Hoping to get a great recommendation letter for your college or scholarship applications? It’s hard to write a recommendation for someone you don’t know. It’s especially important to have strong relationships with your teachers and counselor, but it might seem difficult to cultivate those relationships in the era of “distant learning”. How can you reach out to your teachers? Here are 3 tips for building good relationships regardless of your school situation:
- Show Up! Get to know your teachers/counselor and give them opportunities to get to know you. Be sure to show up for required class meetings (online or in-person) and take advantage of “office hours” or other chances to interact with your teachers.
- Speak Up! Make your voice heard by asking questions during class or after hours by email. Share thoughts and ideas, ask for clarification if needed, and be an active participant. Use your voice, even by email. This lets the teachers know you are engaged and interested in their class.
- Stand Out! Make yourself known. Let teachers know your interests and get to know theirs; you may find common ground. Although many extracurriculars are currently suspended, stay connected with activity advisors and collaborate on new ways to be involved even when school is closed. Teachers will take notice when you take initiative.
Take Action
- Update your Activity List. Be sure to list all your activities. Who are the advisors for each activity? Focus on getting to know your advisors better.
- Make a list of potential recommenders who can write detailed and insightful recommendation letters for you. If you need some practical tips on how to pick your recommenders, you can read my past blog post here.
At EdMission Possible, we guide our students in the right direction by making sure they stay focused and keep their deadlines with constant reminders. If you feel like you could use a little more motivation or encouragement, call or e-mail us today to inquire about our college application services.
Happy college planning!
Warmly,
Burcak Deniz Cakir
Founder and President | EdMission Possible
Phone: +1(732)640-5550
E-mail: bdcakir@EdMissionPossible.com
Burcak Deniz Cakir has a B.A. in Foreign Language Education, an M.A. in English Language Teaching, and an M.B.A., all of which have laid the solid foundation for her professional experiences as an educator. She has completed the College Counseling Program at UCLA, which is known to be the most prestigious certificate program in the profession. She has previously taught English as a Foreign/Second Language (EFL/ESL) in Turkey and in the U.S. at Virginia Tech, Harcum College, Rutgers University (Newark and New Brunswick Campuses), and Pace University. Having taught EFL/ESL at the college level for over 20 years, Burcak can communicate effectively with college-age students from different countries. She is bilingual in Turkish and English. Her extensive experience with international students from many countries including but not limited to Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Korea, and China has given her the opportunity to understand their unique problems that domestic students may not be facing throughout the college admissions process, such as but not limited to extra testing requirements (TOEFL, IELTS), the translation of high school transcripts and recommendation letters, different financial forms and statements required, visa issues, being homesick, culture shock, etc.
Burcak is an Associate Member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and a Voting Member of the International Association for College Admission Counseling (IACAC). She currently lives in Edison, New Jersey with her husband, two daughters, and her four-legged son. In her free time, she can be found spending time with her family, reading (lots!) about college admissions and college essays, watching her favorite movies, getting lost in design magazines, and decorating her house.
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