skip to main content

Letters of Recommendation

Many colleges/scholarship programs require letters of recommendation from a teacher/school counselor as part of the admission process.  Review the information below to better prepare for what will be required.


How Many Letters Do I Need?

As a general rule, if you are applying to a four-year college, you should be well-prepared with a letter of recommendation from your school counselor and two teacher letters.  You may want to consider having one teacher letter from a teacher of a subject related to your intended major (if known) and a second teacher letter from any teacher with whom you have an outstanding rapport.  However, you should always check the college or scholarship program's website/guidelines to determine exactly what is required.  

 

School Counselor Recommendation Letters:

Please visit the School Counseling Google Classroom (Grade 12) for access to your school counselor's Google form for letters of recommendation. You will find the link under classwork in the category:  "Counselor Letter of Recommendation."  The questions/information requested in this form will help us obtain the necessary information to prepare your letter.  Please be specific and make sure to indicate if there are any extraordinary accomplishments that you have had or extenuating circumstances that have impacted your education.  This information could add important context to your application.  Make sure you are giving your counselor plenty of lead time (at least 10 business days, but preferably more) prior to any deadlines you may have.  

 

Teacher Recommendation Letters:

To request a teacher letter of recommendation, please complete the form below and return it to the teacher whose letter you are requesting. 

Some Guidelines for Teacher Letters of Recommendation:

  • Students should reach out to their teachers in-person or via email to ask the teacher if they are able to write them a letter of recommendation.  Students are able to send a teacher a letter of recommendation request via Naviance, however, this does not take the place of communicating your needs with the teacher directly.  To request your letter via Naviance, log in to your Naviance Student account, click the "Colleges" link toward the top of the page, then click "Letters of Recommendation."  Select your teacher from the drop-down menu and submit the recommendation request.  This will generate an email to the teacher and also make it easier for them to access your information when they log in to Naviance.
  • Please make sure you are providing enough lead time in advance of any upcoming college/scholarship deadlines and that you are clearly communicating those deadlines to the teacher.  It is the student's responsibility to follow up with the teacher to ensure letters have been received by the Guidance Office. 
  • All teacher letters will be uploaded to Naviance, so that they are available for electronic submission to colleges. 

 

Teacher Letter of Recommendation Form

 

Please note that not all colleges require letters of recommendation.  Some colleges may limit the number of letters of recommendation that are allowed to be submitted.  It is important to follow all directions from the college/scholarship program to which you are applying.  

 

Supplemental Letters:

Students often ask about letters from coaches, employers, and other recommenders who might not have the student in a classroom setting, but can speak to the student's character, work ethic, and other important qualities about the student.  These letters can offer a unique perspective on the student.  Supplemental letters do not replace the need to obtain the required teacher letters.  Typically, these letters would be submitted in addition to the required teacher letters if permitted by the college.  


*** When in doubt, always refer to the application instructions to ensure you are meeting the requirements of your college/scholarship program. ***