Letters of recommendation

It is always best practice to ask for a letter of recommendation in-person, from an individual who knows you well. If you must ask via email, please ensure that your email inquiry is professional. If they agree to write you a letter, some teachers will ask that you complete a Google Form (or something similar) with your personal information so they can write a letter that is as comprehensive as possible. Other teachers will ask that you send them your resume for that same reason -- knowing that, it is important that you have a resume prepared and ready to go when you begin asking for letters of recommendation. And always follow up with a "thank you" email - writing letters is quite time consuming!

Additionally- always ask at least two weeks prior to your deadline. Letters cannot be guaranteed if the request for a letter is made less than two weeks before your deadline. 

It is recommended that students who need one or more letters of recommendation get at least one from a core teacher. Admission committees want to hear from those who have worked with you in English, Math, Science, or Social Studies to get an idea of how you could potentially perform as a student at their university (as you will be taking these core, general education courses your freshman year). Additionally, if you are a student who is hoping to go into Engineering, it would be a good idea to get at least one letter from a Math or Science teacher. Alternatively, if you are looking to pursue a degree in Pre-Law, a letter from an English teacher or Social Studies teacher would be preferred. Some colleges also require a letter from a school counselor. Please check the list on the next page to see if your school requires one - if you need a letter from a counselor, do not assume that one will be written if you do not ask. You will need to complete your school counselor's Google Form - it is linked in the last drop down menu on this page (: 

Ask in the spring! Many teachers will prefer that students ask about letters of recommendation in the spring so that they have ample time to write a letter that adequately illustrates all of your unique skills, talents, and abilities as they relate to your future collegiate experience! Also, do not be shy about following up with someone who agreed to write you a letter of recommendation. Oftentimes, teachers prefer that students follow up about their letter when the school year begins. This can serve as a good reminder to either finish up your letter or to get started on it - teachers are quite busy during the summer and school year (just like you!), so reminders are appreciated. 

Additionally- always ask at least two weeks prior to your deadline. Letters cannot be guaranteed if the request for a letter is made less than two weeks before your deadline. 

Here is a step-by-step guide from the Common App, detailing how to add recommenders: 

1. From My colleges, select a college and then go to Recommenders and FERPA.

2. If you have not already done so, you will need to complete the FERPA Release Authorization.

3. Invite recommenders using the invite button from each section. You may also use the Invite Recommenders button at the top.

4. Select the type of invitation you would like to send. For each invitation, you will need information like their name and email address.

5. After you add a recommender, you can view their info using the Manage Recommenders button.

6. Note that teachers, parents, and other recommenders will not receive an email invitation until you assign them to a college. To assign these recommenders, go to their section within this screen. Select their name from the dropdown and use the assign button."

For our visual learners, here is a guide with screenshots to guide you through the process. After students add their recommenders to the Common App (always double check the spelling of the email address you enter!), the recommender(s) will receive an email with a link to upload their documents directly to the Common App. 

Please see this document to request a letter from your assigned school counselor.