harvard application letters of recommendation

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Application Requirements

We look forward to learning about you through your application.

Here you'll find a detailed explanation of each admission application requirement. Most of the information here applies to both first-year and transfer applicants, and requirements are the same for domestic and international applicants.  

Don't forget to reference our Application Tips for guidance on filling out the Common Application.

Application

We accept the Common Application  and the Coalition Application by Scoir . Both are treated equally by the Admissions Committee. Complete and submit your materials as soon as possible to ensure full and timely consideration of your application. Your portions of the application are due by the application deadlines (November 1 for Restrictive Early Action and January 1 for Regular Decision); high school counselors are given an additional week to submit materials on your behalf. 

If you use the Common Application , you must submit your application before your supporting materials (Secondary School Report, Teacher Recommendations, etc.) can be released to a college. Until you submit your own application sections, no part of your application will be transmitted to the Harvard Admissions Office.

If you use the Coalition Application , remember you must submit the separate Harvard supplement in addition to the application by the application deadline for your application to be considered complete. 

Submitting Your Application

Receiving confirmation of your application.

After you submit your application, we will send an email confirmation with a PIN to access the Applicant Portal. We begin sending these daily application confirmation emails in mid-September each year. Most applicant receive their confirmation email the day after they submit their application online. Applications sent in the mail will take up to two weeks to process.

If you have not received your confirmation email, please check your spam/junk folder for messages from [email protected] or [email protected]. 

If have searched your inbox and still cannot find your confirmation email, we encourage you to check the application system you used and ensure you clicked "Submit" and not just "Save".

If you still cannot locate your application confirmation email, please contact us . Choose the category “Admissions” and then the subject “Applicant Questions (if you've already submitted your application)” in the drop-down menu, or call 617-495-1551.

Paying the application fee or requesting a fee waiver

You may pay your application fee online with a credit card via the Common Application or Coalition Application, Powered by Scoir websites.

You may also send a check or money order to Harvard College Admissions, 86 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 02138. Please include the applicant’s name with the payment.

Fee waivers: We are committed to making the application process accessible for all students. If the admissions application fee presents a hardship for you or your family and you plan on applying for financial aid, the fee will be waived. Please follow these instructions to request your fee waiver . Requesting a fee waiver will not disadvantage your application in any way.

Completing the Harvard supplement questions

Complete the Harvard Questions with the Common Application or Coalition Application, Powered by Scoir*. This includes the following five required short-answer questions, each with a 150 word limit. 

• Harvard has long recognized the importance of enrolling a diverse student body. How will the life experiences that shape who you are today enable you to contribute to Harvard?
• Describe a time when you strongly disagreed with someone about an idea or issue. How did you communicate or engage with this person? What did you learn from this experience? 
• Briefly describe any of your extracurricular activities, employment experience, travel, or family responsibilities that have shaped who you are.
• How do you hope to use your Harvard education in the future?
• Top 3 things your roommates might like to know about you. 

*Please note that the Harvard supplement is separate for the Coalition Application, so you must submit both the application AND supplement for your application to be considered complete. 

Additional application questions

What if i am homeschooled.

Each applicant to Harvard College is considered with great care and homeschooled applicants are treated the same as all other applicants. There is no special process, but all relevant information about your educational and personal background is welcome. In addition to the application, all applicants are required to submit a transcript (which can be created by the family member or agency overseeing your schooling), and recommendations. If the application fee presents a hardship for your family,  simply request a fee waiver .

Hear from Harvard students who were homeschooled, in the Harvard Gazette article ‘ Homeschooled en route to Harvard .’

What if I need to make updates to my application after I submit it?

Do not resend your application in order to make updates. If you need to update your identification or contact information, or send updates, additional information, or corrections, please do so via the  Applicant Portal .

Misrepresentation of Credentials

Be completely accurate in your application materials. If we discover a misrepresentation during the admissions process, you will be denied admission. If you have already been admitted, your offer will typically be withdrawn. If you have already registered, your admission will normally be revoked, and we will require you to leave the College. Harvard rescinds degrees if misrepresentations in application materials are discovered.

The determination that an application is inaccurate or contains misrepresentations rests solely with the Admissions Office and will be resolved outside the student disciplinary process.

