LOR Strategy

Who This Is For

This service is designed for 11th and 12th graders who will need teacher, counselor or mentor recommendations for college applications and scholarships. It is especially useful if you are unsure which teachers know you best, how many letters different colleges actually require, or how to coordinate LORs across multiple applications.
Parents who want a clear roadmap for their child’s recommendations, and counselors who want structured help in planning LOR requests, will also find this service valuable. It is ideal for students applying to selective or holistic‑review colleges where thoughtful, specific recommendations can meaningfully strengthen applications.

Why Choose This Service

Strong recommendation letters come from the right people, asked in the right way, with enough time and context to write something detailed and personal. Many students either pick recommenders randomly, ask too late, or send no guidance—leading to generic, forgettable letters.
GrowME’s LOR Strategy service helps you design a complete plan: who should write for which colleges, how to brief them, and how to avoid overloading or frustrating teachers. You also receive templates and structured guidance materials so recommenders can highlight your strengths with clear stories instead of vague praise.

What You Get

A personalized LOR map that clarifies who should write which letters (teachers, counselor, activity mentor, etc.) and how many are needed for each college.
Guidance on choosing the best recommenders based on who knows your academic abilities, character and growth, not just who has the highest title.
A recommended request timeline (when to ask whom) so your writers have 4–6 weeks or more to craft thoughtful letters before deadlines.
Student‑facing materials: a “brag sheet” or information summary outline you can fill and share with recommenders to help them write specific, detailed letters.
LOR email request scripts and conversation prompts so you can ask politely and professionally.
Sample structures and template outlines for strong recommendation letters (for teacher, counselor or mentor), which recommenders can adapt in their own words and style.

How It Works

Purchase the serviceAdd “LOR Strategy” to your cart, complete secure checkout and pay 99.99 as a one‑time fee.
Share your profile and college listFill a short form with your current grade (11th/12th), tentative college list, key activities and the teachers/mentors who know you well.
Strategy designWe analyze your list and profile to design a recommender plan: who should write, how many letters per college, and how to distribute requests fairly among teachers.
Receive your strategy kitYou receive a clear strategy document plus request scripts, brag‑sheet outline and template structures for letters of recommendation.
Optional clarification supportWithin a defined period, you can send a few follow‑up questions by email to clarify your LOR plan or specific situations (for example, switching schools or teachers).

FAQs

1. How many recommendation letters do I actually need?

Most colleges ask for 2–3 academic recommendations (for example, two teachers plus a counselor), but exact requirements vary by institution and program. This service helps you match each college’s requirement with a realistic, well‑balanced plan for who writes which letters.

2. Whom should I choose to write my letters?

You should prioritize teachers and mentors who know you well, can speak to your growth and contributions, and have seen you in challenging settings—not just “famous” teachers. We guide you in selecting a mix of recommenders who can cover different sides of your profile (academic, leadership, character, activities).

3. Will you write the recommendation letters for my teachers?

No, recommenders must always write their own letters in their own voice to remain authentic and ethical. We provide templates, outlines and guidance materials they can use to structure strong, specific letters, but the final content is entirely theirs.

4. When should I start my LOR planning?

Many experts recommend starting LOR planning in 11th grade and making formal requests at least 4–6 weeks before your earliest application deadline. This service can be used any time from mid‑11th to early 12th so you’re not rushed at the last minute.

5. Can this help with scholarship and program applications too?

Yes, the same recommenders and letters are often reused or adapted for scholarships, summer programs and honors applications. A clear LOR strategy ensures you have the right people lined up and enough time to support not only college applications but these additional opportunities as well.