Who to ask
- Two junior-year core-subject teachers, ideally one humanities and one STEM.
- A teacher who saw you struggle and improve beats one who gave you an easy A.
- Your counselor writes a separate letter — meet them regardless.
When to ask
Ask in person at the end of junior year or the first two weeks of senior year, then follow up by email. Teachers cap how many letters they write, and the best ones fill up first.
What to hand them
- A one-page brag sheet: your college list, intended major, and three specific moments from their class.
- Deadlines listed earliest first, with the earliest highlighted.
- Your résumé, so they can reference context outside their classroom.
After the ask
- Waive your right to view the letter — unwaived letters carry less weight.
- Send a short reminder two weeks before the earliest deadline.
- Send a handwritten thank-you note, and tell them where you were admitted in the spring.