Choosing a Recommender

The strongest college recommendation letters typically come from teachers who can speak meaningfully about your academic abilities, growth, and character. A teacher who had you in a challenging course where you demonstrated perseverance and intellectual curiosity can provide valuable insights about your academic potential. They can specifically describe how you handled rigorous coursework, participated in class discussions, and approached complex problems.

A teacher who taught you multiple years offers a unique perspective on your development over time. They can detail your consistent work ethic, highlight your growth as a student, and provide concrete examples of your achievements across different courses. This longitudinal view can be particularly compelling to admissions officers who want to understand your trajectory as a learner.

When choosing between these options, consider which teacher knows you better and can provide specific examples of your abilities and character. The best recommender is someone who can enthusiastically speak to your strengths, describe your contributions to the classroom, and explain what makes you stand out. If the teacher from your challenging course can speak in detail about your intellectual curiosity and determination, they might be the stronger choice. However, if the teacher who taught you multiple years can better articulate your growth and achievements, their perspective could be more valuable.

Consider approaching the teacher who can best address qualities colleges value: intellectual engagement, leadership, resilience, and character. The ideal recommender should be able to share specific anecdotes about times you demonstrated these traits in their classroom. Remember to provide your chosen recommender with your resume, activity list, and any specific details you'd like them to highlight in their letter.