College recommendation letters are an important part of any college application. They help college admissions officers get a holistic view of their applicants. Are you always helping your peers in class? Did you work through difficult circumstances like a family illness and still find a way to submit your assignments on time? Does your talent stand out and show unique potential for success, even at a competitive school? This is the type of information that a college recommendation letter can provide.
College recommendation letters can be stressful, because it means asking for a favor, and even because it may feel out of our control: in most cases, students won’t see their recommendation letters! But there is actually a lot students can do to ensure this part of their application shines.
Here are our top four tips for securing stellar recommendation letters:
1. Think about Recommendation Letters in Advance
Many students don’t think about recommendation letters until the Common App prompts them about it – but by then, it’s often too late to influence the outcome very much. By thinking about recommendation letters far in advance, students can be more strategic. Planning to ask your English teacher from 11th grade? Make sure you’re visiting his or her classroom a few times to keep in touch! Planning to ask your math teacher? Volunteer to tutor any students that may be struggling in his or her younger class. Planning to ask your history teacher? Spend the time to make sure your midterm essay is your best work, and maybe even get his or her feedback on a draft ahead of time.
By keeping recommendation letters in mind early, students can make sure that come time to write a recommendation letter, their teacher not only remembers him or her, but also has plenty of content.
2. Make Sure You’re Asking Teachers Who Can Speak on Your Behalf
Students have a lot to think about when choosing who to ask for a recommendation. It’s tempting to choose the subjects you excelled at the most, and those that align with the subject you hope to major in.
But the best strategy is more complicated: what teacher knows you best? Perhaps you did worse than you expected in one of your classes, but you went to your teacher for help every day and improved over time, even though it was hard for you. That may be a great teacher to ask. Perhaps you became close with your English teacher, and submitted a literature analysis that you’re really proud of.
The right answer is typically a balance. As many colleges allow you to submit two teacher recommendations, a combination of recommendations from classes that best reflect your long-term ambitions with recommendations from teachers who know you best can help make sure your application is well-rounded.
3. Give your Teachers a Helping Hand
As students, it’s important to remember that teachers have a big task ahead of them when college admissions season comes around: they’re likely writing several recommendation letters, on top of potentially advising students and doing the work that already comes with being a teacher. On top of that, they have many students, and it’s hard to remember each student’s work!
Doing everything you can to make your teacher's life as easy as possible can help you both demonstrate your respect and maturity, and also get the best recommendation possible. Ask your teacher well in advance of any deadlines. If your school has a system and schedule in place, try to be ahead of the curve by a week or two. If your school doesn’t offer a system or guidance, target the first week of your senior year.
The best way to ask a teacher is in-person, and when you ask your teacher, it’s also an opportunity to have a thoughtful conversation. Updating your teacher on your summer, your classes this year, your hopes for college, and even what you miss, or are enjoying most, in their class can provide useful context for a recommendation letter.
It’s also smart to follow-up by email. Teachers have a lot on their plate and an email follow-up can make sure your letter doesn’t slip through the cracks. In your letter, you can provide the next steps your teacher might expect – likely an email from Common App – as well as some additional context. You may even highlight what impact the class and teacher had on you, and what contributions you are most proud of.
4. Follow-Up With Your Teachers
Remember that teachers have a lot on their plate this time of year as a new school year is starting and students go through the college admissions process. It’s your responsibility to make sure your recommendation letter is submitted on time, so be sure that you send any paperwork promptly and ensure your teacher has what he or she needs to submit your recommendation. Typically, that means you’ve submitted their information into an application portal, likely the Common App.
In addition, be sure you’re keeping track of deadlines and providing your teacher with a friendly reminder or check-in well in advance of any deadlines if you don’t yet see the recommendation.
Checking in one to three weeks before the deadline can make sure that your teacher still has plenty of time to write your letter in case they have forgotten, and any technical mishaps that might be occurring can be sorted through.
5. Express your Gratitude
Teachers play an important role, and have a huge influence on students as they grow, develop and learn. As for everything in life, expressing gratitude goes a long way – be sure to say thank you, write a thank you note, and update your teacher on your acceptances and college decision. You’ll stand out for it in the best way!
While recommendations are too often an afterthought, they offer a crucial opportunity to showcase your unique qualities and potential. By approaching the process strategically and respectfully, you can maximize the impact of your recommendations and strengthen your overall college application.
Still unsure? Want more support and guidance through this process? Our experts at Hermiona are here to help! Book an introductory college admissions prep session today!
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