Advice for Letters of Recommendation: A Guide for Junior and Seniors

Letters of recommendation can be a powerful part of your college application, offering admissions committees a deeper view of who you are as a student and person. As a junior preparing for next year or a senior navigating the final stages of your application, understanding how to manage the recommendation process is essential. For students applying to competitive programs, such as BS/MD tracks, these letters can carry significant weight.

This guide breaks down exactly what you need to know, whether you’re starting the process early as a junior or tying up loose ends as a senior.

For Juniors: Planning Ahead

Junior year is the ideal time to start thinking about college recommendation letters. Building strong relationships with teachers and mentors early on can lead to impactful recommendations when it’s time to apply.

From selecting teachers who can speak to both your academic abilities and character, to developing genuine connections that highlight your unique qualities, planning now will set you up for success. Taking these steps before summer break ensures you’re on their list and that each recommendation supports a standout application.

1. Identify the Right Recommenders Early

Junior year is the perfect time to start thinking about who will write your letters. Here’s who to consider:

• Junior Year Teachers: These are ideal because they’ve seen you grow over the course of an important academic year. Choose teachers who can speak to both your academic abilities and your character.
• STEM or Humanities? If you’re applying to a BS/MD program, you’ll want at least one letter from a STEM teacher. For general applications, a mix of STEM and humanities can provide a balanced perspective.

Outside Recommenders: Think about mentors, club advisors, or coaches who know you well. Avoid asking professionals (like doctors) who don’t have a deep personal connection—they often provide generic letters. Instead, go for someone who has truly mentored you.

2. Build Relationships Now

Asking for a recommendation isn’t something you want to rush. Focus on building genuine relationships with your teachers and mentors. Participate actively in class, engage in discussions, and seek feedback. That way, by the time you ask for a letter, the teacher has a solid understanding of your strengths and moments to highlight your defining characteristics.

3. Ask Before Summer Break

You will want to ask teachers for a letter before the end of junior year. This gives them ample time to write a thoughtful letter over the summer. Plus, some teachers have a limited number of recommendations they can write, so asking early ensures you’re on their list.

During the summer months, teachers are busy planning ahead for the next school year. Be sure to follow up with all of your requests in the fall of your senior year, communicating important upcoming deadlines.

For Seniors: Managing the Process

As a senior, managing recommendation letters becomes about refining your choices and guiding your recommenders effectively. By now, you should have a clear idea of who to ask, with a focus on quality over quantity to ensure each letter adds a distinct perspective.

Providing context, clear deadlines, and necessary tools will help them craft meaningful recommendations. With thoughtful planning, you can ensure each letter contributes to a well-rounded, compelling application.

1. Provide Clear Guidance to Recommenders

Once you’ve asked, be sure to:

• Share your resume and activities: This helps jog their memory and ensures they highlight your most important achievements.
• Give context about the schools you’re applying to: If you’re applying to highly selective programs, make sure your recommenders understand the level of competitiveness.

Remind them of deadlines: Be sure to give your recommenders plenty of time to write and submit their letters. For BS/MD programs, which have early deadlines, plan ahead to avoid any last-minute issues.

2. Use Application Portals Effectively

Most schools use systems like Naviance or Scoir to manage recommendation letters. Make sure you know how to invite your recommenders through the portal, and follow up to ensure everything is properly uploaded. Ensure you know how long the process takes and how far in advance you may need to submit. This may seem like a simple step, but it becomes crucial that no surprises with the systems interrupt your submission process.

3. Think Quality Over Quantity

Submitting more recommendation letters doesn’t mean a stronger application. Limit yourself to 3-4 at most, ensuring that each one brings something unique. By following the guidance above for selecting recommenders, you introduce unique and genuine perspectives that display your true character. The goal is for each letter to highlight a different aspect of who you are—whether it’s leadership, creativity, academic excellence, or personal growth.

Conclusion: A Thoughtful Approach to Recommendations

Letters of recommendation can make a powerful impact on your application. Planning ahead, nurturing connections, choosing recommenders carefully, and staying mindful of deadlines can help ensure each letter adds depth to your application. Remember to follow up with a thank-you note to show your appreciation—it strengthens relationships and reflects your professionalism. Whether you’re a junior preparing or a senior finalizing, these strategies will help you make the most of every letter.  

For even more insights, don’t miss our latest White Coat Club Podcast episode, “Letters of Recommendation,” where we explore top strategies to make your application shine. These biweekly episodes give students just like you a chance to hear from former admissions staff, current BS/MD students, and successful applicants to prepare you for success in your BS/MD journey.