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    How to Request Letters of Recommendation for College Applications | CCMR with Ms. Thrash

    How to Request Strong Letters of Recommendation for College Applications

    Last Updated: January 15, 2024

    Letters of Recommendation play a crucial role in the College application process.

    They give admissions officers insights into your character, work ethic, and personal qualities that your GPA and test scores alone cannot convey. Strong recommendation letters are essential for college and career planning for students and can significantly impact admission decisions and Scholarships opportunities—especially when combined with standout extracurricular activities and a well-crafted resume.

    Letter of Recommendation
    Pro Tip

    Pro Tip: Request Character Letters!

    When requesting a letter, specifically ask for a "Character Letter of Recommendation." Admissions officers already know your GPA, courses, and grades from your transcript.

    What they need to learn is who you are as a person—your integrity, resilience, leadership, empathy, and how you interact with others.

    Understanding Letters

    What Are the Different Types of Letters of Recommendation?

    There are three main types of letters of recommendation:

    • School Counselor Letter: Provides context about your academic journey and school involvement
    • Teacher Letters: Highlight your academic abilities, character, and contributions in the classroom
    • "Other Recommender" Letter: Comes from a community member such as a youth pastor, employer, or coach

    Typically, College require letters from two teachers and your school counselor.

    Some colleges also accept an "other recommender" letter. Always check each college's specific requirements.

    Timeline

    When Should You Request Letters of Recommendation?

    Planning ahead is essential for securing strong letters of recommendation. Follow this timeline to stay on track:

    1
    🌸 SPRING - Junior Year

    Request Letters Early

    Request letters early—many teachers limit the number they write. It also gives the recommender time to write a personal letter that reflects who you are as a person. Securing your spot early ensures your preferred recommenders are available.

    2
    SUMMER/EARLY FALL - Senior Year

    Prepare Materials

    Prepare your resume and finalize your list of colleges. Consider using tracking tools to stay organized throughout the application process.

    3
    AFTER ADDING TO APPLICATION

    Follow Up with Recommenders

    Once you have added the colleges to your application profile and added the recommender, follow up with them. Let them know they should receive an email link to upload their letter.

    ✓
    AFTER SUBMISSION

    Express Gratitude

    Follow up politely to confirm submission and send thank you notes. Express genuine gratitude for their time and support. This professional courtesy is often forgotten but makes a lasting impression.

    Important Note: Recommenders will not be able to upload the letter until the application has been opened and added to your Common App or ApplyTexas account.

    Once you add the recommender's email address, they will receive a link to upload the PDF they created for you.

    Policy Update: Some colleges are no longer allowing students to attach letters of recommendation to their applications. Always check each college's specific requirements and submission guidelines.

    Who to Ask

    Who Should You Ask for a Letter of Recommendation?

    Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your unique qualities beyond GPA and Standardized Testing:

    Best Choices for Teacher Recommendations

    • Junior year teachers from core subjects (Math, English, Science, History, Foreign Languages)—these teachers know your recent academic growth and maturity
    • STEM majors: Get a recommendation from a Science or Math teacher who can speak to your analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
    • Challenge classes: Consider a teacher whose class you struggled in but showed perseverance and growth—this demonstrates resilience and character development
    • Alignment with goals: Choose teachers in subjects related to your intended major or career path when possible

    Other Recommenders

    When College accept additional letters, consider community members who know you well: youth pastors, employers, or coaches.

    These letters can highlight leadership and character outside the classroom.

    How to Request

    How Do You Request a Letter of Recommendation?

    Asking for a letter of recommendation should be done thoughtfully and professionally. Follow these guidelines:

    Step Action Why It Matters
    1 Provide a Resume
    		Give your recommender a resume so they know other areas of who you are. Make sure your objective is stated clearly. View resume resources. This saves them time and helps your application look cohesive across all materials.
    2 Allow At Least 2 Weeks
    		Give plenty of notice. Never ask at the last minute. Asking at the last minute can result in a rushed letter or your recommender declining the request.
    3 Explain the Submission Process
    		Let the recommender know how they will receive your official request (Naviance, Xello, Common App, etc.) and the instructions for submitting. Most recommendations are submitted online through a portal or via email. Clear instructions prevent confusion and delays.
    4 Send a Thank You Note
    		Reach out to your recommender to thank them formally for their time and effort. This is a super important (and often forgotten) step. It shows professionalism and gratitude.
    What to Provide

    What Should You Provide Your Recommender?

