Counseling

The purpose of these questions is for students to reflect on their HS engagement and successes so far.  This sheet should be used when asking professionals to be references or provided when asking for a letter of recommendation for a job or scholarship. You do not need to answer every single question if they’re not relevant to you—choose the ones that paint an accurate picture of you.

Always provide the answers in a professional manner. This could be in a neat list, in a resume format, etc.  The answers should be typed and provided both on paper and digitally.

When asking a person for a reference, it is courteous to give them 2-3 weeks to complete the letter. 

1. First and Last Name
2. List three adjectives that describe you.
3. What would two of your teachers say about you?  (Include the teachers’ names.)
4. What is your cumulative GPA?
5. List your highest ACT/SAT scores and date you took them.
6. Is your academic record (GPA/ACT/SAT) an accurate measure of your ability and potential?  Explain why or why not.
7. List one or two career pathways or programs that you have taken 3 or more classes in (includes classes that you are currently enrolled in).
8. What are you considering for your post-secondary (after HS) plans?
9. What is your desired career outcome?
10. Where do you see yourself, professionally speaking, in ten years?
11. Describe an experience that has had a great impact on your life and why
12. What is your greatest strength and how have you used it?
13. What is one of your weaknesses?  How have you overcome or compensated for this weakness?
14. What are you passionate about, and how have you pursued your interest in this area?
15. List your past community service activities over the past four years, specify month/year for each.
16. Do you have any leadership experience?  If yes, explain.  (This would include any work experience and school club, sports, classroom leadership positions or special experiences.)
17. List and describe any HS honors or awards you have received and the month/year you received them.
18. List any certificates or credentials that you have earned while in high school.
19. List any extracurricular activities you have participated in in high school.
20. List any paid employment you have had in high school. This includes businesses AND individuals that have paid you, summers included.  Briefly describe your responsibilities, and list the month/year you worked there or for them.
21. Describe any special talents, hobbies, interests, or travels that have influenced your growth and character.
22. If you are planning to continue with college, where do you plan to apply to or go?  List 2-4 possible options you are considering.
23. What is something that you have overcome in your life to get you to where you are now?
24. What is something positive or a strength about you that you have not already shared on this document.

• Ask a teacher, counselor, principal, boss, manager, clergy, or another professional who knows you well.
• Ask for your letter of recommendation in person or via professional email or in person.
• Ask for your letter of recommendation two to three weeks before you need it.
• Provide the person writing your letter with information about yourself. Consider providing a resume as well.
• Know what your institution requires when it comes to submitting the letter of recommendation. If it must be done digitally, be sure to include the link for the person providing the letter.  If the letter must be in a sealed/signed envelope, don't open it!