As you prepare for college applications, one crucial element you shouldn’t overlook is the letter of recommendation (LOR). These letters provide colleges with insight into your character, achievements, and potential from someone who knows you well. Here’s a guide to help you secure strong LORs that can boost your application.

Start Early

Timing is everything when it comes to LORs. Begin thinking about who you want to ask at the end of your junior year or the beginning of your senior year. High school counselors will typically encourage students to approach teachers to request LORs before the end of their junior year as many teachers like to work on LORs during the summer holiday. Teachers and counselors are busy, especially during the college application season, so giving them plenty of time to write a thoughtful and detailed letter is essential. When you do ask a teacher or counselor, make sure to make the request in person, and take the time to explain what your plans are and why you are asking them vs. another teacher. Your school counselor can often coach you about how to ask.

Choose the Right Recommenders

Select teachers who know you well and can speak to your strengths, both academically and personally. Ideally, these should be teachers from your junior or senior year, as they will have a more recent perspective on your abilities and achievements. It’s also beneficial to choose teachers from core subjects like English, Math, Science, or Social Studies, unless a college specifically asks for a letter from a different discipline. Students should also be aware of any rules their high school has about the number of LORs they can request, or if they must approach specific subject teachers.

Build Strong Relationships

Developing a good rapport with your teachers and counselors can make a big difference in the quality of your LORs. If a student didn’t feel they had put in their best effort in a class, they would sometimes look alarmed when I would ask them, “Ok, if you were to ask your math teacher for an LOR today, what would they say?”. It’s in the best interest of any student to participate actively in class, ask questions, and show genuine interest in the subject. Visiting teachers during office hours or after class when needed to discuss your progress or seek advice can also be helpful. The better they know you, the more personalized and impactful their letters will be.

Understand the Requirements

Different colleges have different requirements for LORs. Some may ask for one from a teacher and another from a counselor, some will not want any, and others might request letters from specific subject teachers. Make sure you understand what each college requires and plan accordingly. This information is usually available on the college’s admissions website. In general, most US based universities will need two teacher LORs as well as a counselor LOR, and it’s also normal for one of your LORs to be from a teacher related to what you would like to study at university (ex. -a LOR from a biology teacher if you want to major in biology). In the UK, only one LOR can be submitted, and in Canada, no LORs are typically needed.

Provide Your Recommenders with Necessary Information

When you ask a teacher or counselor for a LOR, make their job easier by providing them with all the information they need. This can include:

• A brief discussion about the colleges you are applying to and your earliest deadline
• A brief summary of your academic achievements and extracurricular activities
• Any personal traits or experiences you would like them to highlight

You might also consider sharing your resume and a draft of your personal statement to give them a comprehensive view of your goals and aspirations. Checking with your counselor is often a good approach as well, as some schools have a specific form they ask students to complete to provide information for this purpose.
By providing this information, your recommenders can highlight what makes you unique. Colleges are looking for students who will bring diverse experiences and perspectives to their campus whether it’s your leadership in a school club, your dedication to community service, or your passion for a particular subject.

Follow Up and Stay Organized

After you’ve asked for a recommendation, keep track of deadlines and ensure your recommenders have everything they need. LORs are typically submitted to the college counselor at a high school who will coordinate the applications, so speaking with them is a good place to start if you want to check and make sure a given teacher has completed your LOR. If not, a polite reminder a couple of weeks before the deadline can be helpful. Be sure to send a thank-you note once your letters have been submitted as expressing your gratitude shows respect and appreciation for their time and effort.

Maintain Professionalism

Finally, maintain professionalism throughout the process. Approach your teachers and counselor with courtesy and respect and give them ample time to write your letters. It’s also important to note that teachers and counselors are under no obligation to write LORs and may also have a limit to the number of LORs they are willing to write. If a teacher declines your request, be ready to ask another teacher if necessary.

Strong LOR’s

Strong LORs can significantly enhance your college application by providing a personal and detailed account of your abilities and character. By starting early, choosing the right recommenders, and providing them with all the necessary information, you can ensure that your LORs are compelling and impactful. Good luck with your college applications!