The Letter of Recommendation: Explained

The Letter of Recommendation: Explained

The letter of recommendation has long since been one of the key components of a college application. As such, it can be a major concern for high school students, raising questions such as: Who should you ask to write your letter of recommendation? How much time should they have to write it? What should they say to make you stand out? Is it even really necessary?

Below, we’ll help answer these questions in the hopes of demystifying the fabled letter of recommendation.

• Who are the best people to ask to write a recommendation?

Standard letters of recommendation: Guidance counselors and teachers from your junior or senior years.

Supplemental letters of recommendation: Coaches, employers, religious leaders, and other respected adults who know you well

• How much time should you give the person to write the recommendation letter?

Approximately three weeks

• What should the person writing the letter say in order to make you stand out?

Focus on leadership abilities, extracurricular activities, highlights from your resume, intellectual curiosity, and other abilities/activities that enhance your in-classroom performance

• Is the recommendation letter even necessary?

Most colleges do require at least one standard letter of recommendation

Hopefully, these answers will be helpful in your search for the perfect letter of recommendation.

As an additional note, students should be aware that counselors do not have to alert students as to whether or not they will send a recommendation letter on the student’s behalf. That makes it important that you follow up with your counselor to find out whether they have sent a letter.  If not, it’s doubly important that you get a letter from a teacher or other adult as per above!