Most four-year colleges require at least one letter of recommendation, typically from a teacher or counselor. Understanding each school's requirements helps you plan whom to ask and when.
Most Common Requirements:
Some schools require fewer, others allow additional optional letters.
Some large public universities make recommendations optional or don't require them:
No Recommendations Required:
These schools rely more heavily on grades, test scores, and essays.
Most schools specify:
Core Academic Teachers: English, Math, Science, Social Studies, or Foreign Language teachers.
Junior or Senior Year Teachers: Preferably someone who taught you recently.
Same Subject Restrictions: Some engineering programs require one STEM teacher recommendation.
Different Subjects: Most schools want letters from teachers in different subject areas.
Best Choices:
Avoid:
Nearly all colleges requiring recommendations need a counselor letter. Your school counselor writes about:
Even if your counselor doesn't know you personally, they can write a strong letter using your school record.
Required Letters: You must submit or your application is incomplete.
Optional Letters: Schools allow but don't require additional letters. Submit optional letters only if they add significant new information.
Supplemental Letters: Some programs (arts, engineering) allow subject-specific additional recommendations.
Engineering Programs: May require or strongly prefer a math or science teacher letter.
Arts Programs: May allow a portfolio review or arts teacher letter.
BS/MD Programs: Often require additional letters from science teachers or medical professionals.
Nursing Programs: May request letters addressing interpersonal skills.
Ideal Timeline:
Teachers appreciate early requests and thoughtful notice periods.
Follow Requirements Exactly: If a school wants 2 teacher letters, send exactly 2.
Don't Overwhelm Admissions: Sending 5-6 letters when they want 2 annoys admissions officers.
Quality Over Quantity: Two strong letters beat four mediocre ones.
One Optional Letter Maximum: If submitting an optional letter, make it count.
Visit or email teachers to ask:
Check out our guide on how to email teachers professionally for help with your request.
Help teachers write strong letters by providing:
When submitting recommendations through Common App or Coalition App, you can waive your right to view letters. Most students should waive this right, as it signals you trust your recommenders and makes letters seem more honest.
Letters of recommendation don't directly show demonstrated interest, but strong letters that mention why you fit a specific school can help.
Recommendations carry moderate weight at most schools:
At highly selective schools with many qualified applicants, recommendations can help differentiate candidates.
Mid-October: Politely check if they've submitted for November deadlines.
Mid-December: Check for January deadlines.
Thank You Notes: Always send thank you notes after submission.
Teachers appreciate students who are organized and grateful.
Strong recommendations complement your academic performance, test scores, and essays. At LifeWorks, we help students build the skills and relationships that lead to strong recommendations from teachers who genuinely know them. Get in touch to learn how we support students through the college application process.
Can I read my letters of recommendation?
Only if you don't waive your right to view them. Most students waive this right, which makes letters seem more candid and trustworthy.
What if a teacher says no to writing my recommendation?
Respect their decision and ask someone else. A teacher who declines probably wouldn't write a strong letter anyway.
Can I submit more letters than required?
You can submit one optional letter if it adds significant new information. Don't submit multiple extra letters as it annoys admissions officers.
What if my school doesn't have counselors?
Homeschooled students can have parents or educational supervisors write counselor letters. Some schools provide alternative submission methods.
Should recommendations come from famous people I know?
No. A teacher who knows you well writes a better letter than a celebrity or executive who doesn't. Admissions officers value substance over connections.
What happens if my recommender misses the deadline?
Contact admissions immediately. Most schools are understanding if one letter arrives slightly late. Your recommender should email admissions directly to explain.
