Below are some helpful hints on how to ask your teachers for a letter of recommendation:

• Ask nicely. Approach your teacher in person or send a thoughtful email and explain what you are applying for (and why), and ask whether s/he/they might be willing to write you a letter of support.

• Ask what kind of letter you might get! You need to know whether it’ll be a strong letter or one that is perhaps less in-depth. You deserve to know this, and it may affect whether or not you should ask someone else. Don’t worry – most teachers can be honest and nice about what kind of letter they might be able to write. You must find out early on, so that your chances of success are as high as possible

• When you don’t know your teacher very well, it is helpful to explain why you would like them to write the letter. Be prepared for questions that your teacher may ask you: 

  • Why did you ask me to submit a letter on your behalf? 

  • What lesson/project, etc., did you enjoy the most in my class? Why was this your favorite? 

  • In what areas do you feel this class helped you to grow? 

  • How were you challenged in any areas of the class? 

  • Did this class spark an interest in learning more about this subject area? If so, how?

  • What are your academic strengths? 

  • What are your personal strengths? 

  • What are some specific things you hope I discuss in your letter?

• Say ‘Thank you’ – It is classy and professional to say thanks to whoever agrees to write letters of recommendation for you. It will leave a very positive and lasting impression (and you never know when you will need another letter…). As a minimum, send a short ‘thank you’ email. A more professional and personal touch would be to send or hand-deliver a thank-you card or handwritten note.

More Details on the Teacher Recommendation Letter Process

• How many recommendation letters do I need?

Check the admissions websites of the colleges to which you plan to apply for recommendation requirements, since they vary by college. It is okay if you don’t know where you plan to apply yet. While many colleges require two letters, some do not require teacher recommendations at all, or only require one. 

• Which two core teacher recommendations should I secure? 

When we recommend securing one STEM and one humanities recommendation, we are providing you with the most stringent requirements in an effort to allow you to apply for as many potential college and scholarship options as possible. However, it is important to remember that some colleges don't require a recommendation at all.  Some only require one.  And while many colleges require two recommendations, many do not require recommendation letters from specific disciplines. The most restrictive recommendation requirement is one STEM and one humanities. Some examples of colleges that require a humanities recommendation include CalTech, Harvey Mudd, and MIT. 

• Who should I ask to write my recommendation letters?

Think about two academic core teachers who know you well. Consider teachers of classes you enjoyed, classes in which you grew as a student and ones where examples can be provided about your work and effort in and out of the classroom. Remember, foreign language courses count as a humanities recommendation. You should strongly consider securing a recommendation from a teacher in your intended major if you have an idea of your intended major.

• Can I ask a teacher from my home high school to be a recommender?

While most colleges prefer recommendations from junior or senior-year teachers, you may ask one teacher from your home high school if you believe they can write a more personal and effective letter. 

• Can I ask more than two teachers for a recommendation letter?

No. You should only ask two teachers. Having more than two recommenders can take a recommendation away from another student. Teachers can write one recommendation letter for all of your colleges so there is no need to ask additional teachers. More recommendations do not necessarily equate to a better application.

• How do I approach a teacher about writing a letter for me?

You can approach them in person or send a thoughtful and kind email with your request. Your teacher may ask for a meeting with you to talk about your request and/or to discuss the letter they agree to write for you. Some teachers will ask that you submit additional information about yourself that will help them write your letter. Be sure to follow all of their instructions, meet any deadlines, and thank them for writing your letter.

• Can my recommendation letter be used for scholarships and enrichment opportunities?

Your college letter can be used for scholarships and enrichment opportunities such as summer programs. Just be sure to ask your teacher well in advance of the deadline to see if they are willing to submit your letter for each opportunity.

• Can I ask teachers to be my recommender after the Recommendation Period is over?

Yes. Just remember that teachers have a limited number of letters they can write each year. In addition, be sure to talk with your counselor if you are considering asking a teacher from your senior year to be one of your recommenders.