Identify recommender teachers

Overview

Choosing the right teachers to write your recommendation letters is an important decision. The good news? You probably already have great options in mind!

What Makes a Strong Recommender?

Someone who:

• Knows you well beyond just your grades
• Has seen you grow and overcome challenges
• Can speak to your intellectual curiosity
• Genuinely likes working with you!

Selection Tips

• Prioritize junior year teachers (freshest memories when they write)
• Choose core academic subjects (English, Math, Science, History, Foreign Language)
• Aim for one STEM and one Humanities teacher if possible
• Avoid teachers where you got an easy A but had minimal interaction

Common App Requirements

Most colleges require 1-2 teacher recommendations plus 1 counselor recommendation. Some schools have specific requirements (like MIT requiring one STEM teacher), so check each school's website.

Timeline

Identify candidates now; you'll ask formally in March or April. Popular teachers fill up quickly, so having your picks ready early helps!