College applications involve various pieces that allow for a school to form a more comprehensive and holistic view of you. Between personal statements, interviews, and test scores, the application process allows for multiple ways for you to demonstrate a complete picture of yourself and why you might want to attend that institution. Letters of recommendation are a vital piece to further present an encouraging view of who you are and why you would be a great fit. This is where the admissions review committee gets to understand who you are from outside individuals. They get to see key features such as your character, work ethic, and behavior both in class settings and outside of them.
Given the importance of this part of the application, it also requires much thought in narrowing down a list of suitable people who know you enough to be able to give an esteemed report to the school. Some institutions may require for two to three recommenders who might vary from teachers to advisors or guidance counselors to coaches. Thus, you have a multitude of resources who you may select and believe will provide an accurate reflection of you.
My recommandation selection process was a little different from ordinary ones. The summer before my senior year, I transferred schools and had to complete my last year at a completely new high school in another school district. I was concerned that this might make it more challenging to acquire recommendation letters because I was not able to ask my intended recommanders personally for an evaluation. My worries settled, in part, after talking with my new guidance counselor who led me through the process and my former teachers extending an offer to support me in any endeavors I pursued. This gave me the confidence to ask if they would be willing to write me a letter of recommendation. Since I was unable to ask them personally, I remained in contact with them throughout the summer so that around early fall I was able to ask them via email. I had selected two teachers who I had spent considerable time with both in class and outside of class. Thankfully, they were thrilled to write the recommendation letters. Be sure to thank your recommenders, whether it is through a formal thank you letter, or an in-person meeting.
When getting a letter of recommendation, expect to know who you want to advocate for you. This is the hardest and most important step. Once you are certain that your choices of recommenders are the best, try requesting for them to be your reference, preferably in-person. Do not be afraid to ask; your recommander will likely be thrilled to help you through your application process.
Be Confident and Good Luck!