Securing strong recommendation letters is a critical step in the college application process. These letters provide colleges with valuable insights into your character, academic abilities, and potential from the perspectives of teachers and counselors who know you well. However, effectively requesting these letters is crucial to ensure you receive timely and compelling endorsements. Starting early, providing relevant information, and demonstrating respect for your recommenders’ time are essential for a successful request.
This article provides high school students with practical request templates and actionable tips to navigate the recommendation letter process smoothly. We’ll cover best practices for approaching teachers, organizing your materials, and crafting personalized requests that make it easier for your recommenders to write glowing letters of support. By following these guidelines, you can increase your chances of obtaining impactful recommendations that strengthen your college applications.
Before diving into the templates, remember that personalization is key. Don’t simply copy and paste; adapt each template to reflect your unique relationship with the teacher and highlight specific achievements or qualities you’d like them to emphasize. This demonstrates that you’ve put thought into your request and value their input. Always follow up with a thank-you note after they’ve submitted their letter.
Remember to give your teachers ample time to write your recommendations. The earlier you ask, the better! Ideally, you should aim to ask at least one month before the first college application deadline. Consider the time of year you are asking – teachers are typically very busy at the start and end of the academic year. By starting the process early, you reduce stress for both you and your recommenders and can lead to more thoughtful, detailed letters that will benefit your application.
24 High School Letter of Recommendation Request Templates
Template 1: General Request (Email)
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear [Teacher’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation from you in support of my college applications. I am applying to colleges with a focus on [Your intended major/field of study], and I believe your insights from my [Course Name] class would be invaluable.
I particularly enjoyed [Specific project, lesson, or aspect of the class], and I feel that I demonstrated [Specific skills or qualities, e.g., critical thinking, problem-solving].
My deadline for applications is [Date]. I have attached my resume and a list of colleges I’m applying to, along with a personal statement draft for your reference. Would you be willing to write a letter on my behalf?
Thank you for your time and consideration. I appreciate your support.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 2: Request with Specific Accomplishments Highlighted (Email)
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear [Teacher’s Name],
I hope you are doing well.
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation from you for my college applications. I am planning to major in [Your Intended Major], and I feel that your insights from [Course Name] would be extremely beneficial to my application.
I especially enjoyed [Specific Project or Lesson] in your class, where I demonstrated my ability to [Specific Skill]. For example, [Briefly describe your achievement].
The deadline for submitting my applications is [Date]. I have attached my resume, a list of the colleges I’m applying to, and a draft of my personal statement for your convenience. Would you be able to write a letter of recommendation for me?
Thank you so much for your consideration. I truly appreciate your support.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 3: Request Focusing on Personal Growth (Email)
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear [Teacher’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I’m writing to ask if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for my college applications. I plan to study [Your Intended Major] and I value the impact your class, [Course Name], had on my intellectual growth.
In your class, I learned not only [Specific Skill or Concept] but also how to [Reflect on personal growth, e.g., overcome challenges, collaborate effectively].
The deadline for my applications is [Date]. I have attached my resume, a list of colleges, and a copy of my personal statement. Would you be able to support my application with a recommendation letter?
Thank you for considering my request. Your guidance has been invaluable.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 4: Request After a Strong Teacher-Student Relationship (Email)
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear [Teacher’s Name],
I hope you’re having a great week.
As I’m preparing to apply to colleges, I would be honored if you would write me a letter of recommendation. Your [Course Name] class was one of the most influential during my high school career. I’m planning to pursue a degree in [Your Intended Major].
I particularly valued [Specific aspect of the class or teacher’s teaching style], which helped me to [Specific skill or personal quality developed].
My application deadline is [Date]. I’ve attached my resume, a list of my target colleges, and a draft of my personal statement for your convenience. Would you be able to write a letter of support?
Thank you for your time and consideration. I appreciate your mentorship.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 5: Request from a Teacher You Haven’t Seen Recently (Email)
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear [Teacher’s Name],
I hope you are doing well. I’m [Your Name], and I was a student in your [Course Name] class during [Year].
I am currently applying to colleges and I would greatly appreciate it if you would consider writing me a letter of recommendation. I found your course very impactful, especially [Specific topic or skill learned], which has helped me in [Related field or future goals].
My application deadline is [Date]. To help you write the letter, I’ve attached my resume, the list of colleges I’m applying to, and a draft of my personal statement. Would you be willing to write a letter on my behalf?
Thank you so much for considering my request. I value your opinion and appreciate your time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 6: Requesting a Letter in Person
Dear [Teacher’s Name],
I hope you’re having a good day. I wanted to ask if you would be comfortable writing a letter of recommendation for my college applications. I really valued your [Course Name] class and learned a lot about [Specific skill/concept]. I’m applying to schools with a focus on [Your intended major]. Would you be open to discussing this further and if so, I can provide you with all the neccesary information? I know you’re busy so let me know if there’s a good time for me to come by after class and ask.
