Who should you ask for a letter of recommendation?

Hey there, fellow students! I'm a junior and I'm starting to think about who I should ask for letters of recommendation. I've heard that it's good to have at least one from a core subject teacher, but I'm not sure about the rest. Any advice on who else should I ask? Further, how far in advance should I ask them?

Hello! It's great that you're starting to plan ahead for letters of recommendation. As a general rule, you should aim to have at least two recommendation letters: one from a core subject teacher (like math, science, English, or social studies) who knows your academic abilities well, and another from a teacher who can speak to your personal qualities and involvement in extracurriculars, such as a teacher who has overseen your work in a club or a coach.

You might also consider asking for a recommendation from a teacher in a subject area related to your intended major, as that teacher can speak to your potential in that field. If you have a strong relationship with a teacher outside of the classroom, such as through a club or volunteer work, that can be a valuable perspective as well.

It's important to choose teachers who know you well and can provide specific examples of your strengths and personal growth. It's better to ask teachers that you had recently, preferably during your junior year, as they would have a more accurate picture of your current skillset.

As for the timeline, it's a good idea to ask teachers at least 2-3 months in advance of the college application deadlines. This gives them enough time to write a thoughtful and detailed letter. You can ask them before the summer break or shortly after the school year starts, but make sure you provide them with your deadlines, a resume or list of accomplishments, and any specific guidelines or requirements from the colleges you're applying to.

Remember to be polite and respectful when asking for a recommendation, and be prepared for the possibility that a teacher might decline due to a heavy workload. It's a good idea to have an alternate teacher in mind just in case. Lastly, don't forget to thank your teachers for their time and effort, and keep them updated on your college application journey! Good luck!