The Ultimate Guide to College Letters of Recommendation

With how competitive college admissions has become, factors such as extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation have become more emphasized than they have been in the past.

Colleges request recommendation letters because they offer deeper insight into a student’s character, work ethic, and academic potential – beyond just grades and test scores. These letters help admissions officers understand who you are in the classroom and within your school community.

Getting the best letters of recommendation can help improve your chances for admissions and scholarships.

How Many Recommendation Letters Do You Need?

Requirements vary by college, so check each school’s website. However, more selective colleges often require:

• One or two teacher recommendations

• A counselor recommendation

• Additional recommendations from non-academic sources (often marked optional, but you should consider all optional items as required since they can give you an edge)

Below is an explanation of these three types of letters you might need to submit to colleges.

The Three Types of Letters of Recommendation

1. Teacher Letters of Recommendation

   • Provides insight into your academic abilities, strengths, and intellectual curiosity

   • May highlight specific moments when you demonstrated perseverance, collaboration, or growth

   • Colleges prioritize academic fit, so your teachers’ perspectives matter

2. Counselor Letters of Recommendation

   • Gives colleges a broader context for your achievements relative to your school’s curriculum and student body

   • Explains any trends in your academic performance (e.g., a dip in GPA) or contributions to your school community

   • Often submitted alongside the school profile, which details grading policies, course offerings, and other key school data

3. Other Letters of Recommendation (Optional, depending on the college)

   • Can come from coaches, art/music instructors, employers, or internship supervisors

   • In the Common App, these are referred to as "Other Recommenders," and you invite them through the platform

Who Should You Ask?

• Choose adults who know you well and can speak positively about your academic abilities and character.

• Prioritize junior-year teachers and other recommenders (or senior-year if necessary), as they can discuss your most recent work.

• Academic subjects (math, science, English, history, foreign language) are preferred, but if you plan to major in art, music, or a specialized field, a recommendation from a relevant recommender can be valuable.

• If possible, ask a teacher who also advises a club or activity you’re involved in; they can speak to your contributions inside and outside the classroom.

Should You Ask Someone Famous or Well-Connected?

Only if they genuinely know you and can provide meaningful insights about your character and achievements. A generic letter from a high-profile person carries little weight unless they can speak to your personal or academic contributions.

How to Get Strong College Letters of Recommendation

• Ask early! The best time to ask is in spring of junior year. Don’t wait until fall, when teachers and counselors will be bogged down with requests. Be sure to make a note to remind your recommenders in the first week or so of classes in the fall.

• Make it easy. Provide some sort of brag sheet that includes your coursework, extracurriculars inside and outside of school, hobbies, independent projects

• If waiting until fall, give at least four weeks' notice before your deadline.

• Best way to ask? In-person is ideal. If that's not possible, schedule an office hours meeting. Email should be a last resort.

How Are College Letters of Recommendation Submitted?

• Most recommendations are submitted online through the Common App, Coalition App, or your college planning platform, like Naviance.

• For colleges that do not use these platforms, check their websites for instructions.

• If a college requires a physical letter (rare), provide a stamped, pre-addressed envelope.

Can You Read Your College Recommendation Letters?

No. You will need to waive your right to view them, ensuring teachers and counselors provide an honest assessment. This is why it’s crucial to ask teachers who will write strong, supportive letters!

Following Up & Thanking Your Recommenders

• Two weeks before the deadline, check the status in Common App, Naviance, or the college’s portal.

• If the letter isn’t submitted, send a polite reminder:

  "Just wanted to say thank you again for writing my recommendation! My application to [College Name] is due on [date], and I appreciate your help."

• After submission, send a thank-you note. A handwritten note is a nice touch!

Final Thoughts

Recommendation letters provide crucial insight into your character and academic abilities. They help colleges see you as a whole person, beyond grades and test scores. Choose your recommenders wisely, ask early, and provide them with the tools they need to write a powerful letter on your behalf.

RingTrue can help you get the very best from your letters of recommendation. Reach out to us today for help with your letters and more!