Number of Letters of Recommendation on Common App?

Hi friends, I’m wondering about the letters of recommendation for the Common App. How many does each college typically ask for? I want to start thinking about which teachers to ask. Any advice would be great, thank you!

Hey there! Most colleges on the Common App will ask for one to two letters of recommendation from your teachers. Typically, they prefer these letters to come from teachers of core subjects (English, Math, Science, Social Studies, or Foreign Languages) who have taught you in your junior or senior year. These are the years where you're taking more advanced coursework, and recent teachers can speak to your current abilities and character.

Choose teachers who know you well and can provide specific examples of your work ethic, character, and contributions to class. It's always a good idea to ask them well in advance, as they will likely be writing recommendations for other students as well. And don't forget to write a thank-you note after they've submitted your letters—it's a nice gesture that shows your appreciation for their time!

Some colleges might also give you the option to submit an additional recommendation from someone who knows you in a different capacity, like a coach, employer, or adviser from an extracurricular activity. Remember, though, it's the quality of the recommendation that counts, not the quantity. And, admissions officers only have so much time to spend on your application, so you don't want to take their attention away from your essay, extracurriculars, and so on by making them read 10 letters.

So, only include an extra letter if you feel someone can offer a perspective on who you are that isn't already captured somewhere else in your application, whether in a teacher rec letter or one of your essays. I hope this guidance helps, and good luck with your college process!