Letters of recommendation give colleges something no transcript can: a teacher's or counselor's first-hand view of who you are as a student and person. A thoughtful letter can strengthen your application significantly. The good news is that you have more control over the quality of your letters than you might think. Here's how to ask the right people, the right way, at the right time.
Who usually writes recommendations?
Most colleges that require letters ask for:
- A school counselor recommendation, which describes you in the context of your school and is usually submitted with your transcript and school profile.
- One or two teacher recommendations, usually from teachers of core academic subjects such as English, math, science, social studies or a world language.
- An optional “other” recommendation at some schools — from a coach, employer, mentor or community leader.
Check each college's requirements. Some public universities don't require any letters, while many private colleges require two teacher letters. A few programs, like engineering or arts, may request a letter from a specific subject teacher.
How to choose your teachers
The best recommender isn't necessarily the teacher who gave you your highest grade. Look for a teacher who:
- Taught you recently — ideally in 11th grade, or 12th if they know you well early in the year.
- Knows you beyond your grades: how you participate, ask questions, handle challenges and help classmates.
- Saw you grow. A teacher who watched you improve from a B to an A can tell a powerful story about your work ethic.
- Teaches a subject related to your intended major, if possible — though this isn't required.
- Writes well and meets deadlines. Upper-class students may be able to tell you which teachers write thoughtful letters.
Try to choose teachers from two different subject areas, such as one humanities and one STEM teacher. This gives colleges a broader picture of you.
When to ask
Ask in person in the spring of junior year or, at the latest, the first weeks of senior year. Teachers often receive many requests and may limit how many letters they write. Asking early also gives them time over the summer to write carefully. As a rule, give at least four to six weeks before your first deadline.
How to ask
Ask face-to-face if you can, then follow up in writing. You might say:
“I really enjoyed your class and learned a lot, especially during our research project. I'm applying to colleges this fall, and I was wondering if you'd feel comfortable writing a strong letter of recommendation for me?”
Asking whether they can write a strong letter gives the teacher an easy way to decline if they don't feel they know you well enough — which is better than receiving a lukewarm letter.
Give your recommenders a “brag sheet”
Make your teachers' job easier by sending a short, organized information packet. Include:
- Your list of colleges and deadlines, noting any early applications.
- Your intended major or areas of interest.
- A brief resume of activities, jobs and responsibilities.
- Two or three specific memories from their class — a project you were proud of, a discussion you led, a challenge you overcame.
- Anything you'd like them to highlight, such as curiosity, leadership or resilience.
- Any context they might not know, such as family responsibilities or obstacles you've faced.
Many high schools have their own brag sheet form, often through the counseling office or platforms like Naviance or SCOIR. Use it if your school has one.
Submitting through the Common App
On the Common App, you'll invite recommenders in the “Recommenders and FERPA” section. You'll first answer the FERPA release question. Most counselors recommend waiving your right to view your letters. Colleges tend to trust confidential letters more, and many teachers prefer writing them confidentially.
After you invite them, your recommenders submit online. Check your Common App dashboard to confirm their letters were received before each deadline.
Follow up and say thank you
- Send a polite reminder about one week before a deadline if a letter hasn't been submitted.
- Write a handwritten thank-you note after they submit. Teachers spend real time on these letters.
- Let them know your results in the spring. Teachers love to hear where their students end up.
What about extra letters?
Only send an additional recommendation if the college accepts it and the person can share something new — for example, a supervisor who can describe your responsibility at a part-time job, or a research mentor. More letters aren't automatically better; admissions officers have limited time.
For the complete application timeline, read the U.S. college application process, step by step.
