微信群消息 #2：教师推荐信的重要性

各位家长您好，
 在大学申请中（尤其是非UC的私立大学），教师推荐信是非常关键的一部分。许多学校会要求一到两封来自学科老师的推荐信。而每位老师能写的数量有限，建议大家提前规划，在本学年结束前就开始准备。

推荐信主要分三种类型：

  1. 学科老师的推荐信（本次内容重点） 
  2. 学校辅导员（Counselor）的推荐信 
  3. 校外推荐人，如导师、教练、实习主管等
     第2和第3类型我会在后续群信息中再做详细说明。 

一封强而有力的推荐信，靠的不是成绩，而是学生在课堂中的表现和与老师之间的关系。

案例一：成绩A，但平时不太参与课堂讨论的学生
 拿A成绩的学生，如果平时没有和老师互动，也可能拿不到有内容的推荐信。建议孩子主动争取机会，比如在期末前向老师提议制作复习指南，并分享给同学。这种行为能体现学生的主动性、领导力、对同伴的关心，老师更容易写出具体有力的内容。

案例二：成绩B，犹豫是否该开口请求推荐信的学生
 B成绩不代表不能请老师写推荐信，但必须展现出努力和进步。我们建议这样的学生利用办公室时间去请教老师，带着整理好的笔记，标出做错的题目，并提出2-3个具体问题。让老师看到学生的反思、成长和认真态度，反而更容易打动老师。

我们建议学生做到以下几点：

  1. 主动预约，与老师面对面提出推荐请求 
  2. 弄清楚每位老师写推荐信的流程（有些老师需要学生填写表格、提供简历或问卷） 
  3. 不要拖到秋季临时请求——热门老师名额有限 

一封优秀的推荐信通常包含以下三点：

  1. 有具体事件或课堂小故事体现师生关系 
  2. 具备具体特质，并通过例子支持（如好奇心、毅力、合作能力） 
  3. 展现学生如何影响课堂氛围或帮助他人 

现在就是孩子们主动建立联系的最佳时机。不要等到秋天才开始准备，错过了和老师之间建立起真实联系的机会。若您希望我们协助判断由哪位老师来写推荐信，或需要帮助整理材料，也欢迎随时联系我们！

Daniel Lee
 SAT Professionals
 (909) 860-2190
 www.satprofessionals.com
 微信号：DanielSATLee

 

WeChat Message #2: Teacher Recommendation Letters

Hi Parents,
 One important piece of the college application (especially for non-UC schools) is the teacher letter of recommendation. Many private colleges ask for 1–2 academic letters. Each teacher only writes a limited number, so planning early is key.

There are also 3 types of LOR:

  1. Teacher’s recommendation (today’s focus) 
  2. Counselor letter of recommendation 
  3. Recommender from outside of school (e.g. mentor, coach, supervisor)
     #2 and #3 will be discussed in later chats. 

A strong letter doesn’t come just from good grades—it’s about the student’s presence in class and their relationship with the teacher.

Example 1 – A student with an A but low participation:
 Getting an A isn’t enough if the teacher doesn’t know who you are. We recommend the student take initiative now—ask the teacher if they can make a final review study guide to share with the class. This shows maturity, leadership, and care for others—qualities colleges value and teachers can write about.

Example 2 – A student with a B, unsure if they should ask:
 A B is fine if the teacher has seen effort and growth. This student should go to office hours, bring specific questions, and let the teacher know how they’ve worked to improve. Bring a clean set of notes, circle mistakes from past homework, and ask for help. Show resilience and reflection—teachers respect that and often write even stronger letters for these students.

We recommend students:

  1. Set an appointment and speak directly with the teacher. 
  2. Clarify each teacher’s LOR process (some need a form, résumé, or questionnaire). 
  3. Avoid asking last minute in the fall—popular teachers run out of spots. 

A powerful recommendation has 3 key parts:

  1. A personal story showing connection 
  2. Specific traits backed by real examples 
  3. Evidence of how your child impacts others or the class environment 

Let your student know now is the time to act—not later in the fall when it’s too late to build a real connection. If you’d like help reviewing which teachers may be best or prepping your child’s materials, let me know!

Daniel Lee
 SAT Professionals
 (909) 860-2190
 www.satprofessionals.com
 WeChat ID: DanielSATLee