Written by Amanda, University of Pennsylvania

As the college application process wraps up, one crucial yet often overlooked aspect is expressing gratitude to the people who helped along the way, especially those who wrote recommendation letters! High school seniors, take note: sending thank you notes to your teachers, counselors, or mentors who supported your college journey with heartfelt recommendations is not just a kind gesture, but a valuable one. 

Why Thank You Notes Matter 

Recommendation letters are not only a reflection of your academic abilities but also an endorsement of your character, work ethic, and potential. These letters require time, effort, and thoughtfulness on the part of the recommender. Taking the time to acknowledge their contribution is a small but meaningful way to show respect for their support and hard work! 

The Perfect Time: Holiday Season 

The holiday season is the perfect time to send your thank you notes. Teachers, counselors, and mentors are often busy during the fall with countless responsibilities. As the year winds down, they may be looking forward to a well-deserved break. A note of thanks can brighten their day and reinforce the impact they’ve made on your future. The season of gratitude makes it an ideal moment to pause and reflect on how these individuals contributed to your success! 

How to Write a Thoughtful Thank You Note 

Writing a thank you note doesn’t need to be complicated or lengthy, but it should come from the heart. Here are a few tips for crafting your message: 

● Be Specific: Mention specific things you are grateful for. Did your teacher write an outstanding letter that helped you stand out to a particular college? Or did your counselor offer guidance during the entire application process? Let them know how their support made a difference! 

● Keep It Personal: While it’s great to express general thanks, adding a personal touch makes the note more sincere. If you had a positive experience with the recommender, mention it. For example, "I’ll always remember the discussions we had about my application. Your guidance meant so much to me." 

● Express Your Success: Share any positive news or updates you’ve received from colleges. Let your recommender know that their support played a role in your success. If you’ve been accepted to a school, share the good news; it helps them know the real impact of their effort! 

● Be Professional: While it’s important to be heartfelt, remember that a thank you note to a teacher or counselor should maintain a professional tone. Use appropriate sign-offs, such as “Sincerely” or “Warm regards,” followed by your full name. 

Sample Thank You Note 

Here’s an example of how your note might look: 

Dear [Teacher/Counselor’s Name],

I hope you are enjoying a well-deserved break! I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere thanks for the time and effort you put into writing my college recommendation letter. Your support has meant so much to me throughout this entire process. 

Thanks to your help, I was accepted into [name of college]! Your guidance made a real difference, and I truly appreciate all the encouragement you’ve given me over the years. 

I’m wishing you a wonderful holiday season and thank you again for all your help and support! 

Sincerely, 

[Your Full Name] 

Additional Tips for Sending Thank You Notes 

● Handwritten or Digital? While a handwritten note can feel extra personal and meaningful, an email is perfectly fine, especially if you’re busy during the holiday season or if the recommender prefers digital communication. The key is the message, not the medium! 

● Be Timely: Send your thank you notes as soon as possible after the application process, preferably within a few weeks of submitting your applications. 

● Consider a Small Gesture: In addition to a thank you note, if able, you might consider a small token of appreciation, such as a holiday card or a small gift (within reason). This can make your gratitude feel even more tangible! 

Final Thoughts 

As you navigate the college application process, taking the time to thank those who supported you with recommendation letters is an essential part of the journey. A thank you note is a small but powerful way to show appreciation for the effort, time, and care that went into helping you succeed. This holiday season, make sure to send a message of gratitude to those who helped you along the way; it’s the gift of appreciation they’ll cherish for years to come!

Discover the difference of The Ivy Institute—where if you can dream it, we can build it! At The Ivy Institute, we don’t just help students get accepted into top Ivy League and Ivy Plus colleges — we have the resources to develop students into the candidates top colleges and admissions officers seek, and transform your CommonApp college application and essays. Join us for a 30-minute information session on applying for college with an Ivy League expert and see how we can make your college dreams a reality. Schedule your consultation today!