<p>Since I'm nearing the end of my junior year, I've started thinking more seriously about letters of recommendation for college. I already know who I'm going to ask, and I'm planning on asking them before the end of this school year. My question is, when should I send them a thank-you note and a gift- when I'm asking them, after they've sent the LORs to Naviance, after I start getting acceptances, or after I'm committed to a college? Also, when should I give a gift to my guidance counselor?</p>
<p>Another question I have is if a book is an appropriate gift to give. I would be giving books that I personally enjoyed and I know these teachers well enough that I think they would enjoy them as well. However, I see a few problems with this- 1. They've already read the book. or 2. They read the book and hate it. or 3. They read the book and hate it, and then judge me for having bad taste in books. How can I avoid/resolve these issues?</p>
<p>Don’t give a gift when you ask. After they have sent the LORs an e-mail thank-you is sufficient. They might also appreciate a note when you have chosen a school.</p>
<p>If you want to give a gift, give it after you’ve received your decisions -doing it before seems like bribery. I would stick with the standard chocolates or gift cards rather than a book. </p>
<p>What teachers want most, I think, is a genuine thank you for their effort, both in writing your letters and teaching you in their classrooms. Assuming you think highly of their teaching skills and they have helped you over the years, I think a heartfelt and specific thank you note would be treasured more than any physical gift. I think after the letters and applications go in is a good time. You can still imagine you will get in everyplace and they helped you with that before the realities of your admissions results arrive. :)</p>
<p>I’m a senior, and I’m waiting until I commit until I give gifts. A lot of kids at my school gave them before the winter break, but I felt more appropriate waiting, so I could really thank my teachers. Your question about a book – my brother gave his recommenders gift certificates at a local book store. I think I’ll probably do something similar, maybe a potted plant. I think chocolates/baked goods aren’t a great idea just because you don’t want to give someone food that they don’t really want to eat, or if they’re trying to avoid unhealthy food. </p>
