Let’s face it: virtual school stinks. However, it looks like it’s going to be a reality for at least a few more months in many parts of the US. That means that it is important for juniors to think strategically this semester when it comes to college prep.
While some schools do not require students to officially ask for letters of recommendation until the fall of their senior year, most students end up asking their junior year teachers. That is why at Simply Admissions, we suggest that you at least “unofficially” ask your teachers at the end of your junior year. This way, they have the opportunity to write down a few anecdotes to use in the letter while they’re fresh in their minds.
So, the question is how can students form relationships with their teachers while in virtual school? Teachers need to know their students well in order to write a strong letter of recommendation. While we can all admit this is far from an ideal situation, here are some tips to help make that happen this semester:
Turn on your camera during virtual classes. You wouldn’t want to teach to a black box, either! Turning on your camera not only helps you form a connection to your teacher, but it can also help you stay focused and participate more in class.
Participate in class. Even though it can be difficult, keep answering questions during class or engaging in (approved) chat conversations. The teacher will appreciate the effort and it might even allow you to learn the material better as well!
Find other ways to engage with the teacher. An example of this would be emailing your teacher a news article you saw or a podcast you found that’s related to what you learned about in class. Just make sure this engagement is genuine and not too frequent - teachers certainly have quite a bit on their plates already!
Take advantage of “office hours.” Many teachers have set virtual office hours on a regular basis. It’s a great opportunity to get extra help and allows you to display your work ethic, which is something the teacher can mention in the letter of recommendation. Note: I’m sure many of you are thinking that you don’t need extra help. You can still stop by, just come prepared! Perhaps ask about an upcoming project or review a recent test.
While it can be awkward approaching your teachers outside of class, especially virtually, it’s worth the effort and time. You’ll be thanking your junior year self a year from now!