How to Land Strong College Recommendation Letters

In this guide, Kerri Darcy, Executive Director of Undergraduate Admission and Recruitment at St. John’s University, shares expert advice on 

• Choosing a recommender who knows you well
• What makes a recommendation letter effective
• What to provide your recommender (and when)
• Common questions about the process 

Choosing a Quality Recommender  

The most impactful letters come from people who know the student well and can share meaningful anecdotes highlighting their unique contributions and potential.  

“Whether it’s a story of how a student led a group project with empathy or how they overcame a personal challenge while maintaining academic excellence, it’s that depth of perspective that resonates with our admission team,” says Ms. Darcy.  

Here are five common recommenders: 

1. A high school teacher—ideally someone who taught you during your junior or senior year and in a subject relevant to your intended major.
2. Your school counselor—they can speak to your overall academic journey, character, and how you contribute to your school community.
3. An adviser, coach, or club mentor—if the college allows it, a nonacademic mentor can offer a unique perspective on your leadership, work ethic, and personal growth.
4. A college professor—if you’ve taken college-level or dual-enrollment courses, a professor can speak to your readiness for college-level work.
5. An employer or internship supervisor—if you’ve worked during high school, a supervisor can highlight your professionalism, reliability, and transferable skills. 

How to Get a Letter That Stands Out  

“A standout letter of recommendation goes beyond a list of accomplishments and paints a vivid picture of who the student is—both in and out of the classroom,” Ms. Darcy emphasizes. “At St. John’s, we seek insight into a student’s character, resilience, leadership, and growth potential.” 

To help your recommender write the strongest letter possible, consider sharing the following information: 

• A list of the colleges you’re applying to (with deadlines)
• A copy of your résumé or brag sheet
• A summary of your goals and interests, especially if they relate to the college or program for which you are applying
• Any specific points you’d love them to highlight (e.g., growth, leadership, a project you’re proud of) 

When to Request a Letter 

When it comes to requesting a letter, the earlier, the better.   

“Ideally, students should start thinking about recommendation letters toward the end of their junior year,” Ms. Darcy says. “That’s when they’ve built meaningful relationships with teachers who’ve seen their growth and academic performance.” 

Consider asking before the school year ends or early in senior year—this gives teachers time to write a thoughtful letter without the pressure of looming deadlines. “It also shows maturity and organization, qualities that admission offices appreciate,” Ms. Darcy notes.   

Frequently Asked Questions  

Do I need a different letter of recommendation for each college? 
In most cases, students don’t need to request a separate letter for each college to which they apply. A strong, well-written recommendation that speaks to the student’s character, work ethic, and potential will hold weight across all institutions. 

Do you need a letter of recommendation to apply to college? 
Not all colleges require letters of recommendation. Students should check each college’s application requirements to plan accordingly and avoid missing crucial requirements and deadlines.  

How many words should a college recommendation letter be? 
There’s no strict word count for a college recommendation letter. The focus should always be on quality over quantity. A concise, well-crafted letter with genuine observations is far more impactful than a long, generic one. 

How many letters of recommendation should I have? 
Most colleges that require letters of recommendation typically ask for one to two. Usually, that includes one from a core academic teacher, someone who taught you in a major subject like English, math, science, or history, and one from a school counselor.