Applying
How to ask for letters of recommendation without the awkwardness
Who to ask, when to ask, and exactly how to ask for a strong college recommendation letter, plus what to hand your recommenders so they can write you a great one.
7-minute read
Asking a teacher to vouch for you feels awkward, so most students do it late, vaguely, and to the wrong person, and end up with a generic letter that does nothing. A great recommendation is not luck. You have more control over its quality than you think. Here is how to get one.
Know where you are applying first
Great letters are aimed at the right schools. Blueprint's free quiz builds your best-fit college list in ten minutes, so your recommenders know the target.
1Why recommendation letters matter
Your grades and scores show what you did. A recommendation letter shows who you are to the adults who taught you. A specific, warm letter from a teacher who knows you can tip a decision, especially at colleges that read holistically. A generic one does nothing. The whole game is getting a real one instead of a form letter.
2Who to ask, and who not to
Ask teachers who know you as a person, not just a grade in their book. Most colleges want one or two teachers from your junior or senior year, ideally in core academic subjects, plus your school counselor.
- Ask a teacher who has seen you struggle, improve, or contribute, not just the one who gave you an A.
- Pick subjects relevant to your interests when you can, but a teacher who knows you well beats a famous class where you were anonymous.
- Do not ask a family member, and do not ask a teacher who barely remembers you.
3When to ask
Ask early, before the end of junior year or at the very start of senior fall. Teachers write many letters and the good ones fill up. Give them at least a month before your earliest deadline, more if you can. Asking a week before a deadline is how you get a rushed, generic letter, or a no.
4How to ask, the actual words
Ask in person if you can, then follow up in writing. Keep it warm and give them an easy out, because a reluctant writer produces a weak letter. Something like: I really valued your class, and I am applying to college this fall. Would you feel comfortable writing me a strong letter of recommendation? Then hand them what they need to say yes with confidence.
5Give them a brag sheet
This is the step most students skip, and it is the difference between a generic letter and a great one. Give each recommender a short brag sheet: your deadlines and how to submit, the colleges and majors you are aiming for, a few things you are proud of from their class, and what you hope they can speak to. You are not writing the letter for them, you are reminding them of the specifics that make it real.
6Close the loop
Once they agree, add them to your Common App, confirm the deadlines, and check in politely as the date nears. When it is done, thank them, a real note goes a long way, and tell them where you got in. They invested in you, and they want to know how it turned out.
Frequently asked questions
How many recommendation letters do I need?
Most colleges want one or two teacher letters plus a counselor letter. Check each school, and never send more than they ask for.
Who should write my recommendation letters?
Teachers from junior or senior year in core subjects who know you well as a person, plus your school counselor. Choose the relationship over the prestige of the class.
When should I ask for letters?
Before the end of junior year or at the very start of senior fall, and at least a month before your earliest deadline. Early asks get better letters.
Should I give my teacher information to help?
Yes. A short brag sheet with your goals, deadlines, and a few specifics from their class turns a generic letter into a strong, personal one.
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