<p>JLee is right. I’ve written recommendation letters. To write an optimal one – one containing specifics highlighting a student’s strengths – takes about an hour to write, far less time than it takes to write a thank-you note. Unfortunately, my experience has been that most people whom I’ve written reccs for are too lazy or ungrateful to bother to write thank-yous or even to let me know what college or grad school they’ve chosen.</p>
<p>Yes, please write a thank you note to those teachers who write your rec’s. Its not only good manners, but you should be appreciative of their effort in helping you. It will take you 5 to 10 minuts to do so</p>
<p>Everyone should read Northstarmom’s answer! Can you imagine how that feels? Realize that it’s YOU that might be thought of as lazy or ungrateful. </p>
<p>How sad and disgraceful that we are not teaching our children proper etiquette. We may not know how to place our utensils at 9-5 to signal the waiter that we’re done eating…but to dismiss the work of someone who MAY be the person who nudges you into an acceptance into the college of your choice!? Are you kidding me?</p>
<p>I have always been a big proponent of thank you letters. And, no…an e-mail thank you is not an acceptable alternative (at least so far…thank goodness).</p>
<p>And if you want to include a little “something extra”, edibles are a good choice because they are thoughtful, but they’re not something that the receiver has to necessarily like (i.e. it’s great if you know they’re vegan or keep Kosher…two things I found about my D’s teahers AFTER sending the wrong item!)… but it’s the thought that counts, I hope! But if you, as the student, DO know these things…it’s even better! </p>
<p>And there can’t be much worse than having people give you little “teacher-apple” type things and feeling guilty when you don’t display them. Homemade is a nice touch, but these days I’d opt for…chocolates, bakery goods, fresh fruit, etc. </p>
<p>Of course you do not HAVE to include anything. There are plenty of people who simply can’t. (They’re getting waivers for their apps, for example). But, if you can pay $50-$75 each x 5-8 applications…a “little something” for an underpaid and overworked person who is helping you out…would be a nice gesture. I’m personally not fond of gift cards, though I do use them sometimes. They’re nice to get (if it’s something the receiver wants), but seem…impersonal. I love the “pineapple” and “art book” suggestions above. Something out of the box. I know my D takes great pains when she does things like this. You should have selected a teacher who knows you, and it’s likely you know something personal about them too (maybe they have two dogs so you get the teacher a bakery treat AND two doggie treats, etc.). </p>
<p>If one teacher takes an hour to write your letter, and then has to do the processing of personalizing it for each school, even if the steps aren’t very involved (for instance, if it’s electronic/Common App) for 7 schools, that’s a MINIMUM of 2 hours of their time for you. Multiply that x 10 students and SURELY this teacher deserves a note, right?</p>
<p>This is my overly wordy way to say, regardless of what anyone else does, of COURSE you “have to” write a note. Why not think of it as “get to” reward someone who is making a difference in your life?</p>
<p>I like the idea of giving a mini-pennant or sticker from the school that you ultimately decide to attend (in addition to a note).</p>
<p>Son wrote thank you cards and we gave $50 Visa Gift cards to the two teachers who wrtoe sons recs. They were given to them sometime sping semester after all apps were in.</p>