Letters of Recommendations
Most colleges require two teacher's letters of recommendation. Some colleges require that you obtain recommendations from teachers in specific subjects; others will allow you to make the choice. Even if a letter of recommendation is not requested, the recommendation from your College Counselor will accompany each of your applications.
The four types of recommendations
- The College Counselor writes the official, comprehensive recommendation on behalf of the school.
- The teachers' recommendations should support the academic and classroom performance information submitted in your application. Faculty who have taught you recently and know you well, regardless of the grade you earned in their class, are the best choices.
- Personal recommendations are occasionally requested. Examples include your pastor/rabbi, employer, or someone for whom you did volunteer work. If you plan to pursue a sport in college or to pursue a specific activity, then it may also be important to have the coach or advisor write on your behalf.
- Peer recommendations are less common and are to be written by a fellow student who knows you well.
Ask for recommendations as early in the application process as possible (usually late spring or early fall) and provide the appropriate recommendation forms to the teacher at least six weeks before they are due at the colleges.
Parent Information Form
Prior to writing your recommendation, the college counselors seek information from your parent's perspective on the Parent Information Form. This form is also available in a pdf file by clicking here.