Do Letters of Recommendation Still Matter for College Admission?

It is getting to be that time of year again, when the cumulative actions of a student’s high school career will hopefully come back to reward them. In this case, teachers talking (or writing) behind the student’s back can actually be a great thing, especially if students have been mindful about being leaders in the classroom and fostering excellent relationships with faculty. As students are thinking about whom they will entrust to these letters, especially those applying to Texas flagships like UT and Texas A&M, some may ask themselves: do letters of recommendation (LOR’s) actually matter? What information do admission officers gain from reading them? Are they even read once submitted? Check out the current trends and how-to’s on this still important element of the college application process!

Do most colleges require letters of recommendation in 2026?

Despite the larger universities cutting down on LOR requirements, in general, most selective schools still require them. Certain universities such as UT Austin will accept LOR’s from adults outside of the student’s school in addition to teachers and counselors, so it is imperative to look at the specific requirements for each school. This is a great question to ask in an initial conversation with your admission officer (while demonstrating interest). For some schools, letters are required, for some, they are optional. Some require them from the student’s school counselor, and some do not require any at all. Fact checking is important here, and students may check out the Common Data Set, Field C7, to learn more. 

If a college indicates that they do not want letters of recommendation submitted, don’t bother submitting them anyway. At best, they won’t be read, and at worst, it will appear that you did not follow specific instructions. 

Which teachers should I ask for college recommendation letters?

Our general recommendation is that students with balanced college lists request LORS from two core subject teachers and their school counselor. Ideally, these will be history, English, math, social science or foreign language. Students should choose teachers with whom they have great relationships - especially those who have observed their growth, passion for learning, helpfulness, good character and soft skills. Occasionally, these can be 10th grade teachers, but appropriately, 11th grade teachers are the best to ask because the student’s performance is fresh in their mind. The counselor recommendation is of particular interest to admission officers as, in theory, the counselor has had a relationship with the student over several years and can provide valuable contest for the whole application. Their letter is usually paired with the school profile, which gives statistical data about courses offered, graduation rates, average test scores, etc. 

Many students ask whether or not they should ask a club advisor, work supervisor, or sports coach to write for them. My suggestion is to save these for other occasions such as scholarship or honors college recommendations, and stick to core subject teachers.

When do I ask for college recommendation letters?

The best time is before school lets out for the summer. Teachers will then have some time over the break to begin writing, as the most popular teachers will be asked by plenty of students come fall. I recommend asking the teacher in person (maybe along with their favorite candy bar or coffee), and then following up with an email and a resume’ or brag sheet attached. The teacher’s desk at the end of the year can be a danger zone, so trust me on the email attachment. Asking humbly and sincerely, with a tone of admiration and thanks is the best formula here. They are, after all, doing you a favor. Many teachers get a head start on these in the summer when they are, in theory, on break. Remember that. 

If your school has a particular format or brag sheet template that they prefer students to use, that’s great - use that one. If not, use a resume’ or this TEMPLATE to get started.

PRO TIP: Students might want to highlight different strengths on different brag sheets for different teachers. Ideally, each part of the application provides new information about the student. Small tweaks in the brag sheet can prompt teachers/counselors to highlight different accomplishments and character traits. 

Since these letters will be linked up to the common application or submitted directly to the university, students will almost never see these letters. Expect this and don’t ask. If they did not have something good to say about you, they would not have agreed to recommend you. Leave it there and don’t stress about it. 

When are these letters actually submitted?

LOR’s are submitted to colleges in the fall, and the official ‘recommender invite’ is a function of the common application and the school policy. I cannot stress this enough: When students return to school in the fall of their senior year, directions for inviting recommenders (and sending transcripts) will be given. LISTEN THE FIRST TIME. These directions are likely published on the website, provided in a senior meeting, given as a handout in the school counseling department, or all of these. Don’t be the student who asks for the 10th time. Follow the directions. Your counselor will thank you!

Do college recommendation letters matter?

In a word: Yes. If they are requested, they matter. Colleges can easily scan the numbers: GPA, test scores, transcripts and credits. They will even see your Common Application Activity List and scan that in mere moments. Letters of recommendation are a bit different, as is your main essay or personal statement. They provide context, allow admissions officers a glimpse into what makes you special, and provide clarification on the non-quantifiable qualities such as grit, citizenship and where the student fits in within the classroom and school community. Special challenges can be explained here; misconceptions can be clarified.

So as you ask your teachers to do that ‘little extra’ for you before leaving for the summer, students, express gratitude for the letter you will likely never see. For most teachers, this is a labor of love. Remember that, and best luck!

Letter of Recommendation Checklist for Students:

• Ask 2 core subject teachers (junior year preferred)

• Ask before summer

• Provide a resume or brag sheet

• Follow school-specific instructions

• Do not submit if not requested

Frequently asked questions:

Q: Do most colleges require letters of recommendation (LORs)?

Most selective schools still require LORs, although larger universities are cutting down on requirements. Some are optional, and some only require them from a school counselor. Check specific requirements.

Q: Which teachers should I ask to write a letter for me?

We suggest two core subject teachers (ideally 11th-grade teachers) and your school counselor. Club advisors, work supervisors, or coaches should generally be saved for scholarship or honors college recommendations.

Q: When is the best time to ask a teacher for an LOR?

The best time to ask is before school lets out for the summer. Ask the teacher in person, then follow up with an email that includes a resume or brag sheet.

Q: Do teacher recommendations actually matter?

Yes, if they are requested, they matter. They clarify non-quantifiable qualities such as grit, citizenship, and a student's fit within the school community, and can also be used to explain special challenges or clarify misconceptions.

“We work with students from Westlake, LASA, Westwood, Lake Travis and others on navigating competitive majors like computer science, business, and engineering. For additional guidance about this and other portions of the college application process, don’t hesitate to reach out! Schedule your DISCOVERY CALL today!