Letters of Recommendation

Recommendation Requests

Students are able to request recommendation letters from teachers and counselors using the process below.

Depending on the school you are applying to letters of recommendation may be required, may be optional or may not be accepted. 

When letters are required sometimes universities require letters from certain people like your counselor or a teacher in a curriculum area connected to your future major in college.

When letters are optional, it is especially important to consider the adults in your life who can offer the most “new and compelling” information about you that will really add to your application. Maybe this is a supervisor where you work, or the sponsor of an organization where you are in a leadership role. Remember that with your transcript and test scores, schools often have some insight into your academic successes, but the letter of recommendation offers them an opportunity to learn more about your personal characteristics.​

Requesting a COUNSELOR Letter of Recommendation

How to request a COUNSELOR Letter of Recommendation:


Not sure how to submit the rec letter to your college? Check out this Quick Guide to Submitting Rec Letters

Requesting a TEACHER Letter of Recommendation

How to request a TEACHER/ADVISOR Letter of Recommendation:

Not sure how to submit the rec letter to your college? Check out this Quick Guide to Submitting Rec Letters

Teacher Resources for Letters of Recommendation

Teacher Letter of Recommendation Request Form

VHS Guide to Letters of Recommendation, including VHS letterhead

Not sure how to submit the rec letter? Check out this Quick Guide to Submitting Rec Letters

Guide to writing recommendations (with examples and critiques!) 

Video: Elements of a Strong Recommendation Letter