Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation play a crucial role in the college application process as they offer additional context to an applicant’s academic record. While grades and coursework are important, they may only partially showcase a student’s strengths, challenges, personality, character, and work ethic. This is where letters of recommendation become valuable, providing insightful perspectives. When requesting a letter, it’s beneficial to ask for a “Character Letter of Recommendation,“ which emphasizes your personal qualities over your academic achievements.
There are three main types of letters of recommendation: the school counselor letter, the teacher letter, and the “other recommender” letter. Typically, colleges require letters from two teachers and the applicant’s school counselor. Some colleges also accept an “other recommender” letter, which can come from a community member such as a youth pastor, employer, or coach. Each college has its specific requirements, so make sure you’re following their guidelines.
Timing is key when it comes to requesting letters of recommendation. It’s strongly recommended that students strategically request these letters in the spring of their junior year. Many teachers limit the number of recommendations they write each year, so securing your spot early is important. By being proactive, you can take control of the process, ensuring that the most suitable recommenders are available and have ample time to craft a thoughtful letter.
For the best recommendations, choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your unique qualities. Consider asking teachers from your junior year, especially those who taught core subjects like Math, English, Science, History, and Foreign Languages. It’s advisable for STEM majors to get a recommendation from a Science or Math teacher. In addition, consider asking a teacher whose class you may not have performed well in but where you showed perseverance and pushed yourself. Sometimes, a teacher from a challenging class can offer valuable insights into your perseverance and growth.
Follow these tips when making your request:
Provide a RESUME (brag sheet) to your recommender so they know other areas of who you are. This will also save them time and help your application look cohesive, which will be appreciated. Make sure your objective is stated clearly.
Make sure you give plenty of notice. Asking at the last minute can result in a rushed and less thoughtful letter or your recommender saying no.
Most recommendations are submitted online through a portal or via email. Let the recommender know how they will receive your official request (Naviance, Xello, Common App, etc.) and the instructions for submitting the completed letter.
Saying thank you is a super important (and often forgotten) step when receiving a letter of recommendation. Be sure to reach out to your recommender to thank them formally for their time and effort.