If you’re a high school senior applying to college, there’s one part of your application you can’t complete entirely on your own:

Your recommendation letters.

And this is definitely not something you want to leave until the last minute.

Teachers and counselors may be writing recommendations for dozens of students at the same time. The earlier you ask, the more time you give them to write a thoughtful letter—and the less stressful the process becomes for everyone.

Here’s what you need to know.

First: Find Out What Your Colleges Require

Before asking anyone for a recommendation, check the requirements for every college on your list.

Not every college requires the same thing.

One college might ask for:

• A counselor recommendation
• One teacher recommendation
• Two teacher recommendations
• An optional additional recommendation
• No recommendation letters at all

If you’re applying through the Common App, you can review recommendation requirements for the colleges you’ve added, but you should also verify requirements with each college.

College Ready Tip: Don’t ask three teachers for letters just because you think “more is better.” Follow each college’s instructions.

Who Should You Ask?

The teacher who gave you the highest grade isn’t automatically the best person to ask.

Instead, think:

Who actually knows me?

A teacher who watched you participate in class, improve throughout the year, overcome a challenge, help other students or demonstrate genuine curiosity may be able to write a much stronger letter than a teacher whose class you aced but barely spoke in.

Ideally, choose a teacher who can describe you as a student and as a person.

Junior-Year Teachers Can Be Great Choices

For seniors applying in the fall, junior-year teachers are often strong choices because they taught you recently and usually had you for a full academic year.

Depending on the colleges and programs you’re considering, you may also want recommendations from teachers in core academic subjects.

If you’re applying to a specific program, consider whether one of your recommenders can speak to your abilities in that area.

For example, a prospective engineering student might consider a math or science teacher who knows them well.

But again—check each college’s requirements first.

Ask Early

Don’t wait until the week before your application is due.

Teachers need time to write good letters, and popular teachers may receive many requests.

Whenever possible, give your recommender several weeks of notice before your earliest deadline.

And if your school has its own internal recommendation deadline, follow that deadline—even if it’s earlier than the college’s deadline.

Ask in Person When Possible

If you see the teacher regularly, asking in person is usually a nice approach.

Try something like:

“I’m applying to college this fall, and I really enjoyed your class. Would you feel comfortable writing me a strong letter of recommendation?”

Notice the word strong.

You aren’t simply asking whether the teacher can submit a letter. You’re giving them an opportunity to consider whether they can genuinely recommend you.

If they hesitate, don’t take it personally. Thank them and ask someone else.

Give Your Recommender Helpful Information

Even a teacher who knows you well probably doesn’t know everything you’ve done during high school.

Your school counselor or teacher may ask you to complete a brag sheet or provide information that can help with the letter.

Be prepared to share things such as:

• Your college list
• Your earliest application deadline
• Your intended major or academic interests
• Activities and extracurriculars
• Leadership roles
• Volunteer work
• Employment
• Awards and accomplishments
• Important projects or experiences from their class
• Your goals for college and beyond

Don’t write the recommendation for them.

Give them information they can use to tell their own story about you.

Remind Them of Specific Moments

This can be especially helpful.

Instead of simply saying, “I worked hard in your class,” remind the teacher about something specific.

Maybe you struggled early in the semester and dramatically improved.

Maybe you led a major group project.

Maybe you stayed after class to discuss a topic that interested you.

Maybe you helped classmates understand difficult material.

Those details can help a recommender remember what made you stand out.

Understand How Common App Recommendations Work

If you’re using the Common App, colleges may allow or require you to invite recommenders through the application process.

However, your high school may have its own system or procedure for managing recommendation letters.

Follow your school’s instructions.

Don’t start sending invitations to teachers until you understand how your high school handles recommendations.

Should You Read Your Recommendation Letter?

During the application process, students may be asked whether they want to waive their right to review recommendation letters.

Before making that decision, read the explanation carefully and talk with your school counselor if you have questions about what the waiver means.

Most importantly, choose recommenders you trust to represent you accurately and positively.

Don’t Constantly Ask, “Did You Finish It?”

You should keep track of your application materials, but don’t become your teacher’s daily deadline reminder.

If the deadline is approaching and the recommendation hasn’t been submitted, a polite reminder is appropriate.

Something like:

“Hi Mr. Smith, I just wanted to thank you again for agreeing to write my recommendation. My first application deadline is November 1, so I wanted to make sure you had everything you needed from me.”

Short. Polite. No pressure.

Say Thank You

This step matters.

Your teacher is taking time outside of normal classroom responsibilities to help with your college application.

After the letter has been submitted, send a handwritten note or thoughtful thank-you email.

It doesn’t need to be elaborate.

Just acknowledge their time and let them know you appreciate their support.

And when you eventually decide where you’re going to college?

Tell them!

Teachers often genuinely want to know where their students end up.

Parents: This Is One Task Your Student Should Handle

Parents can remind students that recommendation requests need to happen.

But parents shouldn’t be emailing teachers asking them to write their child’s recommendation.

This communication should come from the student.

Asking an adult professionally for help, following up appropriately and saying thank you are all part of learning how to advocate for yourself.

Those skills will matter long after college applications are finished.

College Ready Recommendation Letter Checklist

Before moving on to your next application task, make sure you can check these off:

✓ Review recommendation requirements for every college
✓ Check your high school’s recommendation process
✓ Identify teachers who genuinely know you
✓ Ask well before your earliest deadline
✓ Provide your college list and deadlines
✓ Complete a brag sheet if requested
✓ Give your recommender helpful background information
✓ Track whether recommendations have been submitted
✓ Follow up politely if necessary
✓ Send a thank-you after submission

College Ready Takeaway

A great recommendation letter isn’t necessarily written by the teacher who gave you the highest grade.

It’s written by someone who can tell a college something meaningful about who you are.

Choose your recommenders thoughtfully.

Ask early.

Give them the information they need.

Then give them the time and space to write.

And don’t forget the two words that matter when it’s finished:

Thank you. 💙

College Ready Tip: If your first application deadline is approaching and you haven’t asked for recommendations yet, make this one of your next college application priorities. The parts of your application that depend on other people should never be the things you leave until the last minute.