Letters of recommendation provide crucial third-party perspectives on your abilities and character.
This guide will cover how to strategically choose and prepare your recommenders to ensure you get the best possible letters.
Who and When to Ask
- Who to Ask:
- Core Subject Teachers: Choose two teachers from core academic subjects (English, math, science, history, foreign language) from your junior or senior year. These teachers have seen your most recent and advanced work.
- Teachers Who Know You Well: It's better to choose a teacher from whom you earned a "B" but actively participated in class, than one from whom you got an "A" but never spoke. They need to be able to write about you as a person, not just a grade.
- A Counselor: Your school counselor will typically write another letter, providing a broader overview of your role in the school community.
- When to Ask: Ask for recommendations at the end of your junior year or the very beginning of your senior year. Teachers are often swamped with requests in the fall, so asking early is considerate and gives them ample time to write a thoughtful letter.
How to Ask and What to Provide
- Ask in Person: If possible, ask your teachers in person. It's more personal and respectful than sending an email out of the blue.
- Provide a "Brag Sheet": This is the most important step. To help your recommenders write a detailed letter, give them a folder (digital or physical) containing:
- A completed brag sheet.
- Your application resume to give them an overview of your activities.
- A list of the colleges you're applying to and their deadlines.
- Any specific forms they need to fill out, with instructions clearly explained.
- A short note reminding them of a specific project or paper you were proud of in their class.
- Waive Your FERPA Rights: The Common Application will ask if you want to waive your right to see your recommendations. You should always waive it. It signals to colleges that you trust your recommenders and that the letters are candid. Admissions officers give more weight to confidential letters.
Follow-Up and Thank You
- Gentle Reminders: Send a polite reminder a week or two before the deadline if the recommendation hasn't been submitted.
- Thank-You Note: Once your letters are submitted, be sure to write a heartfelt, handwritten thank-you note to each of your recommenders. They have dedicated significant time and effort to support your application.
By being thoughtful and organized, you can make the process easier for your recommenders and ensure your application is supported by powerful, personalized letters.