How to Ask your Teacher for Letter of Recommendations

How to Ask Your Teacher for a Letter of Recommendation: Everything You Need to Know

Which teacher should I ask for my letter of recommendation?

• A teacher who knows you well, especially your most recent self.
• Teacher who cares about you and your future
• Check each school’s specification for your letter of recommendation.

How to ask for a letter of recommendation

What is a FERPA waiver?

FERPA stands for The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. FERPA grants you the right to view all the information regarding your education. When you agree to a FERPA waiver in the “Recommenders and FERPA” section, you will not be able to view the recommendation letter.

Inviting your teacher to your application portal

1. When your school does not use Naviance

You should invite your teacher directly to your Common App portal. You can check if your teacher has uploaded their letter on the common app. ​

2. When your school uses Naviance

When your school uses Naviance, you will not be able to invite your teachers or your guidance counselor directly to your application portal. You must contact your teacher directly.

Where can I check specifications for letters of recommendation?

You can check on each school’s admissions’ webpage or use our tool. We have collected LOR specifications for top colleges in the US, including NYU, UCs, and more.

We know this isn’t the end.

Let’s get started on other application tasks with a step-by-step mobile guide.