News from the Homefront:
Teen Poet Laureate:
Apply now to be the JMRL Teen Poet Laureate!
Apply now to be the JMRL Teen Poet Laureate!
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Arts Fest in the West!
ArtsFest is Friday, March 27 at WAHS from 6-9 pm. A free, family-friendly evening with student art and performances, ArtsFest is the annual fundraiser for Arts in Western Education. Since 2013, this community tradition has brought families, students, and local businesses together to celebrate the arts. While free to attend, every dollar raised through food, t-shirt, and auction sales goes directly to supporting arts programs in western Albemarle schools — Brownsville Elementary, Crozet Elementary, Ivy Elementary, Murray Elementary, Henley Middle and Western Albemarle High School. |
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Nominate Today!
With just three weeks remaining until the April 15 nomination deadline, we are in the final push for Positive Athlete nominations and scholarships. Each year, we recognize high school student-athletes across Virginia for their leadership, character, and impact within their schools and communities. This spring, we will award over $150,000 in scholarships, along with naming award winners across every sport. Our program is open to all student-athletes 9th - 12th grade and scholarships typically average $2,500 per recipient. 👉 Nomination Link: Virginia Nominations
There is no limit to how many student-athletes can be nominated, and as a school counselor, you play such an important role in supporting and advocating for students. We would love your help in ensuring that deserving student-athletes from your school are considered.
With just three weeks remaining until the April 15 nomination deadline, we are in the final push for Positive Athlete nominations and scholarships. Each year, we recognize high school student-athletes across Virginia for their leadership, character, and impact within their schools and communities. This spring, we will award over $150,000 in scholarships, along with naming award winners across every sport. Our program is open to all student-athletes 9th - 12th grade and scholarships typically average $2,500 per recipient. 👉 Nomination Link: Virginia Nominations
There is no limit to how many student-athletes can be nominated, and as a school counselor, you play such an important role in supporting and advocating for students. We would love your help in ensuring that deserving student-athletes from your school are considered.
UVA Data Science:
UVA is hosting the 2026 Data + Society Challenge, which invites students to explore real-world issues using data to better understand and improve their communities. Students do not need to start from scratch—submissions can build on work you have already started this year (projects, research, class assignments, etc.), making this a natural extension of what’s already happening. You can learn more here. Submissions are due April 26, 2026.
Thinking about the Service Academies?
Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.
John McGuire's office is hosting a Service Academy Day on May 2nd at Fork Union Military Academy from 10 am - 2 pm, where students interested in learning more about the process can hear from representatives from each branch and learn more about our office's process. If you would like to learn more about the program prior to Service Academy Day on May 2nd, our Service Academy Coordinator Ben Yerdon would be happy to arrange a visit to talk to your students or a counselor.
Resources: Attached is a document titled One Page Service Academy Nomination Packet that lists all required documentation to be considered a complete application for the Service Academy Nomination.
· Contact: [email protected]
STAR @ UVA:
STAR at UVA is Striving Towards Academic Readiness is a free event hosted at UVA that offers high schoolers a chance to take classes taught by UVA undergraduate students. Our goal is to help all students feel like they belong in higher education, no matter what their background is. The free classes are on a range of topics and center on a hands-on engaging learning approach. The date for the event this semester is April 11th. Register here. Check out the schedule and offerings!
Seniors Attending PVCC Next Year:
Seniors whose post-high school plans include attending PVCC next year are invited to attend a meeting on April 21, where
you will have the opportunity to sit with an admissions officer and create your actual schedule for next year. This is an amazing opportunity that you do not want to pass up, as you will have first choice of classes, and class TIMES, so that you can create the most effective schedule that works for you! Prior to this meeting, you will be required to sit with a PVCC representative to get some information that will aid in the schedule making process in April. Please be sure to meet with your counselor so that we can schedule you for that initial meeting, which will take place in March.
Better Together T-Shirts
If you would like to order an Always Better Together Shirt, please fill out this form. Please fill out one form per shirt. Shirts are $12 (S-XL) $14 (2XL) $16 (3XL-6XL). Special thanks to Zora who was our designer and winner of the t-shirt contest! We can take cash or check made out to WAHS, or we can bill you with MySchoolBucks. Let Ms. Padrón or Ms. Curry know which you'd prefer.
