The Power of A Letter: What High School Juniors Need to Know About Recommendation Letters

Letters of Recommendation are a key element that is often overlooked by students during the college application process. These letters offer colleges a deeper, more personal insight into who you are as a student, classmate, and community member. Let’s break down why these letters matter, who you should ask, how to ask, and what to give your recommenders to help them write something that truly represents you.

Why Are Letters of Recommendation Important?

College admissions officers don’t just want to know how well you perform academically, they want to understand how you think, how you contribute to your school community, and who you are as a person. Letters of recommendation bring your personality and work ethic to life from the perspective of the adults who know you best in an academic setting.

These letters can:

• Highlight your strengths in a way transcripts and test scores can’t.

• Show your growth, resilience, leadership, or curiosity.

• Support your intended major or career path with real-world examples.

• Provide a narrative that connects with your essay or activities.

Who Should You Ask?

Many colleges ask for 1–2 letters from core academic teachers. Choose teachers who know you well, especially those who’ve seen your work ethic, improvement, or enthusiasm.

Here are some tips:

• Think about which classes challenged you, and where you rose to meet those challenges.

• If possible, ask teachers from different subject areas (e.g., one STEM and one humanities) to show range.

• Keep in mind that some colleges or programs have specific requirements for what types of subjects should be covered in your letters. Do your research!

• Don't just ask teachers who gave you an A. A heartfelt letter from a teacher who saw your effort, persistence, or leadership will benefit you as well.

FYI: It’s good to know that teachers will only write one letter that will then be sent to all of your colleges that require them.  So don’t worry, they won’t be writing numerous letters to specific colleges.

How to Ask

• Ask early and, if possible, ask in person. Teachers are busy, and they often get many requests. Asking in the spring of junior year is ideal.

• Request a meeting or catch them at an appropriate time, never when they’re distracted.

• Don't ask in a big group; wait to have a private conversation with the teacher.

• Be respectful, direct, and say something like, “I valued your class this year and feel you got to know me well as a student. Would you feel comfortable writing a letter of recommendation for my college applications?”

  
  

What to Give Your Recommender

Chances are, if they say yes, they will also ask for some supporting information or documents to help them write the letter. This document is often called a Brag Sheet or Senior Survey. Your high school may even have a specific document that they would like you to complete for both your teachers and your counselor. It's beneficial to find this out before the end of junior year, so that you will have time to complete it over summer, before the craziness of fall.

Teachers may want:

• A resume that lists your extracurriculars, leadership roles, work/volunteer experience, and accomplishments

• The name of the class(s) you took with them and any special lessons or experiences you had or learned.

• A description of any challenges you've had to overcome, especially if it affected you academically

• A short description of what you hope to study in college and why.

• A copy of your personal statement (if you have one) or a brief paragraph about your goals and values.

• A list of the colleges you may be applying to, with deadlines.

Letters of recommendation are more than just another application box to check, they're a unique chance for your character, values, and growth to shine through. Plan ahead and be thoughtful in how you ask and when you ask. Provide your teachers with the tools they need to write something memorable for you, and thank them with a nice handwritten note to show your appreciation.. You’ve got this!

Contact me if you'd like additional guidance on letters of recommendation for college, transfer, or graduate applications. Happy Applying!