Putney College Guide

TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS

“Which teacher should I ask to recommend me?” The rule of thumb is two teachers: one in the Humanities (English, History, Foreign Language, Arts) and one in Math/Science. Some colleges will not accept academic recommendations from teachers of arts, no matter how loudly I protest – if you find that to be the case, be practical: you're applying to get accepted, not to challenge their policies (save that for later). The teachers you ask to recommend you should know your work well, know how hard you work, what you have achieved. The same teachers should write for you to all your colleges, except when another teacher has a special connection to a given college or can address a question unique to that college. Sometimes the additional information that a tutor, employer, coach can give is worth the third recommendation – but not usually.   Your recommenders will write a thorough description of your strengths, especially the academic ones. They will send their recommendation to our office and we, in turn, will email or mail that recommendation to each college with your transcript packet.

  1. ASK teachers to recommend you. If anyone feels unable to speak well of your work, s/he will advise you to ask another teacher. No teacher will agree to recommend a student unless the recommendation will be positive.
  2. Ask for a recommendation WELL AHEAD of its due date; a thoughtful recommendation takes time to write.  
  3. PROVIDE the recommender with THE RECOMMENDATION FORM, with your part filled out, and A STAMPED (39 cents) ENVELOPE, ADDRESSED TO THE COLLEGE - for each college. (Don't get creative here: follow these directions. The number of mailings involved is surprisingly high, and recommenders are doing this in their "free" time. And note that the recommendations are sent by the teachers, not the College Office, while you are a senior. After you graduate, the Registrar or College Office will send teacher recs that are in your file, as you request them.)
IN THE SPRING,let your recommenders know how your applications fared, and THANK THEM for their efforts in representing you to the colleges. Our teachers do this work carefully and well.