    Help your recommender write a strong letter by giving them context about your goals and achievements. Provide the following:

    Related Resource: Need help getting organized? Check out our comprehensive grade-level planning guides for juniors and seniors, plus tracking tools to manage deadlines.

    Resume

    A summary of your Extracurricular, achievements, awards, and personal growth throughout high school.

    Get Help Creating Yours →

    Your Goals

    Share your intended major, Career Development, and why you're excited about your chosen College.

    Deadlines

    Provide a clear list of due dates for each school, including any Scholarships.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How many letters of recommendation do I need?

    Most colleges require 2-3 letters: typically two from teachers (preferably junior year core subjects) and one from your school counselor. Some schools also accept an optional "other recommender" letter from a coach, employer, or community leader. Always check each college's specific requirements as they can vary.

    Can I ask a teacher from 9th or 10th grade?

    While it's best to ask junior or senior year teachers who know your recent academic performance, you can ask a 9th or 10th grade teacher if you had a particularly strong relationship and they can speak to your growth over time. However, prioritize recent teachers who can provide current insights into your abilities and character.

    What if a teacher says no to my request?

    Don't take it personally! Teachers may decline because they're already writing too many letters, don't feel they know you well enough, or can't meet your deadline. It's actually better for them to decline than to write a weak letter. Simply thank them and ask another teacher who can write a strong, personalized recommendation.

    Should I ask the teacher who gave me the highest grade?

    Not necessarily. Choose teachers who know you well and can speak to your character, work ethic, and personal growth—not just your grades. Sometimes a teacher whose class challenged you, where you showed resilience and improvement, can write a more compelling letter than one where you easily earned an A.

    Do I get to read my letters of recommendation?

    In most cases, no. When you submit your college applications, you'll typically waive your right to view the letters, which makes them more credible to admissions officers. This waiver shows that recommenders can be honest without concern that you'll see what they wrote. Trust that teachers who agree to write for you will write positive letters.

    How do I follow up without being annoying?

    Send a polite reminder email 1-2 weeks before the deadline if you haven't received confirmation. Keep it brief: "Hi [Teacher's Name], I wanted to gently follow up on the letter of recommendation for [College Name] due on [Date]. Please let me know if you need any additional information. Thank you so much for your support!"

    Can I use the same letters for multiple colleges?

    Yes! Through platforms like Common App, your recommenders write one letter that gets sent to all the colleges on your list. This is why it's important to provide them with a comprehensive resume and information about all your schools, so they can write a versatile letter that works for all your applications.

    Success Stories

    What Makes a Letter Stand Out?

    Strong letters of recommendation share specific stories and examples that bring your character to life. Here's what admissions officers look for:

    Specific Examples

    "Sarah organized study groups before every exam, taking time to explain concepts to struggling classmates even when she had already mastered the material."

    Character Growth

    "Initially struggling with public speaking, Marcus volunteered to present first in every debate, transforming from hesitant to confident leader by year's end."

    Impact on Others

    "When our team faced conflict, Jordan brought everyone together for honest conversation, rebuilding trust and improving our collaborative dynamic."

    Intellectual Curiosity

    "Alex regularly stayed after class to discuss how calculus applies to architecture, connecting classroom learning to real-world passions."

    Pro Tip for Students: Help your recommenders write these specific stories by providing them with:

    • A brief list of 3-5 memorable moments from their class or your time together
    • Challenges you overcame and what you learned from them
    • Ways you contributed to the classroom or team environment
    • Projects or assignments you were particularly proud of and why
    Need Help?

    Ready to Strengthen Your College Applications?

    Get personalized college readiness support on strengthening your college applications, identifying the right recommenders, and presenting your best self to admissions officers.

    Whether you need help with scholarship planning for high school students or complete postsecondary planning services, expert guidance is available.

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    Additional Resources

    Additional Planning Resources

    Explore grade-level planning guides and tools to support your college career military planning and postsecondary planning services journey:

    Freshmen Year Guide

    Build a strong foundation for your high school journey

     Sophomores Year Guide

    Continue building your academic profile

     Juniors Year Guide

    Navigate the most critical year for college planning

     Seniors Year Guide

    Complete your applications with confidence
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