If you want teachers to sing your praises, you should help and not hassle them through the rec-writing process. When getting a recommendation, be sure to give your teachers a pre-addressed, stamped envelope for each college receiving a letter. Writing a letter is hard work, so they shouldn’t have to harass you for mailing details too!

Afraid your letters might be left to the last minute? Instead of asking a teacher directly if they’ve finished the task, send them a friendly note two weeks before the deadline and thank them as if they’ve already sent in the recommendation. If they’re behind schedule, the note will act as a reminder. If they’ve long completed the task, they’ll appreciate the gesture. There’s a lot to remember in the admissions process but the one thing you should never forget are your manners.

For more must-knows, check out the entire Tip Off archive.