How do I ask my coach for a college recommendation letter?
I'm a junior getting ready for college applications, and one of the schools I'm looking at lets me submit an extra recommendation. My coach knows me really well from the past two seasons, but I feel awkward asking.
I want to do it the right way and not make it seem rushed or entitled. I'm mainly trying to figure out the best way to ask so it's polite and gives them what they need.
I want to do it the right way and not make it seem rushed or entitled. I'm mainly trying to figure out the best way to ask so it's polite and gives them what they need.
5 hours ago
•
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Sundial Team
5 hours ago
Ask early, ask directly, and make it easy for your coach to say yes.
A simple in-person ask is usually best: “Coach, I’m applying to colleges this fall, and one school allows an extra recommendation. Since you’ve seen me closely over the past two seasons, would you feel comfortable writing a strong recommendation for me?” The word “strong” matters because it gives them room to decline if they do not feel they can write a detailed letter.
After they say yes, send a short follow-up email with the deadline, submission instructions, your resume or activity list, and a few reminders of what you hope they might highlight.
For a coach, the most useful points are usually things like leadership, consistency, work ethic, resilience, coachability, how you support teammates, and how you respond under pressure. You can include specific examples, such as being team captain, helping younger players, returning from a setback, or showing discipline in practice.
Make sure you also tell them exactly how to submit the letter, whether through Common App, a school portal, or email.
A simple in-person ask is usually best: “Coach, I’m applying to colleges this fall, and one school allows an extra recommendation. Since you’ve seen me closely over the past two seasons, would you feel comfortable writing a strong recommendation for me?” The word “strong” matters because it gives them room to decline if they do not feel they can write a detailed letter.
After they say yes, send a short follow-up email with the deadline, submission instructions, your resume or activity list, and a few reminders of what you hope they might highlight.
For a coach, the most useful points are usually things like leadership, consistency, work ethic, resilience, coachability, how you support teammates, and how you respond under pressure. You can include specific examples, such as being team captain, helping younger players, returning from a setback, or showing discipline in practice.
Make sure you also tell them exactly how to submit the letter, whether through Common App, a school portal, or email.
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