Apr 4 (edited) • 🎓 Strategy Posts
1️⃣📮Rec. Letters 101: What They Are & Why They Matter
“Who should I ask for my recommendation letters?”
“My school doesn’t have a counselor—what do I do?”
“I’ve only had this teacher for one year!”
If you’ve had any of these thoughts, you’re not alone. Let’s break down exactly what recommendation letters are, how they’re used in US applications, and what makes one truly stand out 💡
🔍 What Are Rec Letters & Why Do They Matter?
Recommendation letters help colleges understand who you are beyond grades—your character, work ethic, and how you show up in a classroom. They’re one of the only parts of your application that comes from someone else’s perspective, which makes them incredibly valuable.
A strong rec letter should:
✔️ Provide specific, firsthand insight into your academic or personal qualities
✔️ Confirm the story your application tells—especially your intended major, interests, or values
✔️ Show your potential as a college student, classmate, and community member
🧠 Think of them as external “proof” of what you claim in your essays and activities list.
🏫 Who Do You Need Letters From?
Most US colleges ask for:
1️⃣ Two academic teachers (ideally from Grade 11)
2️⃣ One counselor or school leader
3️⃣ (Optional) One mentor/employer/coach, only if they add a new perspective
💡 Best combo: One STEM teacher + one humanities teacher (shows well-roundedness)
✅ Focus on teachers who know you well—not just the ones with the highest titles!
📌 No official counselor? Don’t worry. You can list a school leader, homeroom teacher, or administrator in the Common App counselor section. (We’ll show you how in the next post.)
💥 What Makes a Rec Letter Powerful?
💡 Hint: Not all recs are created equal. The best ones are:
✔️ Specific – “She led our Model UN team to nationals and demonstrated xyz qualities” > “She’s a great leader”
✔️ Personal – Shows how you think, grow, lead, or contribute in class
✔️ Aligned – Matches your intended major or application theme
✔️ Authentic – Shows your character, not just academic skills
📌 A weak rec letter is often vague, overly general, or written by someone who doesn’t know you well. Choose wisely and support your recommenders with context!
💭 Coming Up Next: Who to ask, how to ask, and how to get the strongest letters possible (even if your teachers don’t know what to write!)
What’s one teacher or mentor who has really seen you grow—academically or personally? Drop their subject or name below👇
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1️⃣📮Rec. Letters 101: What They Are & Why They Matter
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