Teacher Recommendation Letters 
                                              Instructions for Students 
                                                            
                   
                   
                     In the spring of junior year, ask the teacher in person to write the letter of recommendation.  
                     Please do not just place the “GVHS Request for Letter of Recommendation Form” in 
                     their mailbox without asking first. 
                   
                     After the teacher agrees to write your recommendation, complete the “GVHS Request for 
                     Letter of Recommendation Form” and hand it to him/her in person.  The form is available 
                     online through Naviance (sign in and access “Document Library” on the right side of 
                     your homepage, and click on “Junior Folder” or “Senior Folder.”  All documents will 
                     be in these folders). The forms are also available in the Counseling Office. 
                   
                     Once  you  have  begun  to  apply  to  colleges,  provide  the  teacher  with  a  completed 
                     “Recommendation Letter Follow-Up Form”.   The “Recommendation Letter Follow-up 
                     Form” is available online through Naviance and in the Counseling Office. You should not 
                     request a copy of the recommendation letter.  Colleges request they remain confidential! 
                   
                     Be prepared to meet with the teacher should  he/she choose to interview you or need to 
                     discuss the letter of recommendation.  Some teachers may request additional information. 
                   
                     Please do not ask more than the required number of teachers for recommendation letters.   
                     Each college will specify the number required. Most colleges require only two letters. 
                   
                     Please note that teachers will make every effort to upload your recommendation letter to 
                                                     th
                     NAVIANCE no later than October 15 , provided you asked them to write it in spring of your 
                     junior year. 
                   
                     Please be aware that teachers are not required to write letters of recommendation.  A teacher 
                     can say “no” to your request especially if several students have already asked them or they do 
                     not feel that they can write you a strong letter of recommendation. 
                   
                     Teachers will use our online recommendation form, which is NACAC (National Association 
                     of  College  Admissions  Counselors)  approved.   You  do not  need to  give the  teacher the 
                     college  specific  recommendation  form,  unless  the  school  indicates  that  they  need  their 
                     original form completed. 
                   
                     It is common courtesy to follow up in the spring of your senior year with a thank you note 
                     and to let the recommending teachers know where you were accepted and what school you 
                     plan to attend. 
                       
                     Students who are using the Common App for any applications must complete the 
                     recommendation waiver form in your Naviance account:  Go into the “colleges” tab 
                     on Naviance.  Select “colleges I’m applying to”.  Complete the waiver in the blue 
                     shaded box and submit.  Please note – you must use your Common App username 
                     and password for this waiver – not your Naviance username and password.