Letters of Recommendation: What High School Students Need to Know
Letters of recommendation help colleges see who a student is beyond grades and test scores.
Strong letters can:
Add personal context to an application
Highlight growth, resilience, curiosity, or leadership
Reinforce academic readiness and character
Differentiate students with similar academic profiles
Weak or generic letters, however, add very little value to a college application, so how students approach this process matters.
So, where do you begin?
Follow the advice in this guide to have meaningful letters of recommendation submitted on your behalf from teachers, school counselors, and other adults who know you well.
What Is a Letter of Recommendation?
A letter of recommendation is a written evaluation from someone who knows you well in an academic or professional setting. Most colleges ask for letters from:
Teachers-one to two from core academic subjects, preferably in junior year
School Counselor-your school counselor will submit a letter of recommendation to the colleges you apply to, usually through the Common Application
Some colleges may also offer the option to submit an “Other Recommender” letter from a coach, employer, club advisor, Scout leader, or religious leader.
These letters are usually submitted electronically in the Common Application during the fall of senior year.
Why Letters of Recommendation Matter
Admissions officers read thousands of applications with similar GPAs and course rigor. Strong letters can:
Confirm what your transcript shows
Add depth to your personality and work ethic
Highlight growth, leadership, curiosity, or resilience
Help distinguish you from other academically similar applicants
A great letter won’t “save” a weak application, but it can affirm or even elevate a strong one.
Who Should You Ask?
Teacher Recommendations
Consider teachers who:
Taught you in junior year (or sophomore year if you’ve stayed connected)
Teach core academic subjects (English, math, science, social studies, world language)
Know how you think, not just how you do academically
Have seen you participate, ask questions, improve, or challenge yourself
Counselor Recommendation
Your school counselor’s letter provides a big-picture view:
Your academic program and rigor
Your role in the school community
Any personal or contextual information colleges should know
This letter helps colleges understand you within your school.
When Should You Ask?
Earlier than you think.
April or May of junior year is ideal
Within the first month of senior year is often the latest you should ask
Teachers and counselors have limits on how many letters they can write. Asking early is important and respectful.
Note: Most high schools have a clear process for requesting recommenders. Be sure you understand what yours is, and any associated deadlines for handling this process.
How to Ask
Ask in person if possible or by a thoughtful email if not.
Be polite, direct, and appreciative. For example:
“I really enjoyed your class this year and feel you know me well as a student. Would you be willing to write me a letter of recommendation for college applications?”
If they hesitate or say no, thank them and ask someone else. You want a strong letter, not one written reluctantly.
What Information Should You Provide?
Once someone agrees, help them help you. Provide:
A resume, activity list, or short brag sheet
Colleges you’re applying to and deadlines
Any specific programs or majors you’re interested in
Note: Some teachers, counselors, and other adults will have specific items they will ask you to provide to help them in writing your letters of recommendation. Others won’t ask for anything. It’s still wise to provide them with the items above to make it easier for the recommenders to write your letters.
What Makes a Letter Strong?
Strong letters include:
Specific examples (not generic praise)
Insight into how you learn or lead
Comparisons (“one of the most engaged students I’ve taught…”)
Growth over time
Personal qualities colleges value (curiosity, persistence, collaboration)
Weak letters sound vague:
“Hard-working”
“Nice”
“Did well in class”
Details matter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Asking at the last minute
Choosing a recommender just because they gave you an A
Forgetting to send deadlines or polite reminders
Not saying thank you
Reading or trying to edit the letter (you won’t see it—and shouldn’t)
After the Letter Is Submitted
Always say thank you, either with a handwritten note or a thoughtful email.
Once you receive admissions decisions, it’s also nice to let your recommenders know where you were admitted. They’re invested in your success.
Final Thoughts
Letters of recommendation are one of the few parts of your application that show who you are through someone else’s eyes. They can add credibility, depth, and personality to your application.
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