The Role of Recommendations in College Admissions

When it comes to college applications, grades and test scores get a lot of attention. But there’s one element that can truly set your teen apart: recommendation letters. These letters help admissions officers see your child as more than numbers on a transcript. They add depth and context to an application.

In this post, we break down counselor, teacher, additional, and peer recommendations, and provide actionable advice for parents.

Here's Why Recommendations Matter

Colleges receive thousands of applications each year. Many students have strong grades, test scores, and extracurriculars. Recommendations show who your teen is beyond the numbers.

🎓 They demonstrate your teen’s character and contributions
💡 They provide context about your teen’s personal growth
📄 They highlight unique experiences and achievements

Recommendations are especially important for selective schools, where every detail matters.

Counselor Recommendations

The counselor recommendation provides a broad overview of your teen’s high school experience.

🎓 Summary of academic journey (grades 9–12)
📄 School profile and context
💡 Personal growth, extracurricular involvement, leadership
🖥️ Any extenuating circumstances, such as the pandemic

Parent Tip:

Encourage your teen to meet with their counselor early and provide context using a brag sheet or summary of achievements. Early engagement ensures a strong, meaningful letter.

Teacher Recommendations

Teacher recommendations focus on academic performance and classroom experiences.

🎓 Academic engagement and achievements in specific courses
📄 Participation and contributions to class discussions
💡 Creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration
📌 Growth and resilience over time

Parent Tip:

Encourage your teen to ask teachers early in junior year. Provide a one-page summary of accomplishments and follow up with a thank-you note.

Additional Recommendations

Optional additional recommendations can come from coaches, employers, mentors, or alumni. These letters highlight character and personal qualities.

🎓 Coaches, mentors, or employers
💡 Leadership and personal growth
📄 Context not shown in other letters
📌 Unique perspectives that differentiate your teen

Parent Tip:

Only include additional letters that add meaningful insights. Too many letters can dilute the impact.

Peer Recommendations

Some schools require peer recommendations, usually smaller colleges or selective liberal arts schools.

🎓 Contributions to social and extracurricular communities
💡 Personality, integrity, and interpersonal skills
📄 Leadership in informal settings
📌 Authentic perspective outside formal authority

Parent Tip:

Choose a peer who knows your teen well and can provide a sincere, specific recommendation.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting too long to request letters
  
• Overloading applications with unnecessary recommendations
  
• Not providing context or summaries for recommenders
  
• Forgetting to say thank you
  
  

What Parents Can Do

📌 Review each school’s requirements
📌 Encourage early requests to teachers and counselors
📌 Help teens prepare brag sheets or summaries
📌 Track submissions and deadlines
📌 Reinforce gratitude for recommenders’ time

Remember...

Recommendations are windows into your teen’s character, growth, and potential. Parents can support this process without taking control by guiding, organizing, and ensuring early action.

Got Questions ???...

Book a complimentary Discovery Call with us to ensure your teen’s recommendations make the strongest possible impact.