Request Letters of Recommendation

What are letters of recommendation

Letters of Recommendation (LORs) aren't just formalities—they're your chance to show colleges who you really are, beyond grades and test scores. Think of them as character references but for your academic and personal strengths.

Most universities ask for 2-3 LORs: usually two from teachers and one from your counselor. You can also add extra letters from mentors, but don't overdo it—quality over quantity. A strong LOR gives admissions officers real insight into your personality, values, and potential. In short, it's not just about what you've done, but who you are.

Here's who you should ask:

1. Counselor: Usually your school counselor writes this. If you don't have one, a principal, director, or headmaster works well.

2. Teachers: Choose teachers from core subjects relevant to your intended major. For example, aspiring engineers should pick their Math or Physics teachers.

3. Mentor/Employer (optional): If you have professional or mentorship experiences, these letters can provide additional context about your abilities and work ethic.

🗣️ veronica says...

Veronica Lee

Admissions Expert

Don't just ask anyone for recommendations. Make sure your recommenders genuinely know you and can speak meaningfully about your strengths. Admissions officers can easily tell if a letter is superficial—strong, authentic relationships result in letters that truly strengthen your application.

How to request a letter of recommendation

Your instructors aren't mind-readers—they need you to ask clearly and politely. Whenever possible, ask in person by stopping by their office or scheduling an appointment. It shows respect and helps ensure they're on board. If meeting in person isn't possible, sending an email is perfectly fine. Here's a email template you can use and customize to request your recommendation.

Brag sheet

Teachers get a ton of LOR requests every year. Expecting them to remember every detail about you? Unrealistic. That's where the Brag Sheet comes in.

Think of it as a resume but tailored for recommendations—it highlights your academic achievements, extracurriculars, and college plans. A solid Brag Sheet makes your recommenders' lives easier and helps them write a stronger, more personalized letter. In short: help them help you.

Create a brag sheet

Create your own

What makes letters of recommendation great

Compare these two recommendation paragraph:

Example 1

Isabella is an exceptional physics student who demonstrates strong analytical abilities and mathematical skills. She consistently performs well on exams and laboratory assignments. Jane participates actively in class discussions, works effectively in group settings, and shows genuine interest in physical concepts.

Example 2

During our unit on projectile motion, Isabella created a physical demonstration using a homemade catapult that precisely matched our theoretical calculations within 2% error. When a group of students struggled with circular motion concepts, Jane organized a study session where she used planetary orbits as an intuitive model, even bringing in a working orrery she built. Her ability to bridge abstract physics principles with tangible applications reveals not just mastery of the subject, but a rare talent for making complex ideas accessible to others.

Which student do you want to be? Admissions officers want recommenders who genuinely know you and can share specific, meaningful examples. So, choose recommenders who can provide vivid details and real stories—not just those who gave you the highest grades.