How to Get Great Recommendation Letters

Most competitive college applications require one to three letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or mentors. A thoughtful, specific letter from someone who knows you well can be a significant boost to your application.

Choose Your Recommenders Strategically

The best recommender is not necessarily the teacher who gave you the highest grade. Look for teachers who can speak to your intellectual curiosity, work ethic, character, and growth over time — ideally in a core academic subject relevant to what you plan to study in college. The ideal letter comes from a teacher who has seen you struggle, grow, and push yourself beyond expectations.

Teacher and student

Build the Relationship Before You Need It

The biggest mistake students make is asking for a recommendation at the end of junior year without any prior relationship. By sophomore or junior year, identify two or three teachers whose classes you have excelled in and who you have engaged with beyond just earning good grades. Participate actively in class, visit during office hours, ask thoughtful questions, and share your goals and interests. This makes the eventual ask feel natural rather than transactional.

Make the Ask Thoughtfully

Ask in person, not by email, and give your teacher at least a month to write the letter. When you ask, be specific about why you are choosing them — mention a particular class discussion, project, or moment that was meaningful to you. Provide your teacher with a profile sheet that includes your extracurriculars, goals, and any particular strengths or challenges you would like them to address. The more context they have, the more specific and compelling the letter will be.

Follow Up and Show Gratitude

After your teacher agrees to write the letter, follow up with a thank-you note — handwritten is meaningful. Let them know which colleges deadlines are approaching. After the process is complete, share your results and thank them again. They took time out of their busy lives to advocate for you — acknowledging that matters.