Teacher and counselor letters of recommendation tend to rank just below essays in terms of importance and impact—so ideally, these aren’t something to treat as an add-on or afterthought.
These letters give schools a sense of who the student is in the classroom.
Important note that letters of recommendation can also be used by some schools to help decide who gets scholarships or into honors programs.
Who should students ask for teacher letters of recommendation?
Ideally:
Someone who knows them well and likes them
Someone who taught them recently
Someone who teaches a core subject*
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*Important note: Some colleges require or recommend that students submit recommendations from teachers in certain subject areas. Be sure you double check that.
Because of the above, it helps if students spend time building a relationship with their teachers. And while it can work out just fine if students are asking teachers for letters during the fall of senior year (three weeks minimum before application deadlines), we’d highly recommend whenever possible that they ask for those during the spring of junior year, as those teachers will have more of a relationship with and understanding of your child, and will be able to write a better letter given more time.
We have a larger guide to letters of rec that walks through asking for a letter in detail, but a few big tips for students to keep in mind:
Ask in person (unless that’s impossible).
Ask (well) in advance. (Ideally, spring of junior year.)
Ask one on one (not in a group with other students).
Give your teachers whatever they need (e.g., their own questionnaire) when they need it.
Thank them for their kindness.
