How to Choose the Right Teachers for Your College Recommendation Letters

Teacher recommendations are one of the most personal parts of your college application. Grades and test scores show what you’ve achieved, but recommendation letters help colleges understand who you are in the classroom—as a learner, a contributor, and a person. Choosing the right teachers (and asking them at the right time) can make a real difference.

Here’s how high school students should think about selecting teachers for college recommendations.

Start Thinking About Recommenders by the End of Junior Year

While there’s no single “perfect” timeline, the tail end of junior year is an ideal time to begin outreach. By then, teachers have seen enough of your work to write meaningfully about you, and you’re still fresh in their minds before summer break.

Asking early also:

• Shows maturity and planning

• Gives teachers plenty of time (a big courtesy!)

• Reduces stress when senior year gets busy

This doesn’t mean you must ask before junior year ends—but if you can, it’s a smart move.

Choose Teachers Who Know You, Not Just Your Grade

A strong recommendation isn’t about having the “hardest” teacher or the most impressive class title. Colleges value insight and authenticity far more than prestige.

Ask yourself:

• Did this teacher see me participate, ask questions, or improve over time?

• Can they speak to my work ethic, curiosity, or leadership?

• Did I build a genuine connection with them?

A teacher who knows your story will always write a better letter than one who only remembers you as a name on a roster.

Aim for at Least One Junior-Year Teacher

While it’s not a strict rule, it’s generally a good idea to include at least one teacher from junior year. Junior year is often the most academically rigorous, and colleges see it as a strong indicator of how you’ll handle college-level work.

Senior-year teachers may not know you well enough early in the fall, and freshman or sophomore teachers may feel a bit too distant—so junior year hits the sweet spot.

Include a Core Academic Subject When Possible

Most colleges prefer (and sometimes require) recommendations from core academic subjects, such as:

• Math

• Science

• English

• History or social science

If possible, aim to have at least one recommender from a core subject. These teachers can speak directly to skills colleges care deeply about—critical thinking, writing, problem-solving, and intellectual engagement.

That said, if a non-core teacher (like an elective) knows you exceptionally well, they can still be a great additional recommender.

Balance Matters: Two Teachers, Two Perspectives

If you need two teacher recommendations, a strong combination is often:

• One junior-year teacher

• One teacher from a core academic subject

Sometimes those overlap—and that’s great. The goal is balance: different classes, different perspectives, one consistent message about who you are as a student.

Final Tip: Ask Politely—and Give Support

When you ask, do it respectfully and confidently. A simple, thoughtful request goes a long way. And once they say yes, help them help you by providing:

• Your résumé or activity list

• A short note about your goals or colleges

• Any deadlines and submission details

Teachers genuinely want to support their students—but preparation makes their job easier and your letter stronger.

Bottom Line

There’s no single formula for choosing recommenders, but thoughtful planning makes a big difference. Start early, choose teachers who know you well, include junior-year and core-subject perspectives when possible, and always ask with gratitude.