UVA is hosting the 2026 Data + Society Challenge, which invites students to explore real-world issues using data to better understand and improve their communities. Students do not need to start from scratch—submissions can build on work you have already started this year (projects, research, class assignments, etc.), making this a natural extension of what’s already happening. You can learn more here. Submissions are due April 26, 2026.
Thinking about the Service Academies?
Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.
John McGuire's office is hosting a Service Academy Day on May 2nd at Fork Union Military Academy from 10 am - 2 pm, where students interested in learning more about the process can hear from representatives from each branch and learn more about our office's process. If you would like to learn more about the program prior to Service Academy Day on May 2nd, our Service Academy Coordinator Ben Yerdon would be happy to arrange a visit to talk to your students or a counselor.
Resources: Attached is a document titled One Page Service Academy Nomination Packet that lists all required documentation to be considered a complete application for the Service Academy Nomination.
· Contact: [email protected]
STAR @ UVA:
STAR at UVA is Striving Towards Academic Readiness is a free event hosted at UVA that offers high schoolers a chance to take classes taught by UVA undergraduate students. Our goal is to help all students feel like they belong in higher education, no matter what their background is. The free classes are on a range of topics and center on a hands-on engaging learning approach. The date for the event this semester is April 11th. Register here. Check out the schedule and offerings!
Seniors Attending PVCC Next Year:
Seniors whose post-high school plans include attending PVCC next year are invited to attend a meeting on April 21, where
you will have the opportunity to sit with an admissions officer and create your actual schedule for next year. This is an amazing opportunity that you do not want to pass up, as you will have first choice of classes, and class TIMES, so that you can create the most effective schedule that works for you! Prior to this meeting, you will be required to sit with a PVCC representative to get some information that will aid in the schedule making process in April. Please be sure to meet with your counselor so that we can schedule you for that initial meeting, which will take place in March.
Better Together T-Shirts
If you would like to order an Always Better Together Shirt, please fill out this form. Please fill out one form per shirt. Shirts are $12 (S-XL) $14 (2XL) $16 (3XL-6XL). Special thanks to Zora who was our designer and winner of the t-shirt contest! We can take cash or check made out to WAHS, or we can bill you with MySchoolBucks. Let Ms. Padrón or Ms. Curry know which you'd prefer.
Interfaith Youth Group
Western students have organized a panel discussion on 28 March.
Western students have organized a panel discussion on 28 March.
Tomorrow is a(n) B day
Upcoming Events:
Upcoming Events:
- 27 March – Arts Fest in the West
- 30 March – WAHS with a Cause
- 31 March – Senior Trip
- 6-10 April – Spring Break
- 20 April – Model Congress
- 21 April – No School (Election Day)
- 23 April – Post High Planning Night
- 23-25 April – High School Musical
- 1 May – PVCC Final
- 2 May – Prom
- 4 May – AP Testing Begins
- 12 May – Last Day of Classes for Seniors
- 22 May – Graduation
- 25 May – Memorial Day
- 29 May – Last Day of School (1/2 Day)
Use Your Brain for Fun (&$)!
Photo by SATUVISION Digital Agency on Unsplash
Humanities & Social SciencesLIGHT is an opportunity to submit writing, poetry, or art on the theme of the roots of your joy sustaining wellbeing. Submit by 1 May.
The Listen to a Story Contest invites you to connect with a senior citizen and have a meaningful dialog. The contest is open to people 8-18. Cash prize! Due 17 April April is Poetry Month so get ready for the Dear Poet Project! Write a letter to a poet in response to their work. The project is open to students grades 5-12. Americans Against Gun Violence has an essay contest. Respond to a prompt and submit your essay for scholarship money. Essays are due 18 April. Open to 9-12. Visual and Performing ArtsLIGHT is an opportunity to submit writing, poetry, or art on the theme of the roots of your joy sustaining wellbeing. Submit by 1 May.