School Reports and Teacher Recommendations

Secondary school report.

The secondary school report is a required form that is submitted by your school counselor or another school leader. This form gives an overview of the student's academic record. It includes the applicant's academic transcript(s), a letter of recommendation, and a school profile (if available). If a counselor is unable to submit a letter of recommendation for the applicant, another teacher or school leader may submit an additional recommendation letter. 

Midyear School Report

When you apply, your school counselor will often send your transcript with few or no senior year course grades included. That is why the midyear school report is required - to allow us to review your performance in the first half of your senior year coursework .  The midyear school report must be completed by your school counselor or other school official. Please request that the midyear school report is completed and returned to our office as soon as possible. 

Midyear School Report FAQs

What if i'm applying restrictive early action and i don't have my midyear grades yet.

Restrictive Early Action applicants are not required to submit the midyear report by the November 1 deadline. If you applied Restrictive Early Action and are deferred to Regular Decision, please submit the midyear report and transcript in February, or as soon as your midyear grades are available.

I'm an international student and my academic year is different. Do I still need to submit the midyear report?

If you study the IB curriculum or the A-level curriculum, then we expect that your school will send predicted grades, based on your current classroom work and the results of any internal or mock exams you have taken up to that point. If your school does not issue official or predicted midyear grades for your final year of school, then you do not need to submit the midyear report form, although the item may remain on your checklist.

What if I have already graduated from high school?

If you have already graduated from high school, you should ignore the midyear report requirement (though the item may remain on your Checklist in the Applicant Portal) and simply ask your school to send a final school report if you have not already done so.

Teacher Evaluations

Ask two teachers in different academic subjects who know you well to complete the Teacher Recommendation forms (which includes an evaluation form and a letter of recommendation). If you wish to submit additional letters of recommendation, you can do so after you submit your application. In your application confirmation email, there will be a personalized link to send to your recommenders.

What courses should I take to prepare for applying to Harvard?

There is no “one size fits all” rule about which curriculum to study during secondary school years. Students should challenge themselves by taking courses deemed appropriate by their teachers and counselors. But some students believe that “more is always better” when it comes to AP, IB or other advanced courses.

While some students prosper academically and personally by taking large numbers of such courses, others benefit from a more balanced approach that allows them additional time for extracurricular and personal development. Even the best students can be negatively affected by taking too many courses at once, and might benefit instead from writing, reading or research projects on subjects of great interest to them.

To learn more, read our Guide to Preparing for College. To avoid the “burnout” often seen among secondary school students, please refer to our article, Time Out or Burn Out for the Next Generation .

Is there a specific math requirement?

Applicants to Harvard should excel in a challenging high school math sequence corresponding to their educational interests and aspirations. We recommend that applicants take four years of math courses in high school. Ideally, these math courses will focus on conceptual understanding, promote higher-order thinking, and encourage students to use mathematical reasoning to critically examine the world. Examples include rigorous and relevant courses in computer science, statistics and its subfields, mathematical modeling, calculus, and other advanced math subjects.

Students’ math records are viewed holistically, and no specific course is required. Specifically, calculus is not a requirement for admission to Harvard. We understand that applicants do not have the same opportunities and course offerings in their high schools. Moreover, many programs of study at Harvard do not require knowledge of calculus. We encourage applicants to take the courses that are available to them and aligned with their interests and goals.

Students intending to study engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, statistics or other fields where calculus is needed may benefit from taking calculus in high school. However, students at Harvard can still pursue such fields by starting with one of our introductory calculus classes that has no high school calculus prerequisite. On balance, we encourage all students to master foundational mathematical material instead of rushing through any of the more advanced courses.

Final School Report and Transcripts

All admitted students who choose to enroll are required to send a Final School Report and transcript as soon as their final grades become available – no later than July 1 . The Final School Report and transcript should be completed and sent by a school counselor or other school official through:

• Naviance Network
• Common Application
• Coalition/Scoir Application

IB students should send their final results as soon as they are released in mid-July. We will expect to see final A levels results by mid-August. We are unable to accept a transcript as an email attachment.

Standardized Test Scores

Harvard College will require the submission of standardized test scores from applicants for admission as part of the comprehensive application process that takes a whole-student approach.

