b'34Request Your TranscriptOnce your recommendations have been submitted, Your high school transcript is a compilation of all ofcheck your college portals to make sure they haveyour courses and grades. Be sure to request that yourbeen received. Then, write a thank you note to each transcript is sent to every school to which you areperson who wrote a recommendation for you.applying. Check your portal at each of these schoolsAlso, remember to let these people know whento make sure it was received. Some colleges will askyou receive your acceptances.to see your first semester, senior year grades as partUseNAVIANCEeDocsof their decision process. Sending your transcriptsThrough NAVIANCE eDocs, you can electronically can be arranged with your school counselor. ask for recommendations, request transcripts, and Ask for Letters of Recommendation track when both are sent. NAVIANCE eDocs simplifies Most colleges require letters of recommendationthe process, but does not take the place of meeting from your school counselor and at least one teacher.with each adult who is writing a recommendation Your school counselor will write about your overallor sending a personal thank you.performance and achievement in high school, and your teacher will talk about the type of student youSCHEDULE AN INTERVIEWare in the classroom. Many colleges will allow you toMany liberal arts colleges and some universities submit additional recommendations from individualsallow you to interview with admissions staff. This is who know you from the community, such as aa chance to make yourself stand out by talking about supervisor, coach, community group leader (scoutyour experiences and interests and why you want to leader, etc.), or spiritual leader. These are calledattend their school. Follow these tips to make the supplemental recommendations. most of each college interview:Tips for Obtaining RecommendationsResearch the college in advance and be ready to talkRequest recommendations from teachers from about why it is a good fit for you.academic classesEnglish, math, science, foreign Be prepared to answer questions about your high language, social studiesyou took your junior or school and extracurricular activities, why thesenior year. Teachers who know you well can write college interests you, and what you can contributethe most effective recommendations. as a student. If you have a special interest, such as photography, Your interviewer will likely finish by asking if you art, drama, or music, consider asking that teacher forhave any questions. Prepare three to five thoughtful a supplemental recommendation. Submit no morequestions in advance, but be ready to think on your than two supplemental recommendations. Neverfeet if those questions have already been answered.submit a recommendation from a family memberIf possible, conduct a mock interview with anor friend. adult on your College Prep Team before your To ensure that your recommenders know enoughactual interview.about you to write a robust recommendation, provide Dress in business casual or business attire.each person with a copy of the resum you created Promptly send a thank you note to your interviewer.using the tips on pp. 12-13. Talk with them aboutIf he or she is your admissions officer, stay in touch your strengths, any challenges you have encountered with additional questions and updates about youror overcome, and why you want to attend each college. accomplishments. Use this opportunity to form Request recommendations at least one month a relationship.before they are due.Find more tips at https://bigfuture.collegeboard. org/get-in/interviews.'