The Congressional Art Competition is taking submissions! This year's theme is America's 250th Anniversary Celebration. Submit your work by 28 April. Create Real Impact invites you to create a campaign to reduce reckless driving. Submit by 15 April The Thespian Society has a series of scholarships open right now. Project Yellow Light invites you to create a video or radio PSA about distracted driving. It's worth up to $8,000. Due 1 April Pony Parts invites you to create a video about your experience with the Mustang. Submit by 15 April |
Photo by ThisisEngineering on Unsplash
STEMThe Stockholm Junior Water Prize is a contest open to students in 9-12 who have engaged in water related science projects. It's worth up to $10,000. Submit your work by 15 April
ANS has a scholarship for incoming freshman planning to pursue a degree in STEM. Apply by 1 April The Society of Women Engineers offers scholarships to women planning to go into engineering. Apply by 31 March Designers and engineers, can you use aluminum to solve problems? the 2026 Aluminum Extrusion Student Design Contest offers up to $5,000 for a winning design. Apply by 30 March 
Photo by PITTI EDU on Unsplash
Skilled TradesANS has a scholarship for students interested in pursuing nuclear engineering beyond high school. Apply by 1 April.
The National Farmers Union offers $1,000 scholarships for education beyond high school for those who plan to work in agriculture. Apply by 1 April Pony Parts invites you to create a video about your experience with the Mustang. Submit by 15 April Home Depot offers $2,500 to students planning a career in the trades. Apply by 31 March SEMA offers scholarship money to pay off student loans to those who are pursuing a career in Skilled Trades. Apply by 3 April Dairy Shrine offers scholarships to youth of all ages who plan to pursue a career in dairy farming. There are multiple options to choose from. Submit by 15 April |
Scholarships for Seniors
Crozet Baptist Church awards 2 scholarships yearly named for Hallie and Paul Cale. Awards in the past have been a one time payment of $2,500 for the 1st semester and $2,500 for the 2nd semester paid directly to the university. Selection is based on Character, Academic Record, Financial Need, and Leadership. These awards are for WAHS only and the application is easy!!
Please fill out this google form application to apply by Wednesday, April 15th.
The Albemarle County Democrats are sponsoring their James and Nellie Butler Scholarship once again to graduating Seniors. Each area high school will have one recipient for $2,000.
Scholarship application deadline is May 1, 2026 by MIDNIGHT.
Our criteria for the awards is threefold:
1) a demonstrated record of community service and/or ambitious plans for prospective community service;
2) academic record; and
3) financial need.
The most weight is accorded criterion #1 (community service record and interest), with criteria numbers 2 & 3 are weighted only a little less proportionately. Butler Scholarship Information and Application
The Virginia EL Supervisors’ Association (VESA) is pleased to offer one-time scholarships to English Learners who plan to continue their education at a college, university, community college, or workforce training program. Only complete applications will be reviewed. The deadline for submitting applications is April 24, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. EST.
Scholarship applicants must meet the following criteria:
· Enrollment in an ESL program for at least one year in grades 6–12 in a Virginia public school
· Enrollment in 12th grade at the time of application
· Demonstrated financial need
· Strong, student-written essays
Application Deadline: April 24, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. EST
More Information: http://www.vavesa.org/scholarships
For questions, please contact Samuel Klein at [email protected] or 703-228-6095.
Please fill out this google form application to apply by Wednesday, April 15th.
The Albemarle County Democrats are sponsoring their James and Nellie Butler Scholarship once again to graduating Seniors. Each area high school will have one recipient for $2,000.
Scholarship application deadline is May 1, 2026 by MIDNIGHT.
Our criteria for the awards is threefold:
1) a demonstrated record of community service and/or ambitious plans for prospective community service;
2) academic record; and
3) financial need.
The most weight is accorded criterion #1 (community service record and interest), with criteria numbers 2 & 3 are weighted only a little less proportionately. Butler Scholarship Information and Application
The Virginia EL Supervisors’ Association (VESA) is pleased to offer one-time scholarships to English Learners who plan to continue their education at a college, university, community college, or workforce training program. Only complete applications will be reviewed. The deadline for submitting applications is April 24, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. EST.
