Steps to Stellar Letters of Recommendation

US universities care about recommendation letters, ranking them just behind grades, test scores, and essays. These letters should highlight both your academic strengths and your character. You’ll undoubtedly get better letters if you choose the right people to write for you and give them smart, targeted information.

WHO WILL WRITE FOR YOU?

There are three categories of references requested on Common App (and most other applications):

1. Counselor (mandatory)

2. Teachers (mandatory)

3. Other (e.g., coach, internship or charity manager, music teacher, religious mentor, or research mentor)

TIPS: Get to know your teachers and school guidance counselor early. The more they understand you, the more specific and interesting their letters will be. Ideally, letters should be from instructors in different core academic areas, for example, one STEM and one humanities/social sciences teacher. Avoid choosing teachers in similar subjects, such as business and economics or Spanish and French. Finally, if you know that a teacher is leaving this summer, make sure that his/her letter is on file with your high school counseling office prior to the end of the school year. 

WHEN SHOULD YOU ASK?

Spring (usually April) is the best time to ask your teachers if they would be willing to write a recommendation letter for your university applications. If your school has a specific rule about when you can ask, please follow their instructions. Nonetheless, earlier is better! In the past, we’ve seen that popular teachers fill up quickly and sometimes stop accepting new requests.

WHAT WILL THEY WRITE ABOUT? 

Counselors write about how long he or she has known you, your academic and personal characteristics in the context of your high school, and any information that could be helpful to admissions officers (e.g., personal challenges faced, explanations for missing courses, disciplinary action, or time away from school). 

Teachers convey what you are like in the classroom as a learner, a person, and a classmate. They comment on your intellectual engagement and commitment to learning as well as your attitude and conduct. Typically, you should choose a teacher who knows you well and who you believe will write enthusiastically and positively about you. 

Other recommenders can be a wonderful addition to your application. Many students forget this extra chance to shine. They should reveal facets of you that do not come across in the counselor or teacher recommendations, such as professionalism, community service, athletic talent, or musical accomplishments. Obtaining a recommendation from an internship manager or a research mentor can be very helpful. TIP: These recommendations shouldn’t simply confirm that you showed up; rather, they should explain how you contributed and what you’re like as a person and teammate.

HOW TO USE A ‘BRAG SHEET’

Your teachers can write more powerful letters if you share a one‑page brag sheet. Here, you can share specific details related to the class. For example: Which topic did you enjoy most? Where did you really shine academically? Did you overcome any problems? You can also include key supercurricular activities that deepened your interest in the subject, including internships, volunteering, research, or personal projects your teacher might not be aware of. TIP: Don’t give every recommender the same information. If you share different details and activities with each recommender, your letters will complement each other rather than repeating the same story.

You should also include:

• The grade(s) in which the teacher taught you (9th-12th)

• The courses you have taken with this teacher

• Any other interaction with the teacher (clubs, school trips, etc.)

• Relevant awards and competition involvement

• Examples of times when you went beyond expectations, helped your peers, or showed excellent teamwork skills

• You can also mention any special circumstances (illness, changing schools, other challenges)

• Comments on your participation, maturity, attitude, and development over time

FINAL TIPS 

How long should recommendations be? Half a page to one page is ideal; short, specific letters are easier to read and more effective. Bullet-pointed letters are the trend these days, and they can be punchy and compelling if done well.

How many letters? Follow each university’s exact requirements and don’t send extra recommendations unless a school says they’re welcome.

When are they sent? Students can begin inviting recommenders through the Common App on or after August 1st before senior year. Teachers and counselors typically upload their recommendations in September or October. At some schools, recommendations are uploaded automatically through a separate system, so be sure to confirm the process with your counselor.

A great recommendation can help tip the scales from rejection or waitlist to acceptance. Please contact your Ivy Options counselor or info@ivyoptions.com if you need help selecting recommenders or developing your brag sheets.