Everything You Need to Know About College Recommendation Letters
Last week, I received a panicked call from Julie, a high school junior who had heard of other students already asking for recommendation letters. "I've never asked for a recommendation letter before," she admitted. "How do I even ask for one? What if my teachers say no? How many do I need? What if they write something bad? How much do these letters affect my college application?"
If you're feeling the same way, take a deeeeeeep breath in. Sigh it out.
A letter of recommendation is simply a letter (or sometimes a form) written by someone who knows you well. It describes your qualities, achievements, and potential to succeed in a college environment. Recommendation letters are powerful tools that can significantly strengthen your college application. This is the only portion of your application written by a third party, so it holds a lot of weight compared to the rest of your application where you are (rightfully!) talking yourself up.
In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk through everything you need to know about college recommendation letters. We’ll go over who to ask, when to ask them, and what makes a recommendation letter truly stand out.
Jump to advice
What Is a College Recommendation Letter & Why Does It Matter?
Who Should I Ask for a College Recommendation Letter?
When and How Should I Ask for a Letter of Recommendation?
What Makes a Strong College Recommendation Letter?
How Many Recommendation Letters Do I Need?
What If I Can't Get a Recommendation Letter?
What Is a College Recommendation Letter & Why Does It Matter?
A college recommendation letter is a personalized endorsement written by someone who knows you well, typically a teacher, counselor, coach, advisor, or mentor. It provides additional insight into your character and potential to succeed in college. These letters complement your application by offering a third-party perspective on who you are as a person.
As part of the holistic review process, colleges look beyond just numbers to understand the whole student. A great letter of recommendation can help convince admissions of the contributions you’d make on a college campus.
Let’s take a look at how tremendous of an impact a letter of recommendation can have on a college application with a couple of examples. Robert’s GPA was slightly below average for his dream school. As an intended history major, math had always been tough to understand. He struggled in AP Calculus BC, ultimately earning a B. However, as he worked tirelessly to improve his understanding and performance, he developed a strong relationship with his calculus teacher who he later asked for a letter of recommendation. (More on this math-history major connection later!) His calculus teacher wrote a powerful letter describing Robert’s extraordinary persistence including how he came to extra help sessions every week before school started, reworked problems until he mastered them, and even assisted other students during class time using skills he had learned during the extra help sessions. That letter made all the difference, helping admissions officers understand Robert’s intellectual determination in a way his transcript alone couldn't convey.
Who Should I Ask for a College Recommendation Letter?
Choosing the right recommenders is perhaps the most important decision you'll make in this process.
Ideal recommenders:
Know you well enough to write specific, personal details about your character
Have observed you in a relevant, college-related context (classroom, extracurricular activity, internship, workplace)
Can write persuasively and articulately
Will enthusiastically support your application
Not-so-ideal (see: terrible) recommenders:
Are people you’ve only met once or for a very short period of time (teacher of a one-day or weekend training; CEO of a company you interned for but only spoke to on your first day)
Don’t know you on a first-name basis (the lead from your one-week internship two years ago who has seen 200 students since and doesn't remember your name)
Are family members (either mom is discussing your Uffizi-worthy macaroni art or your sister is discussing how you always steal her clothes - both are bad)
Know you in a not-so-shining light (you probably don’t want to ask the movie theater employee who kicked you and your friends out for being too loud)
Teachers are typically your best bet, particularly those who have taught you in junior year and in core or major-related academic subjects. They can speak directly to your academic abilities, classroom engagement, and intellectual curiosity.
Many colleges require a counselor recommendation letter. In most cases, your counselor will write a more general letter, given the number of students they work with and are required to write letters for. It is best to assume you can’t rely on a counselor recommendation as a stand out letter.
Mentors, coaches, or employers can provide valuable supplementary letters, especially if you’ve worked closely with them for an extended period of time. These letters can highlight aspects of your character (leadership, teamwork, or dedication) that a classroom teacher may not be able to speak to.
When deciding which teacher to ask, consider:
Recent classes, ideally junior year
Classes where you performed well academically
Classes where you actively participated and engaged with the material
Classes that are aligned with your intended major
Teachers who know you beyond just your grades
Remember Robert, who asked his AP Calculus BC teacher for a recommendation despite only having a B in the class? His choice made sense because he worked incredibly hard to do well in the class and formed a close relationship with his teacher while doing so. Although the course content falls outside of his intended major, it is still an advanced core class where Robert is doing college-level work. In contrast, his friend Sarah asked her AP Biology teacher for a letter of recommendation simply because she earned an A+, even though she rarely participated in class discussions or spoke one-on-one with her teacher. The resulting letter was generic and forgettable. It added only minimal value to her application.
