Instructions for Completing the Letter of Recommendation Packet

for Ms. Gulden

READ THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS BOX CAREFULLYAND SAVE FOR REFERENCE!

I need to receive this packet at least 20 working days (1 month) prior to the first application due date to complete a recommendation. This form needs tobe completed by all students who would like me to write a letter of recommendation for their college applications. Remember:

Most private schoolswant and require letters of recommendation

Out-of-state public universities may or may not want or accept them

UC and CSU schools do not accept letters of recommendation

I want to write the best possible letter, and can do so when you provide mewith thorough information.

It’s best to fill out the form while on your computer so you can type it and not be constrained by space.

If you choose to fill it out by hand, please be sure to write legibly.

The more complete and detailed information you give me the better, anecdotal information that provides specific examples is always appreciated.

You can submit the form by paper or email.

COMMON APPLICATION

1.Begin by visiting

2.You must complete your demographic information and your school information before inviting your recommenders. Then you will add a college and be able to invite your counselor and your teacher. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE CORRECT EMAIL ADDRESS.

3.When you invite me, I recommend that you check the “I waivemy right to review my recommendations and supporting documents submitted by me or my behalf.”-This helps ensure that colleges can trust that they have an honest recommendation.

The information you will need for the Common Application is listed here:

Candace Gulden Title: Counseloremail: hone: 415-945-3627
Redwood High School  395 Doherty Drive, Larkspur, CA 94939 College Board Code: 051361

Schools which do not use the Common Application, such as many non-California state universities, may want you to apply online – check EARLY on each college/university website to find out the required application process.

PAPER APPLICATIONS WHICH REQUIRE A COUNSELOR RECOMMENDATION,you will need to provide:

Astandard-sizestamped envelope addressed to each college admissions office.

If you use larger envelopes you must ensure correct postage. We will provide the school return address.

Also, include the official recommendation form if the college requires one. This will likely be called theSecondary School or Counselor Report form.

Make sure you have filled in your entire portion and signed in the appropriate places.

TRANSCRIPTS: It is your responsibility to order transcripts from the Redwood Records Secretary in Room 105.
Common App –Transcripts will be uploaded electronically to your Common App account
Non-Common App – For any school that requires an official transcript mailed to them, you must bring in a stamped, addressed envelope to the Records Secretary and fill out a Transcript Request Form
UC’swill specifically ask for a transcript if they want one after your application has been submitted
CSU’s – vary by campus – check with each campus to which you plan to apply
It is very important to request letters of recommendation from your counselor and teachers with adequate time for their completion and to complete your applications well before the deadlines.

All SAT/ACT test scores must be sent directly from the testing company to your college choices.

Do this at and

Letter of Recommendation - Student Questionnaire

Name: (as listed on applications) / First date on which
an application is due:
Home Phone: / To what college:
Email address: / Cell phone:
Schools to which you wish a recommendation sent:
School / Due Date / School / Due Date
1) / 2)
3) / 4)
5) / 6)
7) / 8)
9) / 10)

TEST SCORE INFORMATION (if you have it)

SAT Reasoning / Date / Verbal / Math / Writing / Date / Verbal / Math / Writing
SAT Subject
Tests / Date / Subject& Score: / Subject& Score: / Subject& Score:
ACT / Date / English / Math / Reading / Science / Composite / Writing
AP Tests (taken or planned)
List date, subject and score / 1) / 2)
3) / 4) / 5)

Who is writing your teacher recs?

List the names of three different teachers from whom I can get additional information: (not ones writing your major recs.)
1) / 2) / 3)

Personal Information

Address / Phone:
Parents' Names
Occupation of Mother & Employer / Occupation of Father & Employer
Highest level of education completed / Highest level of education completed
College mother attended (if any) / College father attended (if any)
Briefly describe your family situation including who you live with, how many siblings, language spoken at home… etc.
Please list 5 adjectives that best describe you and why?
ADJECTIVE / WHY?

What are your highest priorities in selecting a college and how did you settle on your top choices?

What are you considering for a college major (it’s ok if you don’t know) and what inspired you to consider that major? If you have any experience (s) in the area of your major, please describe it: (classes, job, internship, etc).

Please describe an accomplishment of which you are most proud and why (academic or not/in school or out).

Tell me about your talents or unique skills and how you have developed them over time.

What extracurricular activities have you been involved in since high school began? Describe your involvement and note which activities you have devoted the most time to and those that have had the largest impact on you. Examples include work, athletic teams, clubs, internships, music, extra classes, volunteering, leadership….etc.

What are the biggest challengesor personal hardships you have faced (personal and/or academic) over the last four years? And how did you cope with/overcome these challenges?

Will you be applying for financial aid (state/government grants)? If so, are there any financial hardshipsyou think colleges should be aware of?

If you could write your own recommendation, what are the things you would emphasize? (Listing bullet points with specific examples is fine.) Also please share with me anything else that has not been previously mentioned in the questionnaire that you believe would be helpful for me to share with colleges.

Parent Recommendation: Personal Strengths

Please invite your parents to write a note to me so they have an opportunity to share what they feel your strengths and unique qualities are. Their ability to cite experiences or personal anecdotes that they feel demonstrate strengths and special talents can be very helpful. Please encourage them to focus on high school experiences, although they may include significant earlier events that shaped your life. (You can attach their input or have them email me at (.)

If you have a resumé prepared, you can leave the next three sections blank and attach resumé instead.

AWARDS AND DISTINCTIONS: Academic/Non-Academic/In or Out of School

Year / Title and Description

ACTIVITIES and LEADERSHIP ROLES: In/Out of School (Sports, Clubs, Youth Groups, etc.)

Year / Title and Description

WORK and VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE:

Year(s) / Title and Description