The Hidden Curriculum: Email Etiquette
Most guides tell you what to do --- apply for scholarships, build relationships with teachers, find internships. But nobody teaches you how to actually reach out. These templates remove the guesswork.
Template 1: Emailing a Teacher About a Grade
ℹ️ The Strategy
Never open with a complaint. Open with ownership, then ask for guidance. Teachers respond to students who show initiative, not entitlement.
Template 2: Reaching Out for a Job Shadow or Informational Interview
ℹ️ The Strategy
Professionals are busy. Make your email short, specific, and easy to say "yes" to. Mention how you found them and ask for a small time commitment.
Template 3: Asking a Teacher for a Recommendation Letter
⚠️ Timing Matters
Ask for recommendation letters at least 4 weeks before the deadline. Teachers write dozens of these each fall. The earlier you ask, the more time and energy they can devote to yours.
Template 4: Emailing a College Admissions Officer
The "I'm Overwhelmed" Protocol
When you have three tests and a project due on the same day, panic is natural. Here is the step-by-step process for regaining control:
Step 1: The Brain Dump (5 minutes)
Write down every single thing that is due. Don't organize, don't prioritize --- just get it all out of your head and onto paper or a screen.
Step 2: The Triage Sort (5 minutes)
Sort every item into three categories:
| Category | Definition | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Must do today | Hard deadline, no extensions possible | Do these first |
| Can negotiate | Could ask for an extension or partial credit | Send an email (use a template below) |
| Can drop | Low-stakes or already partially done | Do last, or accept the B |
Step 3: The Honest Email (if needed)
💡 Egret's Wisdom
"The bird that tries to carry every fish at once drops them all. Choose the one that matters most, carry it to safety, then return for the next."
Step 4: Execute in Order
Work through your "Must do today" list one item at a time. No multitasking. Set a timer for 25-minute focused blocks with 5-minute breaks between them.