How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation: Useful Tips and Sample
Letters of recommendation are a huge part of the college admissions process. You will need a great letter to prove to colleges and universities that you are the best fit for their school. Use our tips below to ensure you get the best letter of recommendation possible.
What is a letter of recommendation and why is it important when applying for college?
A letter of recommendation is a letter someone that is close to you writes about you. It is like a character reference, in which a person writes about the type of person and/or student you are. In college admissions, your recommender will likely be a teacher, counselor, or supervisor. Teachers may vouch for your work ethic and dedication. A school counselor may be able to discuss your passion for a particular school or impact on your school’s campus. A volunteer supervisor may be able to detail your personality or excitement for a particular social cause.
Who to ask for a letter of recommendation?
Different colleges have different recommender requirements. Some schools require a letter from your school counselor while others request a letter of recommendation from any teacher you’ve had in high school. Be sure to check your college application for the specific requirements necessary for letters of recommendation.
If you can choose whomever you want to write a reference letter for you, be strategic! Think about your intended major. For example, if you plan to major in biology, you may want to ask your AP biology and/or other life sciences teacher. If you plan to major in art, you may want to ask your AP studio art teacher and, perhaps, your supervisor at the art museum you volunteer at.
If you don’t have an intended major, think about the teachers that know you best. Below are some examples of teachers you could ask to write letters of recommendation for you:
- A teacher you've had for multiple years in different subjects. For example, you had Mr. Chevre in freshman year for Algebra I and junior year for AP Statistics
- A teacher you had for one year but visit often after school or between classes
- A teacher you know inside the classroom and outside the classroom as they sponsor an extracurricular you're involved in
- A teacher whose classes you didn't do so well in at first. For example, let's say you got a C in your English class in the first semester, but you worked hard and pulled up your grade to a B+, your teacher can vouch for your hard work and persistence. This may be an effective and unconventional way to catch admissions officers' attention.
How to ask for a recommendation letter and get it the way you wish:
There is a right and wrong way to ask for a letter of recommendation. Be sure you are taking the right steps to ask for your letter of recommendation.
Ask recommenders face to face
Asking someone to write a long, thoughtful letter is a big ask. Asking for a letter of recommendation face-to-face shows that you respect the amount of time and effort this letter will take. It also allows the potential letter writer to ask questions and understand what you want them to highlight in their letter.
After you request your letter of recommendation, be sure to follow up with an email request. The email serves as a reminder and can provide all of the necessary information in writing.
Ask for letters at least two weeks in advance of application deadlines
It is extremely important you give your recommender plenty of time to write their letter of recommendation. Not only does providing ample time show that you respect their time, but it also gives them enough time to write a good letter. There are only so many teachers in your school and all seniors will be asking for letters of recommendation at the same time. The earlier you ask, the better. After writing tons of letters, you can imagine the quality of letters decline. Be sure to inform letter writers about the due date so they can plan accordingly.
Provide a current resume
Writing a letter of recommendation can be difficult. Providing a resume allows the recommender to reference your other skills, experiences, and extracurricular involvements. Resumes help bolster the characteristics they will highlight in your reference letter and make for a stronger letter.
Sample: How to ask for a letter of recommendation via email
Whether you are unable to ask a recommender in person or if you are following up on a face-to-face recommendation request, you should always email your recommender. The email should be short and to the point and provide all the information they need to write an effective letter.
Subject line: Letter of Recommendation – [Your Name]
Dear Ms. Wu,
Thank you so much for meeting with me today and agreeing to write my letter of recommendation. I wanted to follow up in writing and provide additional information that may help you complete my letter.
To remind you, my LOR’s due date is Friday, November 1 at 5 PM. You will need to upload it to the Common Application as a PDF.
I have attached my current resume to help you complete my resume. I believe as my extracurricular advisor and current English teacher, you can speak best to my creative abilities inside and outside the classroom.
Again, thank you so much for writing my letter of recommendation. Please let me know if you have questions.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Our letter of recommendation request template
Asking a teacher for a letter of recommendation for the first time? Check out our email template to help you ask for a letter of recommendation professionally and respectfully.
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I will be applying for colleges this fall semester and some of the colleges I am applying to require a letter of recommendation, namely [the colleges you are applying to that require a letter of recommendation]. You have been such an influential part of my high school experience as my [teacher, coach, counselor, and/or extracurricular advisor] and I know you could speak to my character best. As such, would you please write a letter of recommendation on my behalf?
If you choose to write my resume, it is due [due date] at [time due]. I can also provide a reminder a week before. I would also be happy to provide any additional information about myself that may be helpful, such as a resume.
I really appreciate the consideration. If you have any other questions, please feel free to reach out.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Best,
[Your name]
Final points on how to request a letter of recommendation
Asking for a letter of recommendation can be intimidating. As long as you have all the right information, select the right recommenders and manage your time properly, you will have glowing letters of recommendation!
FAQs related to asking for a letter of recommendation
Yes; if you have to! If you can ask in person, do that instead. An email may be a bit too impersonal, especially if you see that person often.
If you have requested a letter of recommendation and your potential recommender has not responded, try to follow in person. If that is not possible, follow up by email 2-3 days later. If they still don’t respond, you may want to consider other options for a recommender, especially if it is later in your application process. You want to make sure recommenders have enough time to write your letter.
Asking a week late does not give the interviewer enough time to write an effective letter. As we mentioned before, try to ask at least two weeks before the application due date.
Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), you are allowed to read your letter of recommendation after you have been accepted. However, you can waive that right if you would like to do so. Your teacher may choose to show you the letter of recommendation before they send it off. In that situation, it is your choice whether or not you decide to read that letter.