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

• Carefully review each college’s requirements. Not every college requires or accepts letters of recommendation.

• Check whether the college requires a letter from a teacher, counselor or both. These letters are not always interchangeable.

• Most colleges that require a teacher recommendation need only one.

• Not sure who to ask? Use this helpful Who Knows You Best? guide from the University of Pennsylvania.

• Only request an additional letter if the college requires or encourages it. More letters do not necessarily make an application stronger.

Teachers and counselors write many letters while managing their other responsibilities. Please allow at least 15 school days for your letter to be completed—and ask even earlier whenever possible. As your deadline approaches, you may send a polite reminder or follow up with your recommender. Remember that school breaks and weekends do not count as school days.

Remember to Say Thank You!

If a TEACHER Letter of Recommendation is Required:

Complete these steps at least 15 school days before your earliest application deadline:

• Ask your teacher in person if they would be willing to write a recommendation for you. Generally, it is best to ask a junior-year teacher from a core academic subject: English, world language, math, science or social studies.

• Complete the Teacher Letter of Recommendation Request Form and share it with your teacher.

• Invite your teacher through SchooLinks. Select your teacher’s name from the recommender dropdown and follow the Instructions for Inviting Recommenders.

• Thank your teacher! A thoughtful email or handwritten note is a great way to show your appreciation.

If a COUNSELOR Letter of Recommendation is Required:

Complete these steps at least 15 school days before your earliest application deadline:

• Ask your counselor if they would be willing to write a recommendation for you.

• Complete the Counselor Letter of Recommendation Request Form and share it with your counselor.

• Check SchooLinks. For Common App colleges, a counselor recommendation request will automatically appear in SchooLinks when one is required. Review the Instructions for Inviting Recommenders for additional information.

• Thank your counselor! A thoughtful email or handwritten note is a great way to show your appreciation.

If an OTHER Letter of Recommendation is Allowed:

Some colleges allow an optional recommendation from another person who knows you well, such as a coach, employer, faith leader, club sponsor or community mentor. Only submit one if the college accepts additional recommendations and the letter will provide meaningful information NOT already included elsewhere in your application.

Complete these steps at least 15 school days before your earliest application deadline:

• Ask your recommender if they would be willing to write a letter on your behalf.

• Invite your recommender through the Common App—not SchooLinks. Enter the recommender’s email address in the Other Recommender section. Review the Instructions for Inviting Recommenders for detailed steps.

• Thank your recommender! A thoughtful email or handwritten note is a great way to show your appreciation.