How to Choose the Best Teachers for College Recommendation Letters: Expert Tips & Strategies

When applying to college, letters of recommendation are one of the most crucial aspects of your application. Selecting which teachers to ask for a recommendation requires a strategic approach, as you relinquish a significant amount of control in this part of the application. When choosing teachers for your recommendation letters, select those who will present you in the best light and provide a positive, impactful perspective on your abilities and character. Choosing the right teachers for these letters can be a daunting process. Here’s our recommendation to ensure you choose the best teachers for your rec letters:

Choose Teachers Who Know You Well

Opt for teachers who know you personally and have a deep understanding of your strengths and achievements. Teachers who have known you for a long time will write more personalized and compelling letters that highlight specific examples of your work and character. Ideally, these teachers should be ones who have taught you in subjects related to your intended major or academic interests, and ideally should have taught you in 11th and/or 12th grade.

Consider Academic Rigor and Achievements

When selecting teachers, consider those who have seen you excel in challenging coursework. A letter from a teacher who has witnessed your performance in advanced classes or special projects can provide valuable insight into your academic abilities and dedication. As a bonus: choose teachers who have seen your hard work and dedication to overcoming failure or difficulty. Remember when you spent every lunch in that teacher’s classroom to get a grip on difficult material? Consider asking them!

Assess Your Relationship with the Teacher

Reflect on your relationship with your potential recommenders. A teacher who has had regular interactions with you and can speak to your personal growth, problem-solving skills, and contributions to class discussions will be able to provide a more detailed and impactful letter. Avoid choosing teachers who have only interacted with you briefly, are unfamiliar with your work ethic, or whose positive perception of you has not been made clear.

As a note: be sure to gauge your teacher’s reaction when you request a letter of rec from them. A teacher who responds enthusiastically will likely write a stronger letter than one who reluctantly agrees.

Review the Common App Recommendation Format

The Common Application provides a specific format for letters of recommendation, focusing on several key traits including academic performance, intellectual curiosity, motivation, respect accorded by faculty, and other personal qualities. It’s important to select a teacher who can positively address all these traits. Review the Common App’s recommendation form and ensure that your chosen teacher will respond positively to the traits asked by the Common App.

Discuss Your Options with a Trusted Mentor or College Admissions Consultant

Choosing the right recommenders can be a challenging decision, and it’s helpful to seek advice from a trusted mentor or a college admissions consultant. These professionals can provide valuable insights into which teachers will offer the strongest and most relevant recommendations. They can also help you evaluate how each teacher’s letter might align with your overall application strategy, and can help you ensure each letter contributes something new and compelling to your application.

For step-by-step instructions about asking for letters of recommendation, please visit our Requesting Letters of Recommendation step-by-step guide.