Carly Altman | Head Editor
March 20, 2025
As the school year approaches its end, the class of 2026 is gearing up for senior year, and most importantly, college applications. While a plethora of different factors are considered in the college application process, a significant number of schools request anywhere from 1 to 3 letters of recommendation (LORs). These letters should be written by someone who knows you well and will speak positively on your behalf, and you are generally expected to include at least one from an academic source. To fulfill this expectation, most students choose to submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher they had prior to senior year. There are several components that go into not only securing an optimal LOR, but also displaying consideration and respect for your letter-writer.
Who should you ask?
When requesting a letter of recommendation, you should focus on asking a teacher who previously had you as a student. Ideally, this will be a teacher you had during your junior year or a teacher you have had for multiple years throughout high school. Prioritize teachers you have had for core academic classes rather than elective teachers, unless your elective is directly related to your intended field of study. Although selecting a teacher you had for a particularly rigorous course may reflect your academic capabilities, focus on your personal relationship with your teacher and how you believe they will speak on your behalf. You will not be able to read your LORs prior to submitting your college applications, so ensure that you trust and have full confidence in the person writing your recommendation.
When should you ask?
Formally request a letter of recommendation as soon as possible. “I talked to my teachers about letters of recommendation at the very beginning of fall semester,” explained senior Hannah Ellinger. “They were very appreciative of me being respectful of their time.” Teachers are extremely busy and will be writing countless recommendations for students throughout the fall. To ensure that you are able to have your first-choice teacher write your recommendation and that your LOR is high quality, ask well in advance to give your letter-writer an optimal amount of time to compose their recommendation.
How should you ask?
Prepare materials in advance and request your letter of recommendation in person. Writing letters of recommendation is extremely tedious work; it is necessary to show your letter-writers respect, preparation, and consideration throughout the process. Provide your teacher with your application deadlines and compose a resume or “brag sheet” to ensure a detailed, specific LOR. If possible, consider requesting an in-person discussion with your teacher to confer about particular things you would ideally like to be mentioned. “Make sure to show gratitude,” noted senior Madelyn Mitchell. “Write your teacher a thank-you letter or get them a small gift to show your appreciation.”
Letters of recommendation are a vital component of college applications; make sure to be prepared and start thinking about your LORs as soon as possible!
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