A Good Bunt Can Make A Difference!

Bernadette Bechta: Blackboard Basics

When a student asks for a letter of recommendation from a teacher, coach, or employer, it brings a sense of stress with it. It reminds me how the batter must feel when he is asked to bunt. It is not a glamorous part of the game, nor does it help the batter’s average, but being able to bunt in key situations gives you another dimension to your game. However, you must “get the bunt down” to be a success. Recommendations accomplish the same goal. They will not likely hurt you because it is assumed you will only ask those teachers that know and like you. Yet a well written letter of recommendation will certainly strengthen your college application package. It will make you memorable to the Admissions Committee.

Last year, after many years of teaching, I received a thank you note from a notable college regarding my Letter of Recommendation for a student. The letter stated “Your letter enabled us to assess this student in a different light and it made a difference in her acceptance. Thank you for giving us insight into this candidate.” When the student told me of her acceptance, I was thrilled for her. I remembered taking time to write this student’s letter because I did think the school was a stretch for her. However, she really wanted to attend the school. She came after school and talked with me frequently about her dreams and ambitions. She worked really hard in my class, took extra time after school if needed, and was always prepared for class. The bonus was that she was a positive and pleasant student all the time who frequently tried to help others. When I wrote her letter, I incorporated all these characteristics into my letter. It was easy for me to write about her because I knew her well.

When you are a student in a high school or college class, take the time to express yourself well both in papers, tests, and verbally. If you become an active participant in classroom discussions, teachers can see how you think and analyze. When you see your teacher in the hall, be the student who says “Hello Mrs. Bechta”. It always impresses me because I try to do the same to each and every student by speaking to them by name. Ask questions when you don’t understand because it demonstrates that you want to learn the subject matter. Always do your homework and study for every test. A teacher takes pride in those students who learn the subject matter they are teaching.

Your letters of recommendation should come from 1 or 2 core subject teachers; i.e., Math, Science, English, Social Studies, or Foreign Language. You might include a Coach, Administrator, or Athletic Director as well to address your success as a student athlete. Sometimes an employer can address your reliability, your work ethic, and your professionalism; traits that might not manifest themselves in a classroom. You do not need to select only those classes in which you received A’s. Sometimes an effective letter addresses how hard you worked and your sense of determination.

I often hear players complain about bunting. It is what it is, but it can make the difference. I will always remember a Regional playoff game that my older son was playing en route to an eventual state championship. It was a pitcher’s duel. The score was 0 – 0 in the late innings. With a runner on third, he was asked to lay down a squeeze bunt and it worked. They won the game. So there it is- sometimes a bunt can make a difference and so can a well written Letter of Recommendation. Choose them wisely!

Bernadette Bechta serves as the main academic contact for all players and parents in Baseball Factory's Exclusive Program. With over 20 years of experience as a teacher and advisor at the high school level, Bernadette will provide families with guidance on topics ranging from application essays to financial aid. In addition, Bernadette’s two sons have both gone through the Exclusive Program, so she knows the ins and outs of the process from a parent’s perspective.