Scholarship applicants must meet the following criteria:
· Enrollment in an ESL program for at least one year in grades 6–12 in a Virginia public school
· Enrollment in 12th grade at the time of application
· Demonstrated financial need
· Strong, student-written essays
Application Deadline: April 24, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. EST
More Information: http://www.vavesa.org/scholarships
For questions, please contact Samuel Klein at [email protected] or 703-228-6095.
Scholarships for Juniors!
ATTENTION JUNIORS: Applications for the impact-driven, four-year, full-tuition Cameron Impact Scholarship are officially open for the CLASS OF 2027.
The Cameron Impact Scholarship is impact-driven and open to all applicants who meet the GPA and citizenship requirements, regardless of race, socioeconomic status, religion, sexual orientation or any other background factors. Integrity, intelligence, motivation, work ethic, and willingness to serve others are the strongest indicators of a worthy educational investment.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: MAY 1, 2026 at 12PM PT (NOON) - OR - when we reach 3,000 eligible and complete applications - whichever occurs first.
We are only able to accept and review a total of 3,000 complete and eligible applications - please note that we typically reach capacity prior to the deadline and we STRONGLY ENCOURAGE applicants to submit well before the deadline.
https://www.bryancameroneducationfoundation.org/scholarship
The Cameron Impact Scholarship is impact-driven and open to all applicants who meet the GPA and citizenship requirements, regardless of race, socioeconomic status, religion, sexual orientation or any other background factors. Integrity, intelligence, motivation, work ethic, and willingness to serve others are the strongest indicators of a worthy educational investment.
- 15 scholarships awarded per annum
- Four-year, full tuition scholarship (actual dollar amount varies based upon school selection)
- Freedom in choice of school and area of study
- Accepting applications for the Class of 2027 - JUNIORS;
- have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.7 or higher;
- be a citizen of the United States.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: MAY 1, 2026 at 12PM PT (NOON) - OR - when we reach 3,000 eligible and complete applications - whichever occurs first.
We are only able to accept and review a total of 3,000 complete and eligible applications - please note that we typically reach capacity prior to the deadline and we STRONGLY ENCOURAGE applicants to submit well before the deadline.
https://www.bryancameroneducationfoundation.org/scholarship
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Self Care:
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Scholarships
Do you need money to make post high a reality? Start with these two databases!
1st place prize for the Science Saves contest is $10,000. Submit your 20-30 second video about how science has saved you or someone you know. Submit by 4 May.
The All Star College Scholarship is awarded to incoming freshmen who were adopted or left foster care after the age of 13 or later. It's worth up to $40,000. Apply by 1 May The Let Grow group offers a Think for Yourself Essay Contest for high school seniors. It's worth up to $8,000. Apply by 30 April The Anne Ford Scholarship awards $10,000 for a student with a learning disability who will be attending college in the fall. Apply by 26 April The Stockholm Junior Water Prize is a contest open to students in 9-12 who have engaged in water related science projects. It's worth up to $10,000. Submit your work by 15 April Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award has a spring deadline as well. Apply by 15 April for a chance at a $10,000. The Herbert Lehman Education Fund offers up to $10,000 to students with demonstrated need. Apply by 1 April The American Water Impact Scholarship offers up to $10,000 for students engaged in environmental work and planning to major in a non-medical STEM field. Apply by 31 March Create Real Impact invites you to submit a campaign to reduce reckless driving. Register to compete by 30 March. Win up to $10,000 Do Good Things for PeopleThe Crozet Passport Event is on Saturday April 18th. They are still accepting volunteers for the passport event. Here's the link to the sign up form.
Saturday is the Charlottesville 10 Miler And after all that running, hit up Cake on the Lawn on Sunday to support Camp Kesem Support the AHS Band with their benefit concert on Sunday |
Summer's Coming!
Looking for great things to do this summer? Look no further!
And also don't skip this!
And also don't skip this!
Work for the Department of Technology this summer! This is a paid internship. You will earn $15/hour doing things like re-imaging computers, fixing hardware, and working in a team. Apply by 1 June.
Ballotpedia, the encyclopedia of American politics, is recruiting students to join the Summer 2026 Ballotpedia Fellows Program, running from May 26 through July 24, 2026.
