Teacher Recommendations: Building Strong Relationships with Your Educators

By Molly Walsh - Teacher recommendations can catch students off guard toward the end of their junior year when they suddenly need to ask teachers for letters to submit to colleges. This can be particularly challenging if you haven’t built strong connections with your teachers and aren’t sure who to ask. Since this part of the college application process often comes as a surprise, it can leave little time to find someone who knows you well enough to write a meaningful recommendation. Even if you do have good relationships with some teachers, it’s still tough to decide which ones to approach and whether they will provide a strong recommendation.

Teacher recommendations are a crucial part of your college application. These letters offer a personal perspective on your abilities, character, and potential for success in college. But how can you secure strong recommendations? What do teachers look for in these letters? And how can you ensure that your teachers are well-equipped to write a compelling recommendation? Here’s a guide to getting stellar teacher recommendations for your college applications.

It’s essential to start early. College applications are stressful, and teachers often receive multiple recommendation requests. Give them plenty of time—ideally, at least 4-6 weeks before the deadline. This will help ensure they aren’t rushed and can craft a thoughtful, detailed letter on your behalf.

When choosing teachers, consider those who know you best. Ideally, you should ask teachers who have taught you for an extended period (at least a year) and can speak to both your academic abilities and your personal qualities. Choose teachers from subjects that align with your intended college major or areas of interest. A recommendation from a teacher who taught you in math, science, English, or history can speak to your strengths in relevant academic areas. Additionally, while it’s tempting to seek recommendations from well-known or prestigious teachers, the most effective letters come from teachers who can speak to your character. A personal connection will make the recommendation more authentic and impactful.

When you ask for a recommendation, do so politely and professionally. A respectful request is key. For example, you could say: “Hi [Teacher's Name], I hope you're doing well! I’m in the process of applying to colleges, and I was wondering if you’d be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me. I truly value your insight into my work and would greatly appreciate your support. Please let me know if you’re comfortable with this and if you need any information to help.” This polite tone shows respect for their time and effort.

Once a teacher agrees to write your recommendation, make the process as easy as possible for them by providing useful information. Share your resume or a list of your accomplishments, including academic achievements, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and any personal accomplishments. Some high schools require students to fill out a "Brag Sheet" to give teachers more insight into their personality and goals. Once completed, this sheet can be uploaded to the school's college platform, such as Maia Learning, Scoir, or Naviance. Also, let them know which colleges you’re applying to and any specific requirements those schools may have for the recommendation. If you’ve prepared a personal statement or essay, share it with your teacher so they can align their letter with your overall narrative. Lastly, remind your teacher of specific memories or experiences in class that you’d like them to highlight, as this will help them craft a more personalized and vivid letter.

Since teachers are often busy, it’s okay to follow up politely as the deadline approaches. A gentle reminder a week or two before the letter is due can help ensure everything stays on track. After your teacher submits the recommendation, be sure to express your gratitude. Whether you thank them in person, via email, or with a handwritten note, acknowledging their effort will make them feel appreciated.

By following these steps, you can make the recommendation process smoother for both you and your teachers. With a little planning, you can secure strong letters that will highlight your abilities, character, and potential. This will help you stand out in the college admissions process and increase your chances of being accepted into the school of your dreams.