Letters of Recommendation

Letters of Recommendation (LORs) can play an integral role in your college application.

Here are Oak Park High School tips and policies related to LORs.

• Many colleges require 1-2 LORs from an academic teacher. Some colleges have an optional 3rd LOR that can be from a non-academic teacher, coach, mentor, internship, job etc.

• Ask teachers who know you best and who can give anecdotal information about you and your time in their class.

• Consider the major you are applying for and try to ask a teacher you've had in a similar type of subject matter.

• Ask teachers early - some will take requests just prior to the end of junior year and others at the start of senior year.

• Give teachers at least 3 weeks to complete the LOR.

• Follow teacher instructions on the information they need from you to complete the LOR.

• Counselor LORs are usually required as well so remember to ask!

• ALL OPHS Teacher/Counselor LORs are requested through Naviance NOT through the Common App.

• UC/CSUs do NOT require LORs and therefore should not be sent.

• Always send a hand-written thank you note to your recommenders!