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Ask a teacher for a recommendation letter the right way
Practice: Giving the right context. About 5 minutes.
About this exercise
You're asking Mr. Abernathy for a college recommendation letter. Write an email under 110 words whose first line is 'Subject: Recommendation request - due Nov 20'. Use your counselor's deadline, mention two specific moments from his class, include your brag sheet link, and skip groveling lines like 'I know you're very busy' or 'sorry to bother you'. Write a prompt that gets that email.
Common mistakes when you ask AI for this
- Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting. Ask for "under 110 words" and it often lands well over. Try: Cap each part: "5 sentences, each under 18 words."
- Using the wrong deadline. Your counselor mentions Dec 1 too. The AI may pick the Common App date. Try: Say it: "Subject line and deadline: Nov 20, my counselor's date."
- A generic ask. The AI writes "I really enjoyed your class", which gives him nothing to write about. Try: Add: "Mention the New Deal debate and my DBQ going from a 4 to a 7."
- Over-apologizing. AI requests open with "I know you're incredibly busy" and "I completely understand if you can't". Try: Add: "No groveling or apologies. Include my brag sheet link."
What a strong prompt includes
- Sets a word limit
- Gives the subject line
- Uses the counselor's deadline
- Names specific moments
- Bans groveling
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