<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>You can give them a gift either a few weeks after you ask them, after knowing that they submitted the rec, or after you get accepted into a college. It doesn’t really matter, but I recommend sending a gift before they submit the rec since they’ll think nicely of you when they write the rec (since they’re technically not obligated to do so). A book is fine- any teacher will appreciate a good book and I think you’re just being a bit worrisome on that matter. You should buy something your teacher will like and/or make a good use out of, as long as it’s within a reasonable price range</p>
<p>I guess it really depends on the teacher, everyone is different. I wouldn’t worry too much about getting the right gift, but your experiences with your teachers might give some insight on what kind of a gift they’d like, whether or not it’s a book. Also, if the teachers you chose to ask recommendations for are teachers you’re well acquainted with, I highly doubt that they’ll hold it against you for having a different taste in books. </p>