A strong letter of recommendation can elevate your college application, providing insight into your character, work ethic, and academic potential. But great letters don’t happen by accident—they result from thoughtful planning and respectful communication. If you want a recommendation that truly enhances your application, here’s how to approach the process the right way.

Choose the Right Teacher

Not all teachers write equally strong letters, so be strategic about whom you ask. The best recommendations come from teachers who know you well and can speak to your strengths beyond just your grades.

  • Prioritize junior-year teachers. Colleges prefer recommendations from teachers who have taught you recently, and junior-year teachers are often the best choice since they’ve seen your academic growth.
  • Pick teachers in core subjects. Unless a college specifies otherwise, recommendations from English, math, science, history, or foreign language teachers are typically the most impactful.
  • Think about who knows you best. A teacher who saw you overcome challenges, participate actively, or show leadership—even if you didn’t get an A in the class—can write a more compelling letter than one who barely remembers you.

Ask Early—and In Person

Don’t wait until the last minute! Teachers get a flood of requests in the fall of senior year, and some may even set limits on how many letters they’ll write.

  • Ask at the end of junior year or at the very start of senior year. This gives your teachers time to write thoughtful letters before the rush of application season.
  • Make the request in person. A face-to-face conversation shows respect and allows you to gauge their willingness. If you can’t ask in person, a well-written email is the next best option.
  • Be polite and give them an out. Say something like, “Would you feel comfortable writing me a strong letter of recommendation for college? I really enjoyed your class, and I think you could speak to my growth as a student.”This gives them the option to decline if they don’t feel they can write a great letter.

Provide Helpful Information

Make your teacher’s job easier by giving them the tools they need to write a detailed, personalized letter.

  • Bring a resume or “brag sheet.” Include your extracurriculars, leadership roles, special projects, and career interests. This helps them highlight aspects of your character that they might not see in the classroom.
  • Remind them of key moments. If you had a memorable project, discussion, or challenge you overcame in their class, mention it! This can make the letter more specific and engaging.
  • Share deadlines and submission details. Let them know when letters are due and how they should submit them (whether through Common App, Naviance, or another platform).

Follow School Procedures

Many high schools have formal processes for requesting recommendation letters, so make sure you’re following the rules.

  • Check if your school uses a system like Naviance. Some schools require teachers to upload letters digitally, while others might have paper forms.
  • Complete any required forms. Some schools ask students to fill out a questionnaire or “brag sheet” before requesting a letter—don’t skip this step!
  • Respect deadlines. If your school has internal deadlines for requesting recommendations, stick to them. You don’t want to be the student who asks at the last minute.

Say Thank You (And Consider a Small Gift!)

Writing a great letter takes time, so show your appreciation.

  • Write a sincere thank-you note. A handwritten note is a thoughtful touch that teachers genuinely appreciate. Mention how much their support means to you.
  • Consider a small gift. This isn’t required, but if you want to go the extra mile, a small token of appreciation—like a coffee gift card, a favorite snack, or a classroom supply—can be a kind gesture.

Final Thoughts:

Asking for a recommendation letter the right way isn’t just about getting into college—it’s about showing gratitude and respect for the teachers who have supported your journey. By choosing the right teacher, making a thoughtful request, providing helpful materials, and expressing appreciation, you can secure a strong, personalized letter that helps you stand out in the college admissions process.

Start early, be proactive, and don’t forget that thank-you note!