When you are thinking about collecting letters of recommendation, you should look to get four. Two from teachers, one from your school counselor, and one from an outside person. This allows you to have enough letters for most colleges. Colleges now require that recommendation letters be submitted electronically. You will need to request this personally with your teacher and also request this on Schoolinks.com.
For Teachers:
Some colleges will ask for two or three letters of recommendation during the application process. These letters should be written by someone who can describe your skills, accomplishments, and personality. Teachers need as much time as possible to complete a recommendation letter. They often have many recommendation letters to write, along with lesson planning and grading. When you ask the teacher, you should provide them with information that can help as they write your letter. The Letter of Recommendation Teacher Form is 2 pages long and should be completed fully when seeking a teacher recommendation letter. This form can be printed and hand delivered or emailed to the teacher you are requesting the recommendation from.
You should try to get your request to them as soon as possible, but give your references at least a month to complete and submit your letters. The start of your senior year is a good time to begin asking teachers for recommendation letters, especially if you’re applying for early decision. Remember, the more time your teacher has, the more likely they'll write you a thoughtful, detailed letter.
In addition to requesting the letter personally, you will also need to complete the request through Schoolinks. This will automatically attach your letter to your application.
Requesting a College Letter of Recommendation (non-Common App)
Student: Tracking and Editing Teacher Evaluations and Letters of Recommendation
For Counselor:
Not all schools require a letter of recommendation from the counselor. However, there are over 200+ students in your class. That is a lot of letters. The sooner I can get started started on this for you the better. Please complete the Letter of Recommendation - Counselor Form on schoolinks. This will help me form a well written letter on your behalf.
Outside Recommendations:
If it is a request for Common App school, you must request it through Common App. Refer to this article to request a Common App Non-Teacher Evaluation.
If it is a recommender request for a college that uses any application type besides Common App, students make the request through SchooLinks. Refer to this article to request a Letter of Recommendation for a non-Common App school. It is recommended that you use the "optional recommender" option for any request not for a teacher.