Letters of Recommendation

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How to Stand Out From the Crowd

Most college applications request two or three recommendation letters from people who know your child in and out of the classroom. While your child should take responsibility for securing these letters, you may want to discuss the recommendation process with him before he gets started.

Below are some guidelines to help you and your child understand this process. Reading through them may also help you to understand that the best candidates for your child's recommendation writers might not be the teachers with the most impressive credentials but rather those who know your child's strengths the best.

Whom should my child ask?

English or math teachers usually make good candidates. Other than that, your child should aim for someone who knows him well. It doesn't matter if it's your child's yearbook advisor or tennis coach, as long as the person knows your child personally and can communicate his strengths.

When should my child ask?

Your child should make sure to give his recommendation writers plenty of time—at least one month before letters are due—to complete and send his recommendations. If your child applies under early decision or early action plans, he will need to ask at the start of the school year.

How can my child get the best possible recommendations?

Your child should talk to his recommendation writers. Your child should remind them of his accomplishments and let them in on his future plans. Your child might want to provide a brief resume of his activities and goals. The best letters include specific examples and stories rather than vague praise.

Helpful Tips

Your child shouldn't be shy. Teachers and counselors are usually happy to recommend students to colleges.
Include stamped and addressed envelopes for each school to which your child is applying.
On the application form, your child should waive his right to view recommendation letters.
It's okay for your child to ask a recommendation writer if they can write a positive recommendation for him.
Your child should follow up with his recommendation writers after a few weeks to make sure they're aware of deadlines.
Your child should write thank-you notes to his recommendation writers and, later, tell them where he has decided to go to college.