Thank you for considering!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 7: Follow Up Email to a Previous Request
Dear [Teacher’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I’m following up on my previous email from [Date] regarding a letter of recommendation for my college applications. The deadline for my applications is [Date]. Please let me know if there’s any additional information I can provide for you to help facilitate the process. Thank you so much and I appreciate your time!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 8: Counselor Recommendation Request
Dear [Counselor’s Name],
I hope you’re having a good week. As I prepare for my college applications, I would be grateful if you could write a letter of recommendation on my behalf. I am particularly proud of my involvement in [Extracurricular activity] and my academic performance in [Subject]. My dream is to attend [Dream College] to study [Intended Major]. The application deadline is [Date]. I have attached my resume, personal statement, and a list of schools I’m applying to. Thank you for all your guidance and support!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 9: Specific Quality Focus Request
Dear [Teacher’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am applying to [College Name(s)] to study [Intended Major], and I believe your perspective on my [Specific Quality, e.g., analytical skills, creativity, work ethic] would greatly strengthen my application. I demonstrated this in your [Course Name] class through [Specific Project or Assignment]. Would you be willing to write a letter highlighting this aspect of my capabilities? The deadline for submission is [Date]. I’ve included my resume and personal statement. Thank you for your time!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 10: Request from a Teacher Who Knows You Outside of Class
Dear [Teacher’s Name],
I hope you are doing well. As you know, I’m applying to colleges, and I would really appreciate it if you could write a letter of recommendation for me. Your perspective, both from [Course Name] and as the advisor for [Club/Activity], would be incredibly valuable. I aim to study [Intended Major] and believe my experiences in your class and in [Club/Activity] have prepared me well. My application deadline is [Date], and I’ve attached relevant documents. Thank you for your consideration!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 11: Expressing Gratitude and Long-Term Impact
Dear [Teacher’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation from you for my college applications. Your [Course Name] class has had a lasting impact on me, shaping my interest in [Intended Major/Field]. I am applying to colleges that excel in this area, and I believe your recommendation would significantly strengthen my application. My application deadline is [Date], and I have attached my resume and personal statement for your review. I am grateful for your guidance and inspiration. Thank you!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 12: Request Focused on Improvement and Perseverance
Dear [Teacher’s Name],
I hope you’re having a great day. As I prepare to apply to colleges, I was hoping you might consider writing a letter of recommendation for me. I know I faced some challenges in your [Course Name] class, but I believe I demonstrated significant growth and perseverance. Your insights into my commitment to improvement would be invaluable to my application. I’m applying to study [Intended Major] and the deadline is [Date]. I’ve attached my resume and a brief explanation of the challenges I overcame. Thank you!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 13: Request From a Teacher who Inspired You
Dear [Teacher’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you because you were one of my most impactful teachers at this high school. Your course on [course name] truly helped shape my future because it inspired my journey to now applying to colleges for [intented major]. As I am working on submitting my applications to colleges, I was hoping you could write me a letter of recommendation highlighting my skills, growth, and potential. Thank you so much!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 14: Request For Skills and Growth
Dear [Teacher’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. During the time I took your course [course name], I gained various skillsets that has truly shaped me as a person. These skillsets are skills that I wish to bring into my college career and your insights into that would truly help me secure my position at these colleges. I was hoping you could write me a letter of recommendation highlighting these skills! Thank you!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 15: Request For Highlight Key Skills
Dear [Teacher’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation from you for my college applications. I hope that you would be able to highlight my skills and unique perspective that could help set me apart from other students. Thank you!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 16: Request For Personal Growth
Dear [Teacher’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation from you for my college applications. Over the course of the year, I know that I have grown substantially as an individual and was hoping you could highlight those points. Thank you!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 17: Reaffirm Interest in Subject
Dear [Teacher’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. After taking your class, I was able to reaffirm my interest in the subject and further hone my skillset. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation from you for my college applications. Thank you!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 18: Highlight Academic Prowess
Dear [Teacher’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation from you for my college applications. I hope that you will be able to highlight my academic prowess to help me further stand out in my college application. Thank you!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 19: Commitment to Learning
Dear [Teacher’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation from you for my college applications. I believe that you have seen me show commitment to learning and I would like to highlight that in my college application to show how dedicated I am to learning. Thank you!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 20: Long Term Mentorship
Dear [Teacher’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. Over the years, you have mentored me and taught me various skills that I will be carrying for life. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation from you for my college applications. I hope that you can highlight my ability to apply the knowledge that I have learned and implement it. Thank you!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 21: Learning Potential
Dear [Teacher’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation from you for my college applications. I believe that you will be able to discuss the potential for growth you see in me as a student. Thank you!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 22: Unique Approach
Dear [Teacher’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation from you for my college applications. As I am applying to colleges, I would like to showcase the unique approach to problems I have and thought that your view on my skills would be perfect. Thank you!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 23: Ability to Learn
Dear [Teacher’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation from you for my college applications. I would be very grateful if you wrote me a letter of recommendation to highlight my ability to learn and adapt to various problems. Thank you!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 24: Showcasing Skills
Dear [Teacher’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation from you for my college applications. I would be very grateful if you wrote me a letter of recommendation highlighting all the various skills I have and showcase that to these colleges. Thank you!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
In conclusion, requesting strong letters of recommendation requires careful planning and respectful communication. By utilizing these templates as a foundation and personalizing each request, you can significantly improve your chances of receiving impactful recommendations that showcase your strengths and potential to college admissions committees. Remember to start early, provide all necessary materials, and always express your gratitude for the time and effort your recommenders dedicate to supporting your academic journey.