Midterms are already underway, and Ballotpedia is providing coverage of 40,000 local elections across 31 states. Students can gain valuable research experience while helping provide reliable, fact-based information for millions of voters nationwide.
Fellows contribute 5 to 10 hours of research per week, helping expand Ballotpedia’s coverage by researching candidates and adding key information, including endorsements, campaign themes, and contact details that will populate candidate profiles on Ballotpedia.org.
All work is completed remotely on a flexible schedule, and Ballotpedia provides comprehensive training to meet research and quality standards. Documentation of volunteer hours can be provided for coursework, community service, or other academic or internship requirements when applicable.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through May 10, 2026. If you know students who may be interested, we would greatly appreciate you sharing this opportunity with them.
The Emerging Engineers @UVA program in summer 2026 is designed to train future engineers to create cutting edge solutions to global problems. The UVA School of Engineering and Applied Science is leading this unique collaboration between Charlottesville Women in Tech, Tech-Girls and the School of Education and Human Development to provide a variety of immersive engineering experiences. This summer the program will offer two engineering tracks to explore: Biomedical Engineering and Material Science and Engineering with more tracks coming in future years. Programming for the Emerging-Engineers@UVA will continue to include hands-on engineering activities, community building, lab tours, guest speakers, and student panel discussions for high school students, so they can be inspired by the variety of opportunities to study and work in engineering.
Applications can be found at this link (and the qr code in the attached informational flyer). Please share this opportunity with any students you think might be interested and/or would benefit from this type of experience.
**Please note: this program is open to all high school students.
Ballotpedia, the encyclopedia of American politics, is recruiting students to join the Summer 2026 Ballotpedia Fellows Program, running from May 26 through July 24, 2026.
Midterms are already underway, and Ballotpedia is providing coverage of 40,000 local elections across 31 states. Students can gain valuable research experience while helping provide reliable, fact-based information for millions of voters nationwide.
Fellows contribute 5 to 10 hours of research per week, helping expand Ballotpedia’s coverage by researching candidates and adding key information, including endorsements, campaign themes, and contact details that will populate candidate profiles on Ballotpedia.org.
All work is completed remotely on a flexible schedule, and Ballotpedia provides comprehensive training to meet research and quality standards. Documentation of volunteer hours can be provided for coursework, community service, or other academic or internship requirements when applicable.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through May 10, 2026. If you know students who may be interested, we would greatly appreciate you sharing this opportunity with them.
The Emerging Engineers @UVA program in summer 2026 is designed to train future engineers to create cutting edge solutions to global problems. The UVA School of Engineering and Applied Science is leading this unique collaboration between Charlottesville Women in Tech, Tech-Girls and the School of Education and Human Development to provide a variety of immersive engineering experiences. This summer the program will offer two engineering tracks to explore: Biomedical Engineering and Material Science and Engineering with more tracks coming in future years. Programming for the Emerging-Engineers@UVA will continue to include hands-on engineering activities, community building, lab tours, guest speakers, and student panel discussions for high school students, so they can be inspired by the variety of opportunities to study and work in engineering.
- When? July 27 – July 31, Monday through Friday, 9am-4pm each day
- Who? rising 9th through 12th grades
- Where? UVA Engineering, Thornton Hall, Charlottesville, VA
- How much? Free
- What next? Those who are interested need to complete an application by April 15th (references must be received by April 29th). We will start reviewing applications immediately and accept on a rolling basis until we reach capacity.
Applications can be found at this link (and the qr code in the attached informational flyer). Please share this opportunity with any students you think might be interested and/or would benefit from this type of experience.
**Please note: this program is open to all high school students.
UVA Advance is a summer program for high school students at UVA. Take two classes (one of the 4 core classes and then an elective) and get college credit. This is a residential program.
The Oliver Hill/Sam Tucker Pre-Law Institute runs for a week in Richmond in the summer. This is a great way to learn about what it is to be a lawyer and the steps necessary for pursuing a future in law.
Hit the James River this summer for some excellent time learning about our waterways! The program for high school students is an excellent way to explore an interest in conservation while gaining leadership skills.
