• WATCH THIS VIDEO to see how to find recommendation requirements in the Common App.

• Check each college’s admission requirements carefully to determine if they require letters of recommendation. 

• Some colleges accept a letter from a teacher OR counselor. 

• If a college requires a recommendation from a teacher, they typically only need one. 

• DO NOT ASK FOR MORE THAN ONE LETTER OF REC IF IT IS NOT NEEDED

Teachers and counselors are asked to write many letters and this is done on their own time. While they usually will get them done within 15 school days, it may take longer. You can email a gentle reminder or follow up with them as deadlines approach. 

If a TEACHER Letter of Recommendation is Required:

At least 15 school days before your deadline:

• Ask your teacher if he or she would be willing to write a letter on your behalf. Generally it is best to ask a junior year teacher from a core subject (English, world language, math, social studies or science).

• Complete the Teacher Letter of Recommendation Request Form.

• INVITE your teacher to submit the letter of recommendation through the college’s application by entering your teacher’s email address. See detailed Invite Recommenders Instructions.  

• Assign your teacher to each college where you want their recommendation sent (if using the Common App).

If a COUNSELOR Letter of Recommendation is Required:

At least 15 school days before your deadline:

• Ask your counselor if he or she would be willing to write a letter on your behalf. 

• Complete the Counselor Letter of Recommendation Request Form.

• INVITE your counselor to submit the letter of recommendation through the college’s application by entering your counselor’s email address.  See detailed Invite Recommenders Instructions.  

If an OPTIONAL Letter of Recommendation is Allowed:

Optional recommendations are occasionally accepted from your coach, employer, pastor, club sponsor, etc.

At least 15 school days before your deadline:

• Ask your optional recommender if he or she would be willing to write a letter on your behalf. 

• INVITE your optional recommender to submit the letter of recommendation through the college’s application by entering your recommender’s email address.  See detailed Invite Recommenders Instructions.