Letters of recommendation can be an important part of the Common Application because they help colleges see who you are beyond grades and test scores. While your transcript shows your academic performance, recommendation letters give admissions officers insight into your character, work habits, and how you engage in the classroom. Teachers can describe qualities such as curiosity, leadership, perseverance, kindness, and collaboration—traits that are difficult to measure through numbers alone. A strong letter might explain how you approach challenges, participate in discussions, support classmates, or go beyond what is required to deepen your learning.

Recommendation letters also help confirm the story your application tells. For example, if you write about loving engineering, a teacher might describe how you ask thoughtful questions, take initiative on projects, or show creativity in solving problems. When teachers reinforce the strengths you highlight in your essays and activities, it makes your application feel more authentic and credible.

Colleges that use recommendation letters will often request two, along with a letter from your school counselor. When choosing teachers to ask, focus on those who know you well and can speak specifically about your strengths as a student and person. Ideally, these teachers taught you in an academic subject during your junior or senior year and have seen your participation, effort, or growth over time.

The best recommender is not necessarily the strictest teacher or the one whose class was hardest. Instead, choose someone who knows you well enough to write a detailed and thoughtful letter that highlights your unique qualities and contributions.

The spring of junior year is the ideal time to ask for these letters. Please do not let your 11^th grade year end without requesting these letters, and forwarding your resume to your teacher once you ask will allow your letter to be as strong as possible. As always, you should reach out to your advisor if you are unsure who to ask to help make your application the best it can be.