Who Should Write My College Letters of Recommendation?

Recommendation letters are a crucial part of the college application process. College admissions use letters to understand more about you beyond your grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities. Offering insight into your personality and work ethic can boost your application and help colleges consider you a good fit for their school. 

How to begin

First, prepare your letters of recommendation by making a timeline for yourself. List all the important deadlines for each college application process. Also, mark down how many letters of recommendation are needed for each application. If you’re considering applying for early action/decision, it is best to ask for letters of recommendation at the end of your junior year. That way, you will have a smoother and more efficient application process later. If you apply for regular decisions, ask for the recommendation a month or so ahead so that your chosen adults have plenty of time to write the perfect letter. 

 Selection process

Choosing the right person to write your recommendation letters can significantly impact your college application. Some colleges and universities may specify who they want specific letters from. They may specify the type of person they prefer, like a teacher or counselor, or they may want recommendations with particular relationships to the student, like teaching the student for multiple courses. Colleges may also desire the letters to focus on a specific subject, such as a student’s leadership or field experience. These things are essential to remember before you choose who to ask about writing your recommendation letter.  

Your teachers are the first people to write the recommendations that may come to mind. They know you day to day and can provide more personalized information. Consider your teachers who teach in relevant fields to the major you are applying for. Your high school counselors and advisors are also a great option to consider. They can speak about your academic growth over time. Other adults who may be good choices are coaches, mentors, club leaders, and employers. They can give a fresh perspective on who you are as a person.  

To choose which recommenders would be the right choice for you, consider people with whom you have a strong relationship and who can offer specific anecdotes to the letter. Sometimes, students will choose a person with more perceived “prestige” than other choices. However, selecting someone you have built a genuine connection with is essential to avoid vague recommendation letters.  

When picking someone to write your recommendation letters, avoiding some people in your life is best. Avoid asking family members and friends. College admissions officers want someone who has a more outside perspective of who you are. If you ask a teacher, don’t choose teachers who don’t know you that well, only have you for a short period of time, or seem overwhelmed.  

 Express your appreciation

Always remember to write a thank-you letter to those who write recommendation letters for you. Taking the time to thank them will show appreciation and open the doors for future recommendations. If you want more information on how to write a thank you note, check out our blog post, “Writing the Perfect ‘Thank You’ for College Recommendation Letter.”  

 Recommendation letters are crucial to making your college application personal and distinctive. One last reminder: be sure to submit these letters by the school's deadline, or your application will be considered incomplete.