College Recommendation Request Letter

What a good one includes

• A polite, direct opening that clearly asks if they would be comfortable writing a strong letter of recommendation for your college applications.
• A brief reminder of the specific class you took with them, including a memorable project or achievement that highlights your academic growth.
• A clear list of submission deadlines for each university, organized chronologically to help them manage their schedule.
• Detailed instructions on how to submit the letter, whether through Common App, Naviance, or a specific email address.
• An attached brag sheet or resume that outlines your extracurriculars, GPA, and intended college major to give them easy talking points.
• A sincere expression of gratitude acknowledging the time and effort it takes to write a thoughtful recommendation.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Waiting until the last minute to send the request, which stresses the recommender and often results in a rushed, generic letter.
• Assuming the teacher will say yes without giving them a polite out in case their workload is currently too heavy.
• Failing to provide context, leaving the teacher to guess what you did in their class or what major you plan to pursue.
• Neglecting to follow up with a warm thank-you note or failing to let them know the outcome of your college applications.

Frequently asked questions