Determining, who should be your Recommender for college

To choose the best recommenders for your college applications, focus on individuals who know you well, can speak to your academic strengths and character, and can provide specific examples to support their claims. Look for teachers, counselors, or mentors who have observed your work ethic, academic progress, and contributions to the classroom or extracurricular activities. 

Here’s a more detailed breakdown: 

1. Academic Recommenders: 

• Teachers from core academic subjects:
  Ideally, choose teachers who taught you in your junior or senior year in subjects like English, math, science, or social studies. 
• Teachers who know you well:
  Select teachers who have seen you at your best, perhaps in classes where you actively participated, attended office hours, or received positive feedback on your work. 
• Teachers who can speak to your growth:
  Consider teachers who have seen your academic progress and can provide examples of your work ethic, resilience, or ability to overcome challenges. 
• Avoid teachers who barely know you:
  Don’t choose a teacher simply because they are impressive or have a high-profile position. Focus on those who have a genuine understanding of your academic abilities and personality. 

2. Non-Academic Recommenders: 

• Coaches, club advisors, or mentors:
  If the colleges you’re applying to allow non-academic recommendations, these individuals can offer valuable insights into your character, teamwork skills, and leadership qualities. 
• Supervisors or mentors:
  If you have worked with someone in a professional or volunteer setting, they can offer a different perspective on your work ethic, responsibility, and ability to handle challenges. 
• Ensure they know you well:
  Just like with academic recommenders, choose individuals who have a strong understanding of your character and can provide specific examples to support their claims. 

3. Considerations for Choosing Recommenders: 

• Recent experiences:
  Prioritize teachers from your junior or senior year, as they can offer the most current perspective on your abilities. 
• Relationship with the recommender:
  Choose someone who has a positive relationship with you and who you believe will write a strong and supportive letter. 
• Specific examples:
  Look for recommenders who can provide concrete examples of your skills, achievements, and contributions, rather than general statements. 
• College requirements:
  Always check the specific requirements of each college regarding letters of recommendation, including the number of letters needed and the types of recommenders they prefer. 
• Ask for their willingness:
  Before officially requesting a letter, ask the potential recommender if they are comfortable writing one for you and if they feel they can write a strong letter that highlights your strengths. 

*Discuss your recommender strategy with a counselor to determine which teachers and mentors will be your best champions and highlight your various strengths in ways that are unique to you. Find the best counselor to your needs with our CounselorMatching tool, it’s free!