As we come to a close on the 2024-2025 school year, many juniors are now absorbed in thinking about their college journey. While many need letters of recommendation from their teachers, the search to acquire one has become increasingly difficult, with many teachers having selective processes that leave many students worried about their futures.
In more recent years, teachers have started implementing application processes for students to even be considered for a letter of recommendation. “I provide a link that allows students to potentially be picked… I then take that list and I do a random number generator,” said AP Language and Composition teacher Jake Donohoe. “I try to do my system early so that I know kids have the chance to go ask other teachers, just to make it easy for everybody,” she added.
While the method of selecting students may be simpler for teachers, it can lead to immense stress for students. With Lamorinda’s pressure to get into prestigious schools, it’s almost impossible not to worry about things like recommendation letters. Senior Clara Rhame mentioned, “I did find [letter applications] stressful because there was a short deadline for some of them…it took me quite a bit of time since I was doing homework on top of [the applications].”
However, the applications and lotteries allow for teachers to reject students in a kinder way than plainly refusing them. Having a system for choosing gives teachers the chance to better explain why students won’t receive a letter, by either saying they simply lost the lottery or that other students had stronger applications. As Rhame puts it, “It’s a nicer way to say no to people.”
When asked what she would do if she were a teacher, junior Lauren Ji said, “I would do an application, but in April.” Ji believes that applications allow for teachers to “see who’s actually interested in getting their letter…and scout out the few who take their class seriously who they have a positive opinion of.”
“Lotteries are good so that it’s not anything personal [if you don’t get a letter],” said junior Avery Yasukochi. The stress felt by students throughout the recommendation letters process is nothing compared to the sorrow they would feel if they were just told “no” multiple times.
Yasukochi also mentioned, “I think that applications are good so that teachers can pick the people they can write the best letters for.” Letters of recommendation require thought, and teachers sometimes have to be selective with who they pick through application or lottery, because, as Ji mentions, “If I was a teacher I wouldn’t want to write a letter for somebody I’ve never talked to.”
While students may feel the pressure currently, if they put in the effort throughout the year, letter applications and lotteries will feel like a breeze. Hard work pays off, and teachers take notice when selecting people for recommendation letters. Students need to slow down, take a breath, and feel proud about everything they have done so far, because recommendation letters are just one part of their high school experience.
