First Senior Task: Secure Teacher Recommendations

Senior year is here and it’s time to kick your college applications into high gear. Along with essays and test scores, securing teacher recommendations should be a top priority.

The best time to ask for these letters is right now, as soon as you get back to school. Your junior-year teachers are ideal choices; they’ve spent a full year with you and can speak about your most recent growth and achievements. Here’s a simple guide to make sure you get great letters that will help your application shine.

Beyond the Grade: What Really Matters

If you earned a B or C in a class but worked to improve, that story can make a powerful recommendation. Teachers can highlight your resilience and perseverance, qualities colleges value.

Teachers can also highlight how you collaborate, whether by helping peers, leading projects, or accepting feedback. These insights show admissions officers how you will contribute to campus life.

Let Your Teachers See the Real You

Simply attending class and completing assignments is expected of every student, but how do you stand out? Do you ask thoughtful questions when a topic isn’t clear? Are you the teammate who keeps group discussions on track? Do you take advantage of opportunities to meet with your teacher outside of class to deepen your understanding?

Even if you’re quiet, small actions like contributing to class discussions can leave a lasting impression. These actions give teachers a clearer sense of who you are, beyond grades alone. That’s why it’s usually best to request letters from more recent teachers; they can speak to your growth and strengths as an upperclassman, which is far more relevant to admissions than your 9th-grade self.

Don't Forget Your School's Specific Procedures

Every high school has its own way of handling recommendation requests. Most schools no longer use paper letters, so simply asking a teacher isn’t enough. You'll likely need to add your teacher's information to a platform like the Common App. Be sure to understand your school's specific procedures for submitting letters. Your school counselor is the best person to ask if you're unsure. Taking these steps early will help you and your teacher avoid last-minute stress and technical problems.

 Offer Helpful Information, Without Overloading

When you request a letter of recommendation, it’s fine to ask your teacher if they’d like any additional information. Some may have a questionnaire or request a résumé, while others may prefer to rely on their own experience with you.

To be ready, think through a few key points you could share:

·       Why are you asking this teacher? Think about what they know about your work ethic, growth, or contributions to class.

·       What are you proud of in this class? Identify a specific assignment, project, or test that highlights your effort or creativity.

·       What did you enjoy most? Share your favorite parts of the class and how they helped you learn about yourself.

·       What challenges or circumstances affected your performance? Did you struggle with a test, balance athletics or extracurriculars, or face any personal obstacles? Teachers can use this context to show your resilience.

This kind of context can help your teacher highlight your growth and determination. Just remember, keep it focused. They don’t need your full academic history; just a few thoughtful details go a long way.

Focus on What You Can Control

College admissions officers understand that every student’s school environment looks different. Maybe you attend a large high school where it’s harder to build close relationships with teachers, or your recommenders are writing dozens of letters at once. Admissions officers take those realities into account.

If a small error slips through, like a typo in a counselor’s note, it won’t be held against you. What matters most is that you gave your recommenders enough time and space to do their best work. So, concentrate on what you can control: ask early, follow up politely, and say thank you; don’t stress over the rest.

Always Thank Your Recommenders

A thank-you note is an absolute must. You don't have to wait until you receive a decision to thank your recommenders. Write a thank-you note once you’ve submitted your first application. Once you've decided where you're going to college, be sure to update them on your plans!