NASA's GeneLab for High School Students Summer Program is taking applications until 15 March. GL4HS will continue offering its asynchronous summer program in 2026. The program will consist of 12 weeks of on-demand training and will run June 1st through August 28th, 2026. Applications for the 2026 program will open on February 15 and remain open for one month, closing on March 15, or until 1,000 applications are received, whichever occurs first. Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates. High school transcripts are required for all applications. Only digital (scanned) copies in PDF format will be accepted and must be submitted through the online application form. Applications submitted after the application period closes will not be reviewed.
The Sorenson High School Leaders Program is taking applications. This is a great program for folks interested in politics and in making changes in their communities. We had a student attend one year and the bill he developed with other students was actually passed by the General Assembly. Apply now!
William & Mary offers a series of law related programs through the Center for Legal & Court Technology (CLCT) at William & Mary Law School in Virginia! Taught by law professors, these include:
The Virginia Discovery Museum has a Museum Teen Internship Program.
Are you interested in education, STEAM, the arts, or just getting involved with their local community? Each year the Museum hosts 40+ select interns who help in our galleries, with Summer Camps, and more, all while gaining valuable job training and forging working relationships with staff and guests. Many interns continue to volunteer throughout the year, earning hundreds of service hours, and establishing their place in our community.
In addition to training and job experience, completion of the program will also come with a letter of recommendation for job or college applications. To apply, all applicants must
Applications are open now and will be evaluated on a first come, first serve basis. We also have the link posted on School Links for those that use that.
The Oliver Hill/Sam Tucker Pre-Law Institute runs for a week in Richmond in the summer. This is a great way to learn about what it is to be a lawyer and the steps necessary for pursuing a future in law.
Hit the James River this summer for some excellent time learning about our waterways! The program for high school students is an excellent way to explore an interest in conservation while gaining leadership skills.
NASA's GeneLab for High School Students Summer Program is taking applications until 15 March. GL4HS will continue offering its asynchronous summer program in 2026. The program will consist of 12 weeks of on-demand training and will run June 1st through August 28th, 2026. Applications for the 2026 program will open on February 15 and remain open for one month, closing on March 15, or until 1,000 applications are received, whichever occurs first. Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates. High school transcripts are required for all applications. Only digital (scanned) copies in PDF format will be accepted and must be submitted through the online application form. Applications submitted after the application period closes will not be reviewed.
The Sorenson High School Leaders Program is taking applications. This is a great program for folks interested in politics and in making changes in their communities. We had a student attend one year and the bill he developed with other students was actually passed by the General Assembly. Apply now!
William & Mary offers a series of law related programs through the Center for Legal & Court Technology (CLCT) at William & Mary Law School in Virginia! Taught by law professors, these include:
- Introduction to Law & the United States Legal System
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and the Law
- Introduction to Search and Seizure
The Virginia Discovery Museum has a Museum Teen Internship Program.
Are you interested in education, STEAM, the arts, or just getting involved with their local community? Each year the Museum hosts 40+ select interns who help in our galleries, with Summer Camps, and more, all while gaining valuable job training and forging working relationships with staff and guests. Many interns continue to volunteer throughout the year, earning hundreds of service hours, and establishing their place in our community.
In addition to training and job experience, completion of the program will also come with a letter of recommendation for job or college applications. To apply, all applicants must
- Be High School Students (this includes rising 9th graders and graduating 12th graders)
- Attend an interview and orientation
- Commit to At Least 25 Service Hours
- Submit Applications no later than April 30th.
Applications are open now and will be evaluated on a first come, first serve basis. We also have the link posted on School Links for those that use that.
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"The Best School" and "The Best School for You" should be one and the same. You're not buying a pair of shoes. You're going to school for four years. Just because it's a good brand name, doesn't mean it fits you or that you're comfortable there.
College Corner
Spring Hill College, Mobile, Alabama
Asking for Letters of Recommendation
One of the most important things you as Juniors can do today to be ready to apply to college next year is ask for letters of recommendation from your teachers now. Some teachers have a cap and so asking early is always a great idea. But giving your teachers time to write a good letter of recommendation is important, and if you wait until the last minute you may end up with a lackluster letter at best.
