A completed application to Mass Academy includes One Math, One Science, One English Teacher Recommendation, One School Counselor Recommendation (with transcripts), and One Optional Recommendation. This page describes what is required for each teacher recommendation.
Note: The following is for informational purposes only. Applicants must use their accounts in the Application Portal to email recommendation requests to the recommenders from within the system.
- The Math Teacher should have instructed the applicant in an Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Pre-calculus, Calculus, or equivalent course.
- The Science Teacher should have instructed the applicant in a Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Technology, or equivalent course.
- The English Teacher should have instructed the applicant in a 9th or 10th grade course.
- An Optional Recommendation may come from another Math, Science, or English Teacher, or from a History, World Language, Art, or Music Teacher, or coach, mentor, etc.
All Teacher and Optional recommendation forms ask for the following information:
Mass Academy Form B – Recommender (Teacher)
- Applicant name
- School name
- Your title (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr.)
- Your first name, last name
- Your phone number, email
- Subject and level of course(s) taught to student, if applicable
- Additional acquaintance (duration and context), if applicable
- The following questions ask the recommender to rate the applicant using checkboxes in each of the categories listed, where the checkbox options are; No Basis, Below Average (bottom 50%), Average (top 50%), Good (top 25%), Excellent (top 10%), One of the best (top 1%):
- Intellect
- Creative Thinking
- Maturity
- Integrity
- Organization
- Communication
- Concern for Others
- Collaborative Work
- Improvement from Feedback
- Problem Solving
- Responsiveness to Setbacks
- Determination
- Work-ethic
- Meets all Deadlines
- Overall
- List a few words to describe this student:
- How strongly do you recommend this student to the Academy?
- Written Evaluation – Critical factors for success at Mass Academy include meeting deadlines, working collaboratively, and handling long-term projects. Please provide a candid recommendation for the applicant, containing specific facts and anecdotes in sentence or bullet format, that addresses at least a few of the following questions. You may word-process and paste text from another document. (3000 character maximum including spaces, approximately 500 words)
- Can you elaborate on any checkbox ratings you selected above that are notably higher or lower than the overall rating?
- How does the applicant approach and apply new and difficult content?
- How was the applicant able to work effectively and respectfully with those of different perspectives and abilities?
- What motivates the applicant academically or personally?
- Has the student demonstrated a willingness to take intellectual risks and go beyond the normal classroom experience?
- What will you remember most about this applicant in terms of resilience, perseverance, or grit?
- How has the applicant responded to remote learning and other academic challenges during the pandemic?