Overview
Most colleges require 2-3 teacher recommendations. You need to invite recommenders through the application portal and verify they can access and submit. Start now to give teachers ample time to write thoughtful letters.
Step-by-Step Recommender Invitation Process
1. Choose Your Recommenders (by September 1)
Select teachers who:
- Know you well (ideally taught you in junior year or current senior year)
- Can speak to your academic strengths AND character
- Are available and willing (confirm before formally inviting)
Ideal recommenders:
- Core subject teachers (English, Math, Science, Social Studies)
- Teachers from different classes (shows multiple perspectives)
- NOT: coaches (unless school specifically requests), counselor (different submission), family friends
Avoid:
- Teachers who taught you 3+ years ago
- Teachers who only know you as one of 200 students
- Teachers who gave you a low grade (though not automatic disqualification)
2. Collect Email Addresses
- Get accurate teacher email addresses from your school
- Verify email is current: email teacher asking preferred contact method
- Some teachers prefer school email, others personal email—ask!
3. Invite Through Common App Portal
Process:
- Log into Common App at commonapp.org
- Go to "Recommenders and Supporting Documents" section
- Click "Add Recommender"
- Enter teacher's email address
- Select which schools this recommender is submitting for (or "all schools")
- Click "Send Invite"
What teacher receives:
- Email invitation with link to recommender portal
- Instructions on how to upload letter
- Deadline information
- Can upload letter directly or attach as PDF
4. Invite Through School-Specific Systems
UC/CSU applications:
- Use Naviance/SCOIR if your school uses it
- Search your school's registrar website for portal access
- Request recommendations through that system
Other schools:
- Some have custom portals (check school's application instructions)
- Invite through school portal rather than Common App if specified
5. Verify Recommender Access
Follow-up (48-72 hours after invite):
- Email teacher to confirm they received invite
- Ask: "Did you get the email from Common App/Naviance?"
- Offer to meet and discuss college choices (shows you care)
- Provide list of schools they'll be recommending for
Recommender Communication Template
Email to teacher (draft in Solyo Dashboard Notes):
Dear [Teacher Name],
I'm applying to college this year and would greatly appreciate if you would write a recommendation letter for me. You've taught me [specific subject/when], and I valued your insight into [specific topic/experience in your class].
I've invited you through [Common App/Naviance/School Portal] and the deadline is [date].
I'm happy to provide additional information: my college list, a resume, or answers to specific questions about my interests. Please let me know how I can help make your job easier.
Thank you so much for your time and support.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Tracking Recommender Status
Use this checklist in Solyo Dashboard:
- [ ] Recommender 1: Name, email, invited date, submitted date
- [ ] Recommender 2: Name, email, invited date, submitted date
- [ ] Recommender 3: Name, email, invited date, submitted date
Key Deadlines
- September 1: Recommenders chosen and confirmed
- September 5: Invitations sent through portals
- September 10: Verify all recommenders received and can access portal
- October 15: Recommenders should have submitted most letters
- October 25: Final reminder for any late submissions
Pro Tips
- Meet recommenders before asking: Talk to teacher in person or after class, explain why you value their recommendation
- Provide a "brag sheet": Give recommenders a one-page summary of your achievements, colleges, intended major—makes their letter stronger
- School counselor is separate: Counselor recommendation usually required separately; invite them in mid-September