Letters of Recommendation

What you need to know:

It is important that you follow up with each college that you plan to apply for letters of recommendation. 

Scholarships

• Many scholarships will request letters of recommendation. 

CSU/UC College Applicants: 

• They are not required unless requested from specific colleges/universities. 

• Some STEM programs will require a letter of recommendation. It is important to check emails for a letter of recommendation request.

Private/ Out of State Four-Year College Applicants: 

• Counselor letter of recommendation (may not be required for all schools)

• Two teacher letters of recommendation (may not be required for all schools)

Most students do NOT need more than two letters, and should not plan to ask 4-5 teachers for letters of recommendation. Some students may need a third letter IF a particular school wants letters from certain subject areas (e.g. MIT, Princeton).

Counselor Letter of Recommendation

Your counselor will write a letter for you if at least one of your schools requires a letter.

You must:

• Request with ample time (at least 2 weeks notice) for your counselor to write letter. 

• Complete the Student Background form included down below.

Teacher Letters of Recommendation

The Counseling department recommends that students ask TWO core subject teachers for letters of recommendation.

You should:

• concentrate on junior/senior year teachers, where possible. If not possible, go back to Sophomore year.

• get at least one from a teacher in a core academic area

• ask in person or over email FIRST!

• supply whatever information the teacher requests

• then request through application portal (Common App, Coalition, etc.)