How to Ask for Letters of Recommendation

There is a very good chance that at some point during high school, you are going to have to ask for a letter of recommendation. If you plan to apply to college, you will likely need at least two letters of recommendation as part of your application. But college applications are not the only time you’ll need recommendations. You may also need to ask for letters of recommendation to apply for scholarships, internships, pre-college programs, summer schools, and other academic programs.

Asking for a letter of recommendation can feel awkward or embarrassing; however, knowing the right way to handle the situation can ease that embarrassment. This guide offers a simple step-by-step process to walk you through this routine part of high school life. As you think about how to ask for letters of recommendation, remember that many people in your life want to help you achieve your goals with a positive reference.

1. Choose who to ask. The first step in getting letters of recommendation is deciding who you should ask to write the letters for you. Before you begin, check the requirements of the school or program you are applying to. Be sure you ask people who fulfill those requirements. For example, many applications require a letter from a guidance counselor and a core teacher: English, math, science, or social studies. Many applications also require a specific number of recommendations. Stick to those requirements as well, and only submit supplemental letters of recommendation if the application offers the option.

Once you know the requirements of the application, you will want to identify teachers who taught you recently and know you well enough to provide insight into your work and personality. Of course, if possible you should pick a class in which you have done well. You may also want to think about classes you enjoy the most, where you participate more frequently, or where you’ve worked with the teacher in a one-on-one setting on a project or to get extra help. Other possibilities include coaches, club advisors, employers, or leaders at a volunteer opportunity. These individuals can provide valuable insights into your strengths in non-academic settings.

2. Ask in person. Once you have decided whom you want to ask, if possible, you should ask them in person to write you a letter of recommendation. This is probably the hardest part of getting letters of recommendation. It can be challenging to walk up to a teacher and ask them to write nice things about you. But remember: they know this is the process and, in most cases, they want to help you. Find a time when you can speak with your teacher alone. Arrive a few minutes early or stay a few minutes after class, and ask politely if you can speak with them for a minute. Be respectful of their time; if they seem rushed, ask if you can make an appointment.

State your request in a polite and respectful manner. You may want to start with a personal reason why you are asking them in particular. For example, note how much you enjoy their class, that their subject aligns with a potential major, or that you enjoyed learning from with them when working on a recent project. If they agree, let them know you’ll follow up with an email with all the details. And be sure to say “thank you”.

3. Follow up with a written request. After you have made your request in person, you will need to follow up with a written request—usually by email—that confirms your discussion. The email should start by thanking them again for agreeing to write a letter of recommendation for you. The email should include all the information they need to complete the recommendation, such as:

• Why you are asking them
• What the application is for (college applications, a summer program, scholarship, etc)
• Any requirements the letter should include
• How to submit the recommendation
• When the recommendation is due

Your email should indicate if there is anything specific you want the letter to address, such as a project you are proud of or a skill you mastered, and your email should include a list of your accomplishments—a “brag sheet”. For students who are unaccustomed to touting their accomplishments, coming up with a brag sheet can also be a challenging part of the process. But remember: applying to college or a special program is not the time for modesty! Your brag sheet will give your teachers the important information they need to make the strongest recommendation on your behalf, so it should be thorough, accurate, and not at all self-effacing.

Allison Green
Boston Tutoring Services