Who to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation

Counselor Recommendation-In the Common Application, you will assign your school counselor to complete the Counselor Form and a Letter of Recommendation (if required).

Teacher Recommendation - Each school has their own requirements for the number of teacher recommendations they accept. Some schools do not accept teacher recommendations at all. Others, may have required or optional teacher recommendations. Each school has the number required/optional listed in the Common Application.

Tips for Choosing a Teacher to Complete your Teacher Recommendation

1. Choose a teacher that knows you well and can provide a personalized letter (not just list your GPA and accomplishments). The letter should highlight your personality and unique skill set. Colleges want to know how you would be an asset to their school.

2. Choose a teacher who can describe real-life examples of your personality and character.

3. Choose a teacher who can speak to your passion for a specific field of study, especially if it is one that you plan to study in college.

4. Ask Early. Give teachers plenty of time to write your letter of recommendation. The earlier you ask, the more time teachers have to write you a quality letter of recommendation.

5. Ask in-person. Although, you can include your teacher’s email in the Common App, it is always best practice to ask them in-person if they would be willing to write you a letter of recommendation before you send them a request through the Common App.

Letters of Recommendation Resources

College Board - How to Get A Great Letter of Recommendation

CollegeData.com- How to Get the Best Letters of Recommendation

US News and World Report - How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation for College