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Letter of Recommendation (Seniors)
When applying to a 4-year institution, mostly private colleges/universities, a Secondary School Report and letter(s) of recommendation may be required.
Guide: How to ask for RECOMMENDATION LETTERS
Academic/Teacher Recommendation: Academic recommendation letters are written by high school teachers, preferably one being from someone who has taught you in a core academic subject (English, history, STEM, foreign language). Colleges typically ask for 1-2 academic or teacher recommendations. While there may be the option to submit an additional letter, most colleges don’t seek additional letters beyond what is required.
For academic recommendation(s), it is best to have one of your recommendations come from a teacher from the 10th or 11th grade, who actually knows you and has seen your academic growth. Consider a teacher who taught you in an advanced course, a class you were deeply involved in and/or one who knows you at a personal level.
Counselor Recommendation: A college may specifically require a letter of recommendation from a counselor. This is completed by the school counselor, Ms. Chung. Please do not send requests to Guidance Specialists. The counselor recommendation provides insight into the rigor of your academic curriculum, your involvement in your school and community, and any relevant background information. Please review Request a Counselor LOR.
Personal Recommendation: Some colleges accept personal recommendation letters. It is usually not requested, but it may be considered. This could be written by a coach, club/program advisor or an employer. This type of letter may highlight your personal qualities, character, leadership and interests outside of the classroom setting.
Guidelines when Requesting for a Teacher Recommendation:
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Select a teacher who knows you well and can favorably write about you using specific examples to discuss your character, strengths, classroom engagement and growth in the class.
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Ask teachers at least 3 weeks before your 1st college application deadline. It’s best to ask in person.
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Invite a teacher only after you’ve asked and that person has accepted your request.
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Make it easy for the recommender. Prepare materials (see below for suggestions) to help teachers write a strong, compelling letter. If you are unsure, simply ask what he/she may need.
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Be cool if a teacher declines your request. This may happen if a teacher has too many requests or is unable to write you a strong letter. It’s in your best interest to find someone else.
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Express gratitude. Teachers are not paid extra to write letters. On average, they invest 1-2 hours of their personal time writing your recommendation. It is etiquette to express your appreciation.
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Followup. If you hear back from colleges, share the news with your recommenders.
What to Prepare for your Recommenders:
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Brag Sheet or Resume - include GPA, activities, leadership, part-time jobs
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List of your colleges, which application platform you are using, and application deadlines
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Work sample and/or short reflection about the class (for teachers)
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Teacher Form/Questionnaire or face-to-face meeting, if applicable
Which teacher should I ask?
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Recent. 11th grade is best, 10th grade is great, too. 9th grade can be a bit far back, unless it’s a teacher you’ve maintained active contact with or may have again for senior year.
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Knows you well. Have a connection to you, can share stories about you, can bring you to life in the letter.
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Academic recommendations may be preferred: Ask teachers in core subjects including math, English, science, social science or world language, if that’s
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VPA applicants: May help applicants in visual/performing arts majors to ask an arts teacher.
How many should I send?
More is not better. Send however many the college is asking for. It is not necessary to send more letters beyond what’s being asked for. Only send an additional LOR if it can add significant value. Choose “focused, targeted endorsements.”
Respect the time of the admissions reader. A student should not send more than 3 LOR, unless it’s specifically requested for. Be mindful of the admission reader who is spending time reading your application. Remember, you are not trying to “build a case” for your application by submitting more LORs. It’s more strategic to submit quality letters in the amount that is being requested for, rather than submitting more letters than what’s required.
Should I waive my FERPA rights?
Yes. It is in the student's best interest to sign the FERPA Waiver on the Common/Coalition Application. Waiving your right lets colleges know you do not intend to read your recommendation letters later on. Still have questions? Check out this blogpost for more information.
Additional Resources
How to invite teacher on Common App