Updated: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Letters of recommendation, especially those submitted by your junior year teachers, are a key component of your college applications. However, a good recommendation letter doesn’t just come from any teacher. It’s crucial to build good relationships with your teachers so they get to know you well enough to write in detail about how you will be an asset to a specific college or program. Admissions committees place a high value on these letters because teachers can provide a candid, nuanced picture of your character, your work ethic, and your potential as a scholar.
Building these connections isn’t just about the end goal; it’s also about enriching your current educational experience. To help you develop these lasting impressions, the expert counselors at IvyWise have compiled the following strategies for success.
Foundational respect is the starting point for any professional relationship. Arrive to class on time, treat your peers with kindness, and remain alert and engaged during class. While it’s great to do all these things, showing enthusiasm is what will truly set you apart.
Taking copious notes shows the teacher that you value their expertise and recognize that what they are saying is important. This active listening keeps you focused and naturally sparks the questions and comments that make for a productive classroom discussion. Teachers find it rewarding to work with students who demonstrate a genuine interest in their subject matter.
While teachers may seem intimidating during class, most are friendly and eager to engage one-on-one with their students. If you have a question after a class discussion or assignment, ask your teacher about it after class or during office hours. This time is perfect for:
These interactions allow your teacher to see you beyond your classroom conduct and academic performance.
Teachers appreciate students who take ownership of their education. This begins with arriving prepared with all required assignments and extra work completed. Aim to go above and beyond the primary texts — conduct independent research and share those fresh perspectives with the class to raise the level of learning for everyone.
If you did poorly on an assignment, don’t just hide it in the back of your notebook or throw it in the trash. Take it back to your teacher and offer to redo the work — not just for a better grade, but for the sake of learning and mastering the material. Show the teacher you are eager to improve yourself academically.
Effective communication is a two-way street. Whether you are speaking in person or sending an email, maintain a professional tone. If you are struggling with a concept or facing external circumstances that might affect your performance, be proactive in telling your teacher. They cannot help you if they don’t know there is a problem. By keeping them in the loop, you demonstrate maturity and a high level of responsibility.
Set up extra meetings with your teachers and inform them about what you are doing both in and out of school. That way, they have more insight into your interests, strengths, weaknesses, achievements, and aspirations. Plus, your teachers could be knowledgeable about scholarships and academic programs — understanding your interests and goals will allow them to share their expertise with you and recommend you for relevant activities and honors.
Participation is more than just raising your hand; it is about contributing to the flow of the class discussion. Try to be a consistent contributor who helps move the conversation forward. When you engage with your classmates’ ideas respectfully, you show the teacher that you are a collaborative learner. This consistent presence makes you a memorable and positive influence in the classroom environment.
A little appreciation goes a long way. At the end of a semester or after a particularly helpful one-on-one session, a simple “thank you” can be very meaningful. If a teacher wrote you a letter of recommendation or helped you with a project, follow up later to let them know the outcome. Teachers invest a lot of emotional energy into their students and knowing that their efforts had a positive impact is the greatest reward they can receive.
After spending the school year building good relationships with your teachers, the time will come to ask them about writing recommendation letters on your behalf. Many colleges require two teacher recommendations, though you should be prepared to ask more than two of your teachers. Consider these suggestions.
It is important to carefully select teachers to write recommendation letters. Ask teachers who know you well — perhaps someone who has taught you over several years or who knows you in multiple capacities. Ideally, your recommenders should meet one or more of these criteria:
When it comes time to ask for a letter of recommendation, meet with and ask your teacher well in advance of when the letter is due. We encourage IvyWise students to ask their teachers before the end of junior year and then follow up at the beginning of senior year.
During the first meeting, give your teachers a copy of your activities list and examples of your completed assignments. The more information they have about you and the colleges to which you are applying, the greater the likelihood that they can personalize your letter to show why you are a great match. With all this information in hand, you will be able to ask if they would be willing to write you a letter.
Keep in mind that teachers are by no means required to write letters of recommendation and often get asked by several students. If a teacher appears reluctant to write you a letter, do not insist on it.
While recommendations from your teachers are an important factor of holistic admissions at most U.S. colleges, it’s crucial to ensure your entire academic and extracurricular profile is strong. At IvyWise, we work with students at any stage of their high school journey to help maximize their chances of being accepted to their best-fit colleges. If you’re looking for clarity and direction in the increasingly complex college admissions process, contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve your goals.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in February 2016 and has been updated for accuracy and completeness.
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