The College will accept the SAT or ACT to meet the standardized testing requirement. In exceptional cases when those tests are not accessible, one of the following can meet the requirement:   

• AP exam results
• IB Actual or Predicted Scores   
• GCSE/A-Level Actual or Predicted Results   
• National Leaving Exams Results or Predictions

Standardized Testing FAQs

Can i self-report my test scores.

Yes. Applicants may provide self-reported SAT and ACT test scores (including Subject Tests, Advanced Placement, IB, etc.). Admitted students who decide to enroll at Harvard College will be required to submit official test scores.

How do I send my test scores?

You are free to use the College Board Score Choice option or the similar option offered by the ACT. Our official codes are 3434 for the College Board SAT Reasoning Tests and 1840 for the ACT if you are submitting official test scores as part of your application.

• How to send your SAT scores
• How to send your ACT scores

Are there test score "cutoffs"?

There are no score cutoffs, and we do not admit “by the numbers.” For the ACT, we will evaluate your highest composite score and any other scores you choose to share with us. We take into account your educational background when reviewing your scores.

How should I prepare for standardized tests?

Our admissions committee understands that opportunities to prepare for standardized tests vary greatly for students of different socioeconomic backgrounds. You may find it helpful to utilize free-test prep from Khan Academy or join a free SAT bootcamp on Schoolhouse.world . The ACT provides sample tests to practice.  Such free programs could help students from under-resourced schools by providing the academic tools that will serve them well on standardized tests and also in college. Students can also do well by studying widely and deeply  on their own with the help of family, school, or community organizations.

What do standardized tests and grades indicate about academic preparation for college?

SAT and ACT tests are better predictors of Harvard grades than high school grades. However, admission officers understand that not all students attend well-resourced schools throughout their lives, and that those who come from modest economic backgrounds or first-generation college families may have had fewer opportunities to prepare for standardized tests.

High school grades in a rigorous academic program can also be helpful in assessing readiness for college courses, but the thousands of secondary schools around the country and the world employ various high school curricula and a wide range of grading systems - and some have no grades at all. Other students have been homeschooled or prepared for college by taking part in multiple schooling opportunities both in person and electronic.

Given the wide variation in how students prepare for Harvard – as well as the fact that most applicants and admitted students have outstanding academic records – it is difficult for high school grades to differentiate individual applications. That does not mean that high school grades are unimportant. Students who come to Harvard have done well day to day in their high school studies, providing a crucial foundation for academic success in college, including a 97% - 98% graduation rate.

Each application to Harvard is read with great care, keeping in mind that talent is everywhere, but opportunity and access are not.

How will Harvard evaluate the new digital SAT?

The College Board's shift to a digital delivery of the SAT will not impact the way in which Harvard reviews test scores within applications. Please  visit the College Board FAQs  for more information.  

Supplemental Materials

Our standard application materials typically give us ample information for making admission decisions. However, we recognize you may have truly exceptional talents or achievements you wish to share, and we want you to have every opportunity to best represent yourself.

At the discretion of the Admissions Committee, supplementary materials—such as music recordings, artwork, or selected samples of academic work—may be evaluated by faculty. These materials are entirely optional.

Material Types

How to submit documents and articles.

Scholarly articles, research, creative writing or other documents of which you are the primary author should be submitted in the Upload Materials section of the Applicant Portal . This is the most efficient and direct method of submitting these materials, because they will be added directly to your official application. All submissions should include a list of any individuals with whom you collaborated in the production of the work. If appropriate, please identify your research sponsor, mentor, and/or laboratory or research group leader and provide a short description of your particular contribution to the work.

How to submit media (video, audio, or images)

You may submit optional supplementary media materials (e.g. videos, audio recordings, or images) electronically via Slideroom . Details for submissions in art, dance or choreography, musical performance or composition, will be found on the Slideroom website. There is a small submission fee, but if this fee causes you economic hardship, you may request a fee waiver at the point of submission. You may also contact us to request a fee waiver.

If you encounter technical difficulties on Slideroom, you may submit a document via your portal with YouTube video links. Our team may follow up to request a Slideroom submission at a later time. 

Should I submit other academic materials?

