enroll at that college.  As with early action, you submit an application in early fall.  By mid-December and January you are notified that you have been accepted or not.  By applying under the ED plan, you make a commitment to attend accepted and surrender the right to wait until May to make a decision.  Reneging on your agreement after being offered ED admission could result in other colleges refusing to admit you!!!

Why Community College?

Do you want small class sizes and where the professor knows your name? Community Colleges have rigorous courses just like the four year universities at half the cost.  Community Colleges are becoming the destination for strong students who with good grades who want to save money their first two years of college. 

Students who are undecided about their future and are uncertain what they want to major in do well at the community colleges. Community colleges have open admissions. Students can apply to the college by filling out the online applications or visiting the college and doing it there in person.  Once accepted, they are either required to take a placement test or are waived from the placement test if they score at least a 500 or better on all sections of the SAT.  What makes a Community College special?  It’s a place of help and hope for everybody because whatever situation you are in, it’s an affordable option for everybody to find their way.

NCAA Clearinghouse

The NCAA Clearinghouse is for any student who wishes to play or participate with one or more sports teams in college.  The NCAA Clearinghouse is the check and balance system between the colleges/universities, students and high schools as well.  There is a HUGE difference in how a student can be recruited between Division I, II and III schools.  The requirement for admissions for athletes also differs between the divisions and how much financial aid/scholarship monies also have a large part in how a student athlete is being sought after to play for a particular college/university.

The cost to register for participation with the Clearinghouse is $50.00.  If students receive free or reduced lunch this fee is waived =  It's FREE!  You must see your counselor for assistance with the Clearinghouse application and process.  You must also send your scores from the ACT and SAT directly to the Clearinghouse.  Their code number is 9999.

Division I School Core Requirements for Athletics

16 Core Courses for D-I Schools.  This rule went into effect for the class of 2008 and beyond.

· 4 yrs of English

· 3 yrs of Math

· 2 yrs of natural/physical science

· 1 yr of additions English, Math, or natural/physical science

· 2 yrs of social sciences

· 4 yrs of additional courses (from any of above, foreign language or nondoctrinal religion/philosophy).

· Division I core Grade point Average/Text-Score Sliding Scale for example: if a student has a 2.75 GPA that student would need a 720 on the SAT or a 59 on the ACT.

Division II and III Athletic Requirements

Division II requires 14 core courses.

· 3 yrs of English

· 2 yrs of math

· 2  yrs of natural/physical science (1 yr of lab if offered by high school). 2 yrs of additional English, math or natural/physical science.

· 2 yrs of social sciences

· 3 yrs of additional courses (from any area above, foreign language or nondoctrinal religion/philosophy). 

Division II there is no sliding scale, the minimum core grade point average is 2.0.  The minimum SAT score is 820 Math and Verbal sections only.  The minimum Act sum is 68. 

Division III-Requirements vary from institution to institution. Consult with your coach for more specific information.