College Search
Advanced Search Options

Search your needs below, and view information about the schools that meet those needs by clicking "Search."

Step 1: Select Subject Area(s)
Step 2: Select Program(s) that Interest You
Complete step 1 before selecting a program.
Step 3: Select Location
Complete steps 1 and 2 before selecting a location.
Step 4: Select Degree Level
0
Graduate Schools match your criteria
Search
Advanced Search Options

Use the criteria listed below to find colleges that are right for you. Click "Search" to view your results.

Step 1: Select Subject Area(s)
Step 2: Select Majors(s) that Interest You
Complete step 1 before selecting a major.
Step 3: Select Degree Level
0
Schools match your criteria
Search
feedback

The Letter of Recommendation in College Admissions

 

 

 

 

Most undergraduate applications require two or three letters of recommendation. These letters should come from former or current teachers, employers, or supervisors who are familiar with your work and performance.

Academic letter of recommendation

For academic applications, letters from teachers are generally preferable to letters from employers. Admission officers are looking to supplement their knowledge of your academic performance and aptitude — gleaned from your transcript and standardized scores — with concrete evidence that you are a dedicated and enthusiastic learner that will enhance the college culture.

Most schools nowadays recognize the value of a dynamic, diverse student body and are thus eager to fill their spots with candidates who have been actively engaged in both academic and extracurricular activities. Your college letter of recommendation should reflect not only your participation and performance in the classroom, but also your initiative (for instance, through research projects undertaken, through leadership in group activities, and through active contribution to classroom discussions).

Seeking letters of recommendation

When you seek a letter of recommendation, remember that you are asking for a favor. Make the process as convenient as possible for your letter writer by providing context, direction, and even stamps!

Most importantly, give your contact ample time with which to write it. A hastily written letter won't have the same impact as one that's reasoned and well thought out.

Other elements of the admissions process
Don't forget to work on the other aspects of the college admission process as well, such as sending transcripts, taking standardized tests, and scheduling a college interview (sometimes called an admission interview) at the schools you're interested in.

 

All Letters of Recommendation and College Interviews Info

Letter of Recommendation: Writing One Yourself

When requesting a letter of recommendation, don't be surprised if your instructor or supervisor hands the forms back to you and says, "Sure, why don't you go ahead...

Letter of Recommendation: How to Ask for It

Writing a college letter of recommendation requires considerable effort. Don't just blurt out a request to a supervisor or instructor you see walking down the hallway....


Letter of Recommendation: Writing One Yourself

When requesting a letter of recommendation, don't be surprised if your instructor or supervisor hands the forms back to you and says, "Sure, why don't you go ahead...

Ask the Experts: Letters of Recommendation and College Interviews

Read actual questions from students about letters of recommendation and college interviews and see answers and advice from college planning and admissions experts

How a College Interview is Like Presenting Your Own Letter of Recommendation

Although it is relatively rare that an admission interview is required, many colleges recommend that you take the opportunity to have a face-to-face discussion with...

Survey
Help us improve Petersons.com
Take our brief survey!
Share this Page
Featured Colleges
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California, or USC, is located in a neighborhood ...
San Diego State University
With some of the finest weather in the country and pastimes suited to that ...
University of California, Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley is one of the most revered and ...
Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs
Accounting: All businesses have Accounting professionals that keep them on ...