Dear Juniors and Seniors,

As you embark on your final two years of high school, the college application process looms ever closer. One crucial aspect that can significantly impact your opportunities is securing strong academic letters of reference. Thinking about potential letter-writers is not only essential for seniors but also for juniors who are beginning to shape their college applications.

Junior Year: Laying the Foundation for Success

Juniors, now is the ideal time to start thinking about your future and the importance of academic letters of reference. As you embark on your penultimate year of high school, consider the following:

Junior Year Teachers:

At the start of this school year, establish strong relationships with your Junior year teachers. These educators will have the advantage of knowing you during a critical academic year, when you will likely be challenging yourself with advanced coursework and demonstrating your capabilities. These are also the teachers that admissions officers prefer to see on an application. Bonus points if the teacher you select also happens to teach the subject in which you’d like to major or do a related major in college.

Building Rapport:

By now, it’s easy to know how to get on a teacher’s “good side.” Try to engage actively in class, participate in discussions, and seek assistance when needed. Even better if you can connect with your teacher on a human level. Perhaps you have something in common besides the subject matter; maybe they have seen you on the sports field or supported your run for student government. Develop the courage to show them who you are as a person, not just a student. Nine times out of ten, they will whole-heartedly welcome the relationship. Also, remember that some colleges require a letter of recommendation from your guidance counselor as well. These relationships are often feel easier to manage, you still need to make sure that yours is a great one. What can they say about you as a person? Put yourself out there if you haven’t already, so they have something genuinely positive to say.

Go with your gut:

Students tend to know in their gut when a teacher will go to bat for them. Remember, teachers are people, too. While most are open and willing to support all students that show special interest, some have reason to remain distant. They may be too busy or involved in personal matters to fully see you for all of your strengths. If this is the case, be gracious but move on to another candidate. Remember, it’s their warmth and ability to speak about you on a specific, personal level that will win the day with college admissions.

Senior Year: Optimal Choices for Recommendations

Be (Incredibly) Gracious:

When approaching teachers and guidance counselors for letters of recommendation, it’s important to have empathy and make their lives easier. Approach them with no expectation and make the work easier for them by providing them with a resume that does not brag or shout, but factually highlights your achievements in class and beyond. It’s also helpful to indicate what you hope to study in college and perhaps pursue as a career. Give them plenty of time to write the letter, a clear indication of deadlines, and all the information they need for submission. The way you ask for a recommendation tends to set the tone for the recommendation itself, so act accordingly.

Clock Their Reaction:

How did your teacher seem when you approached them? Were they neutral? Annoyed? Genuinely pleased? Teachers who write excellent letters on behalf of students take joy in the process. The opposite is also true. If your teacher of choice seemed miffed, take caution. A bad letter can do more damage than a good letter can do good. Politely return the following day and say another teacher came to mind who seemed more appropriate. Then, happily pursue your second choice. They will be more relieved than offended.

Peer Recommendations:

Lastly, there are a few colleges, like Dartmouth, that ask for peer recommendations. Our view on these is that they serve two functions: 1) to learn what kind of friend you are and 2) to understand the kind of company you keep. If you have many best friends, choose the one who is the best writer and the best thinker. Admissions officers want to read great writing, and the company you keep speaks volumes about who you might become — make it clear you’re going places.