Tell about when and how to ask the letters for International Students

Recommendation letters are a key part of your college application. They help admissions officers understand who you are beyond your grades and test scores. For international students attending high school in the U.S., navigating when and how to ask for recommendation letters can feel overwhelming. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about requesting recommendations.

1. When Should You Start Preparing?

Spring of 11th Grade (March–June):
Begin identifying which teachers know you best. Focus on building strong classroom relationships by participating actively and showing genuine interest in the subject. Teachers who’ve seen your academic growth and personal character are best for the most compelling letters.

Summer Break (June–August):
This is the ideal time to ask for recommendation letters before teachers get too busy. Let them know ahead of time that you intend to have them right the letter. Giving them a head start shows respect and gives them time to craft a thoughtful response. Remember, the submission for the recommendations do not open up until applications open.

Fall of 12th Grade (August–October):
Most recommendation letters are finalized during this time. Make sure everything is submitted before your first application deadlines—especially Early Action or Early Decision, which typically fall on November 1.

2. How Should You Ask for a Recommendation Letter?

① In-Person Request (Best Option):
Approach your teacher politely after class or during office hours.

You can say:

“Hi [Teacher’s Name], I’m preparing my college applications and would be honored if you’d write me a recommendation letter. Would you feel comfortable doing that?”

② Email Request (If In-Person Isn’t Possible):
Include:

• A warm greeting and a thank you
• A short reminder of who you are and how you’ve contributed to the class
• A list of colleges and their deadlines
• A brag sheet (optional) with your academic achievements, extracurriculars, and goals

3. Who Should You Ask?

Most colleges require three letters of recommendation:

2 Subject Teachers:

• Ideally from your 11th-grade core classes (English, Math, Science, History, or a Foreign Language)
• Choose at least one teacher related to your intended major
  • STEM majors: Math or science teacher
  • Humanities majors: English or history teacher
• Aim to show balance—one teacher may focus on your academics, while the other highlights your personal strengths or work ethic.

1 School Counselor:

• You don’t need to ask; your counselor will automatically write a letter.
• Be proactive: share your activity list and a draft of your personal statement to help them write a stronger, more personalized letter.

4. How Are Letters Submitted?

Most U.S. colleges use the Common Application, which allows teachers and counselors to upload letters directly.

• Once you add a recommender in the system, they receive a unique link via email to submit their letter.
• Submission deadlines usually match your application deadlines.
• For Early Action/Early Decision, letters should be submitted at least 1–2 weeks early, if possible.

💡 Tip: Strong letters come from strong relationships. Make the effort to connect with teachers and counselors so they can speak honestly and specifically about you.

5. Can a Former Teacher Write a Letter?

Yes! What matters is how well the teacher knew you, not whether they’re still on staff.

Here’s how to make it work:

• Get their personal email before they leave (school emails may be deactivated)
• Register them as an “Other Recommender” on the Common App or through systems like Naviance/Scoir
• Contact them early—either before they leave or soon after
• Inform your counselor so they can support and verify the process if needed

Final Thoughts

Starting early and asking the right people makes all the difference. Don’t wait until senior year stress kicks in—build relationships in your 11th-grade classes, and take initiative during the summer. A well-written recommendation from a teacher who truly knows you can elevate your college application and help admissions committees see the real you.