Chamara Perera: Get the Best Recommenders for College Applications

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Chamara Perera: Who Should Write Your Recommendation Letter?

Starting college applications is exciting and a bit nerve-wracking. Amidst the myriad of tasks, one critical task often overlooked is the recommendation letter. This personalized account of your abilities and character can significantly influence the admission process. Chamara Perera lists down the people you should ask to be your advocate. 

Trusted teachers

Your go-to recommenders are often right in the classroom. Chamara Perera recommends teachers who know your hard work and enthusiasm. Choose from classes where you're active. Aim for those in core academic subjects where you actively participated. A recommendation from a trusted teacher can speak volumes about your academic capabilities and commitment to learning.

Wise counselors

Your school counselor knows all about your high school journey. They can talk about your grades, activities, and how you've grown. Ask them for a recommendation to show the full picture of what you can do.

Extracurricular leaders

If you do stuff like clubs or sports, ask the leaders or advisors for recommendations. They can talk about how you lead, work with others, and stay committed. According to Chamara Perera, this makes your application more interesting.

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Workplace supervisors

If you've worked before, think about getting recommendations from bosses. They can talk about how you work, take responsibility, and adapt to a job. Chamara Perera says getting a recommendation letter from a superior is especially useful if you've had part-time jobs or internships in high school. 

Personal mentors

If you have someone like a mentor or community leader who knows you well, ask them for a recommendation. It could be a religious leader, community organizer, or someone outside school. They can share a different view of you for your application.

When it comes to requesting recommendation letters, keep these tips in mind:

Ask early: Give your recommenders ample time to craft thoughtful letters by asking well in advance of application deadlines.

Provide information: Share details about your achievements, goals, and the specific programs or schools you're applying to. Chamara Perera says this helps them tailor the letter to your desired institutions.

Follow up: After making your request, follow up with a thank-you note and keep your recommenders informed about the outcomes of your application.

Chamara Perera is skilled in constructing and fostering instructor pipelines, providing career counseling to students, and mentoring staff. Follow this page for updates.