Free guides · Students · Grades 11–12 and college

How to ask for a recommendation letter (and get a strong one)

A recommendation letter lets someone who knows you describe what grades and test scores cannot: how you think, how you treat people and how you grow. Asking well makes it easier for them to write a strong, specific letter.

Who to ask

Choose people who know you well and have seen you work, not just people with impressive titles. For college applications, many colleges ask for a school counselor recommendation and one or two teacher recommendations; check each college's requirements, because they differ.

• Teachers from recent years (often Grade 11 or 12) in core subjects are usually preferred for college.
• Pick a teacher who saw you improve or contribute in class, even if it was not your highest grade.
• For scholarships, jobs or internships, a coach, supervisor, volunteer coordinator or mentor may be the best fit.

When to ask

Ask early. Teachers often receive many requests, especially in the fall of the final year of high school. A good rule is at least four weeks before the deadline, and earlier if possible. Some students ask at the end of Grade 11, before summer.

How to ask

Ask in person or in a short, polite message if meeting is not possible. Make it easy for them to say no:

If someone hesitates or says they are too busy, thank them and ask someone else. A reluctant writer rarely produces a strong letter.

• 'I really valued your class, and I think you know my work well. Would you feel comfortable writing a strong recommendation letter for my college applications?'

What to give your recommender

Once they agree, send a short, organized packet. Many schools call this a 'brag sheet'.

• A list of deadlines and how to submit each letter.
• Your résumé or activity list.
• Two or three specific memories from their class or team: a project you were proud of, a time you struggled and improved, a discussion you led.
• What you are applying for and why, in a few sentences.
• Any qualities you hope they might mention, offered politely, not as a script.

Follow up and say thank you

Send a friendly reminder about a week before the deadline if the letter has not been submitted. Afterwards, write a handwritten or thoughtful thank-you note. Later, tell them where you were accepted or what you decided. Recommenders care about how things turn out, and you may need their help again.

A note on honesty

Never write your own letter for someone to sign, and do not use AI to draft a letter on a recommender's behalf. The value of a recommendation is that it is another person's honest view of you.

If you do not know any teacher well

Many students worry that no teacher really knows them. It is not too late to change that. Participate in class, visit during office hours or extra-help sessions, ask thoughtful questions about the material and share your interest in the subject. Even a few genuine conversations give a teacher more to write about.

For younger students, this is a good reason to start building relationships early. Get to know teachers, coaches and activity leaders in Grades 9 and 10, so that by the time you need a letter, several adults have seen your work and character over time.

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