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Introduction

How Many Recommendations?

Timeline

How Should I Ask For Recommendation Letters?

Teacher Recommendations

The Counselor

Recommendation

Other Counselor Submissions

Additional Recommendations

What Makes a Strong Recommendation?

Inviting Recommenders

Miscellaneous Information

Editing, Formatting, and Submission

1. Introduction

Recommendation letters make one of the most important components of your application. As the only outside perspectives in your application, these letters lend admissions officers crucial insight into your personality, academic potential, contributions to the communities you've been a part of, and your goals. Your recommenders, as people of authority who know you well, also serve to corroborate some key parts of your application, including context about your experiences and achievements. Therefore, it is imperative that you have excellent recommendation letters to get into college.

2. How Many Recommendations?

Most colleges require three recommendations:

  1. School counselor: If your school doesn't have a dedicated school counselor, your principal or a school administrator can submit this recommendation.
  2. A science or math teacher: Any science or math teacher who has taught you in high school.