Letter of Recommendation FAQ:
Q. Whom should you ask for letters of recommendation?
A. You should ask two teachers, preferably one from a STEM area and one from a Humanities/Social Sciences/World Language area. These should be teachers in your core subjects. Usually people ask their junior year teachers for letters. But if you have a teacher from sophomore year who you will have again senior year, it might be ok to go with them. Choose teachers whom you connect with. You don’t have to have perfect grades in their class (in fact some of the best letters are about students who worked hard, advocated for themselves, and got that B despite it all). If you feel like you know your teacher, the chances are that they also know you. Go with someone who can write about who you are in and out of the classroom.
Q. Can I ask people who are not my teachers in core subjects?
A. You’ll have to see how many recommendations you can send each school. This will vary. Generally speaking the larger the school (VT, University of Washington, Florida) the fewer (if any!) they will take. But some schools will take more than the standard two. If you’ve been in Jazz Band all four years and want to study music, then definitely ask Mr. Hartshorn. If you’ve had the same baseball coach for years, ask him. Have you worked in the same place all through high school? Ask your boss. Use these ones judiciously. Not sure how? I can help.
Q. How many recommenders should I ask?
A. Ideally you will need two teachers and your school counselor. Your counselor is already planning to write these letters, but help him or her out by filling out your Junior Questionnaire in a timely manner.
Q. I am super nervous about asking this. How do I do that?
A. Do it in person, not over email. I know that’s hard but if someone is going to spend a pretty good chunk of time singing your praises, you owe them a face to face. Try saying something like this: “Hi Ms. Whatever. I’ve really enjoyed your class this year and I feel like we have a good relationship. Would you be willing to write me a letter of recommendation for college?”
Q. Can a teacher say no?
A. Yes, and you should appreciate it if they do. If I cannot write someone an excellent letter of recommendation I will tell them that. And then I will help them find someone else who can. You want these letters to be thoughtful, truthful, and glowing. You have folks who can do this for you.
Q. What do teachers need to know about me to write a good letter?
A. It’s helpful for you to provide a resume and your Junior Questionnaire so that your recommender has more information about you, your interests, and passions.
Q. What is the Junior Questionnaire?
A. You will meet with your school counselor in May. He or she will explain the questionnaire and how to do it. This is super important. As a recommender myself, these help me remember things about your time in high school and also help me think about the kinds of traits you bring to a school. It makes my life (and your school counselor’s and other recommenders’ lives) much easier when it comes time to write the letter.
Q. Do I need to remind my recommenders that they agreed to write a letter?
A. I know most folks like me keep a list, but a reminder in the fall is always a good call. I usually wait to write these in the first few months of school when I’ve had a chance to talk to you some. And it’s not uncommon for me to forget to look at my list. A gentle email reminder is never bad. Try something like: “Hi Mr. Whoever. Thanks again for agreeing to write me a letter of recommendation. Is there anything I can do to help with this? Do you have everything you need?”
Q. What do I do when my teachers have completed my letters of recommendation?
A. Using Schoolinks you should be able to see if your recommenders have uploaded your letters. If they have then the very least you can do is send a thank you note. Be sure to do this though. It takes me on average about 45 minutes to write a quality letter of recommendation. And usually I don’t have more than about 10 or so folks to write for. Imagine an APUSH teacher with 120 kids. Now you know why there’s a limit. Letters take time and thought. It’s important to show your appreciation and understanding of this.
Letter of Recommendation FAQ:
Q. Whom should you ask for letters of recommendation?
A. You should ask two teachers, preferably one from a STEM area and one from a Humanities/Social Sciences/World Language area. These should be teachers in your core subjects. Usually people ask their junior year teachers for letters. But if you have a teacher from sophomore year who you will have again senior year, it might be ok to go with them. Choose teachers whom you connect with. You don’t have to have perfect grades in their class (in fact some of the best letters are about students who worked hard, advocated for themselves, and got that B despite it all). If you feel like you know your teacher, the chances are that they also know you. Go with someone who can write about who you are in and out of the classroom.
