Letters of recommendation strategy

Letters of recommendation are a critical component of college applications, especially at selective institutions. They provide a third-party perspective on your character, work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and contributions to the classroom.

20 steps across 3 sections

1. Teacher Recommendations

  • Knows you well academically AND personally. The best letters come from teachers who can speak to both your intellectual abilities and your character.
  • Junior-year teachers are preferred. They know your most recent work, and their classes are fresh in both your memories. Colleges prefer junior year over sophomore or freshman year teachers.
  • Core academic subjects. Selective colleges tend to prefer letters from English, math, science, history, or foreign language teachers. Elective teachers (art, music, PE) are generally better as supp...
  • One humanities, one STEM. If asking two teachers, aim for one from each side to show range: for example, an English teacher and a physics teacher.
  • Demonstrated growth, not just high grades. A teacher in whose class you struggled initially but showed perseverance and improvement will often write a stronger letter than one where you coasted to ...
  • Teachers who have seen your engagement. Active class participation, thoughtful questions, helping classmates, staying after class to discuss ideas — these behaviors give teachers concrete material ...
  • Match to your intended major (if possible). If applying as a STEM major, a science or math teacher's letter carries extra weight. If applying as a humanities major, an English or history teacher's ...
  • A teacher who only knows you as a quiet student with a good grade
  • A teacher you had only in 9th grade (too long ago)
  • A family friend who happens to teach at your school (conflict of interest)

2. Counselor Recommendation

  • Your school counselor writes a separate letter that provides context about you within the school community
  • The counselor letter covers your overall trajectory, school involvement, and any relevant circumstances
  • Meet with your counselor early and often so they have material to work with (many counselors are responsible for hundreds of students)
  • Provide your counselor with a detailed brag sheet, resume, and any context about challenges you have faced

3. The Ask (Step by Step)

  • Ask in person, not by email. Approach the teacher after class or during office hours. Make it personal and respectful.
  • Ask the right question. Do not say "Will you write me a recommendation?" Instead, say: "Do you feel you know me well enough to write a strong letter of recommendation for my college applications?" ...
  • Explain why you are asking them specifically. "Your AP History class was one of the most meaningful experiences of my high school career, and I think you have seen a side of my thinking that other ...
  • Provide your list of schools and deadlines. Teachers need to know how many letters they are writing and when.
  • Follow up with an email summarizing the conversation, deadlines, and your brag sheet (see below).
  • Respect a "no." If a teacher declines or seems hesitant, thank them and ask someone else. A reluctant recommender will not write a strong letter.

Common Mistakes

  • Asking too late
  • Not providing a brag sheet
  • Asking the wrong teacher
  • Asking too many teachers
  • Not waiving FERPA rights

Pro Tips

  • Build relationships early
  • Give teachers a "way out."
  • Choose teachers who will tell a story
  • Diversify your recommenders
  • Think about what EACH letter adds

Sources

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