Overview
Teachers and counselors who wrote recommendations deserve a special thank-you with your news about college decisions. Close the loop professionally.
What to Share
- Which schools admitted you
- Where you're committing
- Financial aid if you want to share (optional)
- Any scholarships won
- Gratitude for their help
How to Share
In-Person
Best option:
- Catch them between classes
- During office hours
- After school
- Graduation
Email
Acceptable:
- Subject: "Thank you - college decision update - [Your name]"
- Concise but personal
- Share decision with context
Handwritten Note
- Most memorable
- Small but intentional
- Can accompany in-person visit
Template Email
Dear [Teacher / Counselor Name],
Thank you so much for writing my recommendation letter for college. Your support meant more to me than I can fully express.
I'm excited to share that I've decided to attend [Committed School] in the fall. I'll be studying [Major], and I'm especially looking forward to [specific opportunity at school that connects to what they taught you].
[Optional: brief mention of other admissions, scholarships, or waitlists]
Thank you for helping me get here. I'm proud to carry your teaching into my next chapter.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Class of 2026
Template Note
Dear [Teacher / Counselor Name],
I'll be attending [School Name] in the fall! Thank you for your recommendation letter and for years of [teaching / guidance / mentorship].
[Specific memory or moment from your time together]
I'm grateful.
[Your name]
May 2026
What If You Were Denied at Schools You Applied to with Their Rec
- Still thank them for their effort
- They wrote on your behalf; the outcome isn't their fault
- Applications are a data-intensive, competitive process
- Their letter still mattered
Sharing Outcomes
Decide on your comfort level:
- Share all admissions and rejections
- Share only admissions
- Share only committed school
- Share scholarships if significant
If Teacher/Counselor Asks About Applications
Be honest:
- "I got into X, Y, and Z"
- "I was waitlisted at A"
- "I was denied at B"
- "I've decided on X because..."
What to Avoid
- Name-dropping schools for status
- Discussing rejections in detail (unless asked)
- Complaining about outcomes
- Blaming the recommender for rejections
Long-Term Relationships
These teachers and counselors:
- Know your growth over multiple years
- Can be lifelong mentors
- May write graduate school recommendations
- Care about your future success
Keep contact info and stay in touch.
Reciprocating
Consider:
- Offering to speak to next year's seniors about the process
- Helping underclassmen with essays
- Returning to school for visits
- Contributing to scholarship funds eventually
Parent Thanks
Consider if parents want to:
- Send their own thank-you notes
- Attend a counselor appreciation event
- Donate to the school in gratitude
- Write a positive review or testimonial
Last Opportunity
Before graduation is the natural closing of your relationship with these adults in this context. A thoughtful thank-you:
- Leaves them feeling valued
- Models gratitude
- Strengthens your professional network
- Keeps the door open for future engagement
The Long Game
You'll return to these people throughout your life for:
- References
- Career advice
- Graduate school letters
- Networking
- Friendship
Investing in the relationship now pays dividends for decades.