Q. Can I ask people who are not my teachers in core subjects?
A. You’ll have to see how many recommendations you can send each school. This will vary. Generally speaking the larger the school (VT, University of Washington, Florida) the fewer (if any!) they will take. But some schools will take more than the standard two. If you’ve been in Jazz Band all four years and want to study music, then definitely ask Mr. Hartshorn. If you’ve had the same baseball coach for years, ask him. Have you worked in the same place all through high school? Ask your boss. Use these ones judiciously. Not sure how? I can help.
Q. How many recommenders should I ask?
A. Ideally you will need two teachers and your school counselor. Your counselor is already planning to write these letters, but help him or her out by filling out your Junior Questionnaire in a timely manner.
Q. I am super nervous about asking this. How do I do that?
A. Do it in person, not over email. I know that’s hard but if someone is going to spend a pretty good chunk of time singing your praises, you owe them a face to face. Try saying something like this: “Hi Ms. Whatever. I’ve really enjoyed your class this year and I feel like we have a good relationship. Would you be willing to write me a letter of recommendation for college?”
Q. Can a teacher say no?
A. Yes, and you should appreciate it if they do. If I cannot write someone an excellent letter of recommendation I will tell them that. And then I will help them find someone else who can. You want these letters to be thoughtful, truthful, and glowing. You have folks who can do this for you.
Q. What do teachers need to know about me to write a good letter?
A. It’s helpful for you to provide a resume and your Junior Questionnaire so that your recommender has more information about you, your interests, and passions.
Q. What is the Junior Questionnaire?
A. You will meet with your school counselor in May. He or she will explain the questionnaire and how to do it. This is super important. As a recommender myself, these help me remember things about your time in high school and also help me think about the kinds of traits you bring to a school. It makes my life (and your school counselor’s and other recommenders’ lives) much easier when it comes time to write the letter.
Q. Do I need to remind my recommenders that they agreed to write a letter?
A. I know most folks like me keep a list, but a reminder in the fall is always a good call. I usually wait to write these in the first few months of school when I’ve had a chance to talk to you some. And it’s not uncommon for me to forget to look at my list. A gentle email reminder is never bad. Try something like: “Hi Mr. Whoever. Thanks again for agreeing to write me a letter of recommendation. Is there anything I can do to help with this? Do you have everything you need?”
Q. What do I do when my teachers have completed my letters of recommendation?
A. Using Schoolinks you should be able to see if your recommenders have uploaded your letters. If they have then the very least you can do is send a thank you note. Be sure to do this though. It takes me on average about 45 minutes to write a quality letter of recommendation. And usually I don’t have more than about 10 or so folks to write for. Imagine an APUSH teacher with 120 kids. Now you know why there’s a limit. Letters take time and thought. It’s important to show your appreciation and understanding of this.
On the Town
- Tonight Gangstagrass Let It All Hang Out is at the Stage
- The Fralin hosts Nakeya Brown: Refutations Artist Talk this evening
- Tonight is the opening of Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812
- Advancing Native Missions: To the Ends will be screened tonight
- Tomorrow is Michael Angelucci Piano Recital
- Dale Ave Band performs Friday
- Tomorrow evening is The Moth (see you there!)
- The Bindlestaff Family Circus opens on Friday
- Live Arts is host to Cirque de Ville on Saturday
- Saturday the Hound of the Baskervilles is playing
- Albemarle Symphony Orchestra performs on Saturday
- On Saturday Michael Angelucci offers a piano master class
- Chloe Ross performs a violin concert on Saturday
- Saturday Nani Agbeli performs
- Tristan and Isolde is being shown on Saturday
- Saturday is also Pep Banned (see you there!)
- Learn about poison mushrooms with the Claudius Project on Saturday
- Saturday the Virginia Women's Chorus performs
- It's Big Blue Door Improv on Saturday
- Saturday Twelfth Night continues its run
- Sweeny Todd continues on Saturday
- Saturday is Bill Evans Banjo in America with Special Guest Babi Evans
- Reckoning perfoms on Sunday
- Sunday the UVA Jazz Ensembles perform
- Tuesday is the Simon and Garfunkel Story
- Learn Tree Basics on Tuesday
- Wednesday it's Ball in the House