When and How Should I Ask for a Letter of Recommendation?
Timing is crucial when requesting recommendation letters. The ideal time to ask is spring of your junior year. This gives recommenders plenty of time to craft thoughtful letters and ensures you won't be scrambling at the last minute.
While you can ask a recommender via email, asking in person demonstrates respect for the seriousness of your request. Save the email requests for individuals you are unable to see in person. A face-to-face conversation allows you to gauge the teacher's response and address any concerns immediately. You might say something like:
"Ms. Johnson, I've really enjoyed your English class this year. I've learned so much about analytical writing and critical thinking. I'm applying to colleges this fall. Would you feel comfortable writing a strong letter of recommendation for me?"
This gives you the ability to interpret their response and facial expressions and gives the teacher an opportunity to decline kindly if they don't think they can write a strong letter.
How to ask for a recommendation letter:
Provide a "brag sheet" with details about your achievements, interests, and goals
Follow up with your request in writing, including specific deadlines, so they have something to reference later on
Offer to provide additional information if needed
Thank them for their willingness and time
What Makes a Strong College Recommendation Letter?
Admissions officers read thousands of recommendation letters each year. The ones that stand out share several key characteristics.
Strong recommendation letters include:
Specificity - Strong letters include concrete examples and anecdotes rather than vague praise. "Sarah is a good student" is far less compelling than "Sarah's insightful analysis of imagery in Toni Morrison's work demonstrated her close reading skills and ability to analyze literature in a historical context."
Authenticity - The best letters sound genuine and personal. They convey a sense that the recommender truly knows and cares about the student.
Context - Strong letters provide context for a student's achievements and growth. Perhaps a student struggled initially but demonstrated remarkable improvement, or maybe they excelled despite challenging circumstances. This additional context, rather than just describing the student excelling, is tremendously important.
Balance - While positive endorsement is important, letters that acknowledge small weaknesses (ideally ones the student has worked to overcome) often seem more credible than those with nothing but praise.
Consider these two examples.
Weak recommendation:
"Miguel is a hardworking student who always completes his assignments on time. He participates in class and gets along well with his peers. I'm confident he will succeed in college."
Strong recommendation:
"Miguel’s approach to our unit on the Civil War revealed his exceptional analytical abilities. While most students focused on the major battles, Miguel researched primary sources to explore how everyday citizens experienced the conflict. His final paper, which examined letters from a Union soldier to his family, demonstrated sophisticated historical thinking, connecting personal narratives to broader social and political contexts. When presenting his findings to the class, John fielded challenging questions with remarkable poise, acknowledging areas where his research was still developing while confidently defending his core conclusions. This mature approach to academic discourse will serve him well in college seminars."
The strong recommendation paints a vivid picture of Miguel as a scholar and thinker, providing specific examples that demonstrate his academic strengths and character and how these will benefit both him and his peers in a college environment.
Now, you will not be reading your recommendation letters prior to submitting them, so this section is not provided for you to edit or analyze your recommender’s writing. Instead, it is provided so that you better understand what a strong recommendation letter includes. With this knowledge, you’ll be more prepared to identify a teacher or mentor who can write a letter that includes specificity, authenticity, context, and balance.
How Many Recommendation Letters Do I Need?
The Common App recommender process typically allows for:
One counselor recommendation
Two teacher recommendations
One optional "other" recommendation
However, individual colleges may have different requirements. Some might require only one teacher recommendation, while others might allow for additional letters.
The number of letters you should submit:
Submit the minimum number of letters required
Include 1-2 additional letters only if they add significant new information
Never exceed a school's stated maximum
An optional letter of recommendation makes sense when someone can speak to an important aspect of your character or achievements that isn't covered elsewhere. For example, if you've dedicated significant time to research, community service, or leadership in a particular organization, a mentor from that experience might provide valuable insights. But, remember, this recommender still needs to meet the listed requirements from the ‘Who You Should Ask’ section.
