The following details my expectations for students seeking a letter of recommendation for college admission. It only applies to students for whom I have already agreed to write. Most commitments to write college recommendations are made in June of the student's junior year.

In agreeing to write a letter of recommendation for you, I commit to representing you--in writing--to the institution(s) that you will apply to for admission. I make this commitment because you have demonstrated to me your dedication to your own education, especially in the area of language arts. Our goal is to help you find the institution that will meet your needs as a scholar and as an individual.

You must remember that my efforts on your behalf stem wholly from my desire to assist you, as my job does not require me to write recommendations for students. Also keep in mind that I will be similarly engaged in assisting other students during the semester. Finally, I have the needs of my current students to meet. Therefore, it is paramount that you do your utmost to facilitate this process. The more each student helps his or her own cause, the more satisfied all of my students will be with the results.

Your most important responsibility is to stay in contact with me. Please meet with me face-to-face whenever possible. If I do not respond to an e-mail message within two days, please send a second message and then find me during the next school day. Do not leave notes or materials in my mailboxes. Become familiar with my free periods, during which I can usually be found in rooms 615D or 601.

Research your choices carefully and assiduously: This is an important decision in your young life, and information is your strongest ally. Take advantage of all of your resources and keep an open mind.

Please notify me immediately of any application date that precedes January 1. Unless I have acknowledged an earlier deadline, assume that my goal is to have your letter prepared by mid-December.

In a typed letter, tell me why you are an ideal candidate for the institution(s) to which you will be applying by completing the following:

• Make specific references to your time in my class, reminding me of specific contributions you made during discussion and specific papers you completed for assignments.
• Remind me with which groups you were involved for specific projects and detail your specific contributions for each project.
• Include any aspects that you want emphasized (e.g., creativity, maturity, commitment), based upon the criteria set by the institution(s).
• Tell me how your interest and performance in my class compares with other courses you have taken and subjects you have studied.
• Inform me of any interests or activities outside of my class that might be relevant in my letter.

The more detailed my recommendation is, the stronger it will be. Your personal evaluation should be concrete and specific.

After you have completed your personal evaluation, follow these directions carefully:

• Save the file as an .rtf (rich-text format). Please include your name as part of the filename (a folder-full of files called "personaleval.rtf" is not helpful).
• Print a hardcopy to submit to me.
• Cut and paste your evaluation into an e-mail message addressed to me. Attach the saved file to this message. Then press "send."

If the evaluation is not completed by the set deadline, I will assume you have found another writer and will drop you from my list of candidates.

Fill out all of the required forms, either by typing or neatly printing the following information:

• my name
• position: English teacher
• work number: 212-312-4800
• school's address (see return address below)
• e-mail address: mr.hfrancis@gmail.com
• years of experience: 9 (as of the 2009-2010 school year)
• how long I have known you: 1 or 2 years
• any other required information that is readily apparent

In all blanks that require me to assess your character and/or skills, please type or neatly handwrite "Please see attached" in the space provided. If the form asks me to fill in boxes as a means of rating you against your peers, please type or neatly handwrite "Stuyvesant does not rank its students."

Please fold forms ahead of time if necessary, so that the blank where I will sign is facing out. Put the forms into their corresponding envelopes. I should be able to simply sign and date the form, add my letters to the envelopes, and mail them.

Envelopes and forms should be delivered to me at least one week before the postmark deadline. Make an appointment with me at a time when we can both sit down and prepare them for mailing. All letters should be mailed by December 18, 2009.

Helpful reminders:

• Put stamps on all envelopes, and use enough postage.
• Use the correct address for admissions.
• Include the following return address:

Do not forget to inform me of the results. Students applying for early decision or early action should meet with me face-to-face soon after they have been contacted regarding the decision. All students should meet with me at least once to tell me their final decision. There is no reason to be shy and/or inconsiderate about this simple request. It is exciting for me to know where you will be next year!

I look forward to being part of this process with you. Good luck with your senior year.