Harvard accepts other standardized tests or other academic credentials if you choose to submit them. In any admissions process, additional information can be helpful. For example, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, A-levels, national leaving examinations, national or international contests, early high school assessment scores such as the PSAT or pre-ACT, or courses taken outside your school during the school year or summer are just some examples of information that could be submitted. Subject Tests and the essay portion of the SAT have been terminated, except in certain special circumstances. Harvard admission officers review all materials that an applicant submits, so if you’ve already taken Subject Tests or the essay portion of the SAT, you may still submit them along with your other application materials.

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Not sure how to fill out the admissions application to Harvard? Here are some helpful tips from our admissions committee.

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Here's everything you need to know about applying to Harvard College as a first-year applicant.

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Recommendation Letters

Recommendation letters are a critical element of every application. They validate the claims you've made as an applicant, providing specific examples and details of your academic accomplishments, personal endeavors, and character. Selection committees rely on them to impartially evaluate your performance and potential to be successful in the opportunity you are pursuing. Good letter-writers are those who know you well enough to provide these assessments with enthusiasm and authenticity.

Academic letters are typically written by faculty, lecturers, or faculty research advisors who have overseen your work in courses, research settings, or other academic contexts. These letters generally address how you performed, your potential for future success in the field, and any other attributes that make you qualified for the particular award. Post-doctoral associates/fellows and graduate students may also have insight into your performance if they've worked with you in a course or project. However, depending on the fellowship or research opportunity, they do not usually make suitable academic letter-writers. It is important that you check the criteria of the award and/or check-in with administrators who manage the award to see whether letters from non-faculty members would be appropriate for that opportunity.

Some students, especially those in their early college years, have not yet had the opportunity to directly interact with faculty – perhaps you have had more direct interaction with Teaching Fellows ("TFs"). In these cases, you might consider asking the faculty course leader or head of a research group to work together with your TF to generate a co-signed letter. Keep in mind, though, that coordinating co-signed letters takes more time than usual, so plan ahead. Peers (other college students or recent alumni in student organizations), on the other hand,  are not suitable letter writers. If you're applying for a non-academic opportunity, or one that is specifically interested in learning about the applicant's personal attributes (character, leadership potential, commitment to service, etc.), then you might consider asking for a letter of recommendation from a College staff member or organization supervisor, coach, faculty who may be familiar with your work outside of the classroom, work supervisor, or Resident Dean or other House staff.

Letters from high school teachers or your high school years: Soliciting letters from high school teachers is not usually acceptable for fellowship and research opportunities at the college level. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If you've engaged in research as a high school student and are applying to a competitive research fellowship that funds independent study (e.g. Herchel Smith Harvard Summer Science Fellowship ) as a first-year student, it may be acceptable to provide a letter from that experience, but only if the writer can provide strong evidence that you are qualified to pursue an independent research project.

Navigating Recommendations

Letters of recommendation are a critical part of academic and professional development. If you need a letter from a faculty member, research advisor, or other Harvard community member, do not be afraid to ask if they'd be willing to provide you a strong recommendation letter (even if the deadline is still years away, for instance, a medical school/graduate school application).

Help them help you.

• Ask for recommendation letters in advance of the deadline—at least 3-4 weeks' notice is typical. Usually, letters of recommendation are due at the  same time as your own materials! Please take note of this.
• Remind the recommender how they know you, if they have not heard from you in a while. If being in their course was significant to your development or trajectory, let them know! You might also consider re-sending a copy of a paper or project you wrote for their class, to remind them of your good work.
• Give your recommenders specific instructions – this includes how, where, and when to submit the recommendation letter and any guidance from the selection committee on specific topics recommenders should be addressing. If you'd like the recommender to highlight events, skills, or experiences that speak to your qualifications for the opportunity, tell them so. Invite their questions about your materials and the application process, and check-in with them frequently as the deadline approaches.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for multiple letters. Recommenders who have agreed to support your application for one opportunity may also be willing to recommend you for another. If you are considering asking for multiple letters, you'll need to provide specific information about each opportunity, so that your recommender knows how to tailor their letter to best complement your application. (Remember, give plenty of notice—just because they have written for you before doesn't mean they can write a new letter overnight!) Check in frequently to see if they have any questions or concerns or need more information from you.

