Key Takeaways
- If you are looking for someone to write your letter of recommendation, it is best to choose a teacher or professor who knows you well and can speak to your academic goals and strengths.
- Your letter of recommendation should speak to your character, academic abilities, and the reasons why you would make a good fit in the program.
- Make sure you give your recommender the materials they need—transcripts, resume, achievements, program details—to set them up for success.
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Most colleges and graduate schools will require prospective students to submit at least one letter of recommendation as part of their application. Even if colleges ask for more than one letter, most will specify that a teacher or professor should write one. These letters play an important role in the application process, so it’s important that you choose the right teacher to write your letter of recommendation for graduate school or college. These tips can help you make the right decision.
What Is a Letter of Recommendation?
A letter of recommendation can be written by a teacher, professor, mentor, or employer. This letter is written on behalf of your character, telling a school or a future employer why you would make a good fit. Recommendation letters carry significant weight in the selection process and are often used as the deciding factor when choosing between two equally qualified candidates.
What Should Be Included in a Strong Letter of Recommendation?
This letter can cover a range of things, including your skills, academic abilities, and experiences. Generally, for a letter to be considered strong, the recommender should make sure they include the following:
- Their relationship to you
- Their status and title
- Specific characteristics and qualities that make you special
- What accomplishments you have made that make you stand out
- Why you are qualified for this school or graduate program
Note for graduate programs: Before your recommender writes your letter of recommendation for graduate school, be sure to look into any specific requirements and guidelines from your program and communicate those with whom you have chosen. It is important to ensure that your submission satisfies all the terms and conditions.
3 Tips for Choosing Someone To Write Your Letter of Recommendation
Who you choose to write your letter of recommendation really matters. This letter can make a big difference in how your application is received, so pick someone who truly knows and supports you.
1. Choose a Teacher or Professor Who Knows You Best
This doesn’t necessarily mean the teacher or professor of the class you did best. Just because you received an A in their class doesn’t make them the best person to write your recommendation letter. They may be able to grade you academically, but do they know you on a personal level?
When deciding who will write your letter of recommendation, choose someone who has worked closely with you and has seen you grow and develop over the year(s). They are going to be the person who can speak to how hard working you are and how much you have progressed from the time they first met you.
2. Choose a Teacher or Professor Who Taught You the Subject Most Relevant to Your Academic Goals
Getting a recommendation letter written by just any teacher or professor may not always create the impression you are hoping for. For example, let’s say you excel in biology and you know you are one of your biology teacher’s favorites. However, a recommendation by your biology teacher may not carry much weight if you are applying to business school. In this case, it might be better to choose a different teacher who can speak to your strengths in the particular field you are applying for.
3. Consider an Employer or Mentor ONLY if Your School Requires More Than One Letter
While most two- or four-year colleges will only require one letter of recommendation, graduate schools will often require two or more. If your school or program asks for a second letter of recommendation, you may ask an employer, mentor, or other professional who is familiar with what you plan to study and your academic achievements.
What To Discuss With a Recommender Before They Write Your Letter
It’s not as simple as just asking someone to write your letter of recommendation and then calling it a day. Before they even agree, make sure you remind them of your shared experiences and why you believe they’re well-suited to speak on your behalf.
Even if they say yes, your job isn’t done yet—you need to help them help you. Remember, they are busy too, so make sure you give them the tools they need up front before they write. Here is what you can share with them:
- Classes you’ve taken with them
- Experiences and interactions you’ve had with them
- Your transcripts
- Your student resume
- Any research experience you’ve had
- Awards/achievements
- Academic/career goals
- Any details about the school or program you are applying for
Give Them a Clear and Specific Timeline
Provide a clear due date without saying something vague like, “I just need it soon.” A specific timeline will help them decide if they have the capacity to say yes and gives them ample time to write a thoughtful letter without feeling rushed.
Do a Quick Check-In To Avoid Surprises
Before they begin writing, it’s smart to ask if they feel comfortable doing so. This allows them the opportunity to voice any potential weaknesses or concerns they may have so that you are both on the same page. This is an important conversation to have early on, so that you don’t risk receiving a less-than-glowing recommendation letter.
Set Yourself up for a Strong Letter
A strong letter of recommendation for graduate school or college can have a huge impact on your chances of being accepted into your desired program. While you don’t have to physically write the letter yourself, you can set yourself up for success by choosing the right teacher or professor, sharing the right materials, and giving them a clear deadline. Remember, thoughtful prep leads to thoughtful letters.
Want to be even more prepared? Use College Raptor’s College Match tool to find your best-fit schools, see how much they might cost, and get insight into your acceptance odds.
