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.
If a TEACHER Letter of Recommendation is Required:
At least 15 school days before your deadline:
Ask your teacher if they 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).
Make a copy of the Student Information for Recommenders and email it to your teacher.
INVITE your teacher to submit the letter of recommendation through Schoolinks. Click here for instructions.
Be patient with the teacher- teachers are asked to write many letters and this is done on their own time. They may take longer than 15 school days but will submit by the deadline. You can gently remind them or follow up with them to see if they need any more information.
If a COUNSELOR Letter of Recommendation is Required:
At least 15 school days before your deadline:
Ask your counselor if they would be willing to write a letter on your behalf.
Make a copy of the Student Information for Recommenders and email it to your counselor.
NOTE: Counselor Recommendations are automatically requested through Schoolinks if required by the college(s) you've added to your College Application Manager. Click here for instructions on the Schoolinks College Application Manager.
While it is automatically requested, the counselor will not write the letter until they have your completed Student Information for Recommenders document.
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 (usually Common App) by entering your recommender’s email address.