Hi there! Today, I want to spend a little time discussing letters of recommendation and what role they play in the process and how students should think about them in terms of who they ask to write them on their behalf.
In general, there are 3 categories of letters of recommendation that I talk to my students about:
1. Counselor Letter
The counselor letter is written by whoever is assigned to that student as their high school guidance counselor. It is not always required by every college that the student may apply to, but it is typically the primary requirement when a letter of recommendation is needed. There’s sort of a hierarchy in this process: the school counselor is typically the numero uno, and quite honestly, even if teacher letters are not required in the process, the counselor letter often is—again, not always, because it will depend on each individual college’s list of requirements.
This is why it is very important, whether you’re in a large school or a very small school, to try to connect with your counselor and make sure that they have some information about who you are. If you are at a very large school and don’t have a lot of direct contact with your school counselor, that’s okay—it’s not the end of the world. You’re just going to have to provide some additional information:
- A resume outlining the activities you’ve taken part in throughout high school
- General background information about who you are as a student
- Highlights of your academic strengths (e.g., a favorite subject you’ve excelled in)
- An overview of the colleges you plan to apply to
If you aren’t sure, simply ask your counselor: “What kind of information do you need from me to write an effective letter that will cover all the important details?”
2. Teacher Letter of Recommendation
This is very common, though not every college will ask for or require them. A teacher letter of recommendation is written by somebody who has specifically taught you in the classroom. When selecting a teacher, here are some key considerations:
Choosing the Right Teacher
- Focus on junior year teachers (11th grade) in core academic subjects
- Look for teachers who can tell a compelling story about your academic journey
- Don’t just choose the class where you got easy A’s
- Consider teachers who can speak to your ability to overcome academic challenges
- Select from core academic subjects: English, math, history, science, or world language
- Aim to choose two teachers from these core areas
- If you only have one compelling core junior year teacher, you can consider an elective teacher or a 10th-grade core subject teacher
Important Tips
- You don’t need to choose only teachers who “like” you
- Teachers are trained to write professional recommendations
- Have two letters ready, as this is often the “magic number”
3. Outside Recommendation Letters
This category includes letters from:
- Coaches
- Volunteer supervisors
- Job supervisors
- Religious leaders or community mentors
Considerations
- Not every college will accept these letters
- Only ask one outside person – too many letters make your file less readable
- Only use if the person truly knows you and can provide meaningful insight
- Be prepared that some schools may not allow these letters
Practical Advice for Requesting Recommendations
- Ask teachers for recommendations in the spring of junior year
- Request recommendations before summer break
- Ask in person
- Follow up with a thank-you email
- Provide additional context or a resume if requested
- Focus on academic achievements and classroom experiences
Remember, the goal is to have letters that highlight your academic strengths, personal growth, and potential. Each letter should offer a unique perspective on who you are as a student and individual.
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