Letters of Recommendation

Many college applications request one or more recommendations from teachers, counselors, or other adults who know you well. If the college that you are applying to requires letters of recommendation, please use the guidelines below. Please do not request letters of recommendation until you know they are needed – check college websites first. 

Who should I ask? 

Colleges & universities often request letters of recommendation from an academic teacher (sometimes in a specific discipline) and/or your counselor. It is best to ask a teacher who you have had in a class for at least a full semester, if possible, and who taught you during junior or senior year. Colleges want current perspectives from someone who knows you well. Do not use a coach/club sponsor who cannot speak to your academic achievements and classroom potential in place of an academic teacher. 

When should I ask? 

Make sure you give your recommendation writers at least 3 weeks before the letters are due to write and send your recommendations; however, the earlier you ask, the better. Many teachers like to have the summer to write recommendations, so if you know that you will be applying to a school that requires letters of recommendation, you may want to ask teachers before the end of junior year. 

Teacher Recommendations  

• Make sure a college requires a recommendation. Many colleges, such as U of I, do not require one.

• Reach out to your recommender(s) directly; then invite them through SchooLinks (this process will be activated & explained in detail during August of senior year).  

• Complete and turn in the Teacher Recommendation Form to your teacher and make a copy for yourself. List all colleges that require a recommendation on the form and include corresponding deadlines.

• Thank your teachers for taking the time to write you a letter of recommendation! 

1. Make sure your college requires a letter before requesting one from your counselor.

2. If you have not done so already, fill out the Counselor Recommendation Form.

3. Counselor recommendations will be uploaded into your SchooLinks account. YOU DO NOT NEED TO REQUEST YOUR COUNSELOR ON SCHOOLINKS.

4. You will not see the recommendation prior to it being sent to your college or university.