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 RECOMMENDATION 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. DON'T FORGET TO THANK YOUR RECOMMENDER FOR WRITING YOUR LETTER!
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 SchooLinks by selecting your teacher’s name in the dropdown. See detailed Inviting Recommenders Instructions.
THANK YOUR TEACHER FOR WRITING YOU A LETTER! An email or handwritten note are both great options.
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.
Common App schools will automatically populate a Counselor Recommendation Letter request in SchooLinks, if required. See detailed Invite Recommenders Instructions.
THANK YOUR COUNSELOR FOR WRITING YOU A LETTER! An email or handwritten note are both great options.
If an OTHER Letter of Recommendation is Allowed:
Other recommendations are occasionally accepted from your coach, employer, pastor, club sponsor, etc.
At least 15 school days before your deadline:
Ask your other recommender if he or she would be willing to write a letter on your behalf.
INVITE your other recommender to submit the letter of recommendation through Common App (NOT SchooLinks) by entering your recommender’s email address. See detailed Invite Recommenders Instructions.
THANK YOUR RECOMMENDER FOR WRITING YOU A LETTER! An email or handwritten note are both great options.