1. Read through the information you have thoroughly. What portions can and should you fill out before giving to someone else?

2. Provide clear written instructions to the adult you are asking for help. What is the person to do precisely? What is the purpose of the letter you are asking the adult to write? To whom is the letter being sent?

3. Provide a legal sized envelope that has already been neatly addressed (and stamped if it’s going to be mailed).

4. If it is not being mailed directly by the adult, there must be some provision for confidentiality of the material. Don’t expect the adult to merely hand to you an unsealed document that contains an evaluation of you. Perhaps one of the counselors or a teacher will hold your "packet" until it is complete and then send it off in the mail. The institution receiving your letters and evaluations assume that they were completed honestly and confidentially. Some adults may choose not to be "brutally honest" if they know you will be reading their comments.

5. Give ample time to the adult to complete the task you’re requesting. Although most teachers and counselors are happy to help you in this way, it’s not like they don’t have other work competing for their attention and time. It’s not fair to expect the evaluator to hurry and complete a document for you because you waited until close to the deadline. Plan ahead.