It is important to remember quality over quantity. Three stellar letters are far more effective than five mediocre ones. Similarly, three stellar required letters are far more effective than three stellar letters combined with two mediocre optional letters. Each letter you add introduces more variation into your application, so you want to be 100% certain that you are adding value with additional letters. Remember, you won’t be able to read the letters beforehand and a college application is not a time to gamble.
What If I Can't Get a Recommendation Letter?
If a teacher declines your request or seems hesitant, don't take it personally. Teachers may decline because they're overcommitted or don't feel they know you well enough to write a strong letter.
If you're struggling to find recommenders, consider approaching teachers from earlier years who knew you well. You may also consider asking coaches, employers, or activity advisors. Lastly, if you are still unsure of who to ask, you can consult your school counselor for additional suggestions.
How Do I Submit College Recommendation Letters?
This part is easy for you, the applicant! Only the first two steps below apply to you. Most colleges receive recommendation letters through electronic platforms such as the Common App or their own application systems.
Steps to submit recommendation letters:
Student Responsibility In your application, you'll enter your recommenders' names and email addresses
Student Responsibility You will waive your FERPA rights, meaning you waive your right to view the recommendation letters before they are submitted - yes, really!
The system will send your recommenders an email with instructions
Recommenders will create an account (if they don't already have one)
Recommenders will upload or write their letter directly in the system
Recommenders will submit the letter electronically
As the applicant, you can only track whether letters have been submitted. If you successfully waive your FERPA rights (as you should!), you will not be able to read them.
If a deadline is approaching and your recommender hasn't submitted their letter, you should send a polite reminder email and follow up in person if possible. If necessary, ask your guidance counselor to help communicate with your teacher.
FAQ: Common Questions About College Recommendation Letters
What are recommendation letters, and why do they matter?
Recommendation letters are evaluations written by teachers, counselors, or other adults who know you well. They provide colleges with insights into your academic abilities, character, and potential that may not be evident from grades and test scores alone. They're particularly important for selective colleges that practice holistic admissions.
What should I include in my brag sheet for a letter of recommendation?
A good brag sheet includes:
Your academic interests and achievements
Extracurricular activities and leadership roles
A reflection on your time in this teacher’s class and what you found most meaningful
Work experience and community service
Challenges you've overcome
Your college and career goals
Specific classes, projects, or discussions you found meaningful
Qualities or strengths you hope the recommender will highlight
Why can’t I read my recommendation letters? Do I really have to waive my right to read them?
Yes, you should really waive your right to read your letters. Waiving your FERPA rights and therefore your right to review the letters before submission further validates the content of the letters. This confidentiality encourages recommenders to be candid. Having access to the written letters may result in students editing their own letters or teachers mincing their words. It is important to develop strong relationships with teachers and mentors early on, so you are not second guessing the content during application season.
Can I submit extra letters of recommendation?
Quality over quantity. It is not worth introducing more variation to your application if you are unsure if the letters will contain phenomenal content. Ask yourself if you are 100% certain your additional recommenders will write above average letters for you. If the answer is maybe or no, then don’t submit the optional letter.
What if my teacher writes a bad letter of recommendation?
To be direct, this will have a heavy negative impact on your application. However, it also probably means you didn’t follow the steps above. If you've selected recommenders who know you well and with whom you have good relationships, it is highly unlikely they will write a bad letter of recommendation. At worst, it may be average or neutral.
Do colleges even read all the letters?
Yes! Recommendation letters provide valuable, additional context for your academic performance and personal characteristics, helping admissions officers understand who you are beyond just numbers on a transcript. Highly selective institutions, or schools within the UC system, may even ask for additional letters in later stages of the application process.
Final Takeaways
Successfully navigating the recommendation letter process requires early planning, communication, and gratitude.
Remember to:
Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak specifically about your strengths
Ask early - ideally in spring of junior year
Provide a comprehensive brag sheet for your recommender
Be clear about deadlines and follow up respectfully
Send a thoughtful thank you note after submissions and, in the spring, follow up to let them know where you decide to attend!
Recommendation letters offer a unique opportunity for colleges to see you through the eyes of the educators and mentors who know you best. Admissions committees can use these letters to infer how your future professors might view you as well. By approaching this process thoughtfully and strategically, you can ensure that your letters enhance your application and help colleges understand you as a well-rounded applicant.
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Make your college recommendation letters stronger by giving your teachers a brag sheet. Here’s what to include and how to use it. (Free template)