Recommendation Letter FAQs

Do recommendation letters matter? 

YES! Colleges compare you to others at the same school, so these letters can really make a difference.

How many recommendation letters do I need? 

The number of recommendation letters required for college applications varies. Typically, colleges ask for two to three letters from teachers who know you well academically. Some may also accept additional letters from counselors, employers, or other individuals who can provide insight into your character and abilities. It's essential to check the specific requirements of each college you're applying to, as they may have different preferences.

What is the counselor recommendation? 

Almost every college requires a letter from your counselor that offers an overview of your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities. The better the counselor knows you, the more specific they can be about your involvement in the school community, any challenges you may have overcome, and your personality.

Ideally, you start building a relationship with your counselor in ninth grade. Even if your counselor leaves the school, they will leave notes for their replacement. Stop by your counselor’s office to share about your interests and activities, ask about their life, and seek advice. 

In the spring of junior year, most counselors ask students to fill out a form they will use to write their letter. We want to embrace this opportunity to shape the narrative by completing this form with intention! We also send counselors the resume students have been building with their application coach.

Who should I choose to write my teacher recommendations? 

Most colleges ask for 1-2 recommendations from academic teachers. We help students build relationships with potential recommenders and find ways to help students stand out. We want to make sure these recommendations are going to complement the story. Your application coach will help you compose emails with specific anecdotes that  remind the recommender about your work in the class and tell them about your academic interests beyond high school. We also include the resume, of course.

What about a non-academic recommendation? 

Some schools allow extra letters from a non-academic source. This person should know you well! Often, the recommender is willing to emphasize certain points, and we can help you communicate with them so they can round out your story.