Give thanks and provide updates.

Regardless of the outcome of your application, be sure that you let your recommenders know you appreciate the effort and time they put toward the recommendation and update them on the outcome of your joint efforts. Even after the experience is long over, do your best to check-in with those recommenders; keeping them engaged with your trajectory is the best way to keep them engaged as your advocate and mentor.

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Harvard Recommendation Letters Guide

• March 20, 2024

At Harvard University, letters of recommendation hold significant weight in the admission process. They provide insights into your character, achievements, and potential contributions to the university’s community. It is essential to understand the recommended format and guidelines for writing compelling letters that will capture the attention of the admissions committee.

In this guide, we will cover everything from how to request recommendation letters to what makes a strong letter and how to showcase diversity in your recommendations. We will also delve into crafting personal statements that align with Harvard’s values and cultivating relationships with your recommenders. Lastly, we’ll discuss the process of submitting and tracking your recommendation letters, ensuring they reach the admissions office on time.

By following our guidance, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the Harvard University admission process with confidence, armed with powerful recommendation letters that highlight your unique strengths and accomplishments.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the importance of letters of recommendation in the Harvard admission process
• Requesting letters of recommendation professionally and effectively
• Tips for crafting strong letters of recommendation
• Aligning personal statements with Harvard University’s expectations
• Building strong relationships with your recommenders

Understanding the Importance of Letters of Recommendation

When it comes to your Harvard University application, letters of recommendation hold significant weight. These letters provide valuable insight into your character, achievements, and potential, helping the admissions committee get a holistic understanding of who you are. Understanding the importance of these recommendations is crucial for maximizing your chances of acceptance.

But what exactly should you know about letters of recommendation for Harvard? Let’s dive into the recommended format and guidelines for writing these compelling recommendations that capture the attention of the admissions committee.

“Letters of recommendation are windows into your abilities, accomplishments, and character. They provide an outside perspective on your qualifications, giving the admissions committee a deeper understanding of your potential.”

When crafting your letters of recommendation, it’s essential to follow the recommended format. This ensures that your recommendations are well-structured, concise, and easy for the admissions committee to review. While there may be variations in specific requirements, a typical format for a strong letter of recommendation includes the following sections:

• Introduction: Start with a brief introduction, stating your relationship with the applicant and how long you have known them.
• Context: Provide context by mentioning your position, experience, and qualifications that make you a credible recommender.
• Qualities and Skills: Highlight the applicant’s unique qualities, skills, and strengths that are relevant to their Harvard application. Be specific and provide examples to support your claims.
• Accomplishments: Discuss the applicant’s notable accomplishments and contributions, showcasing their impact and potential for success at Harvard.
• Conclusion: End the letter with a strong conclusion, reiterating your recommendation and expressing your confidence in the applicant’s abilities.

By following this format and incorporating specific guidelines for writing letters of recommendation , you can create compelling and convincing recommendations that strengthen your Harvard application. The following guidelines can further enhance the impact of your recommendations:

• Be specific: Provide concrete examples and anecdotes that illustrate the applicant’s exceptional qualities and achievements.
• Highlight growth: Discuss the applicant’s growth and improvement over time, demonstrating their ability to overcome challenges and continuously develop.
• Personalize the letter: Tailor the letter to the applicant’s interests, goals, and aspirations, showcasing their fit with Harvard’s academic community.
• Proofread and revise: Ensure your recommendation is free from errors, and review it for clarity, coherence, and overall effectiveness.

By adhering to these guidelines and crafting well-written letters of recommendation, you can significantly enhance your chances of leaving a lasting impression on the admissions committee and securing your place at Harvard University.

Requesting Letters of Recommendation

When applying to Harvard University, securing strong letters of recommendation is a critical part of your application. These letters provide valuable insights into your character, abilities, and potential as a student. To successfully request letters of recommendation from your teachers, mentors, or supervisors, it’s important to follow best practices and approach this process professionally.

Approaching Potential Recommenders

When deciding who to ask for a letter of recommendation, consider individuals who can speak to your academic performance, work ethic, leadership skills, and personal qualities. Approach potential recommenders early in the application process to allow ample time for them to write thoughtful letters on your behalf. Schedule a meeting or send a polite email explaining the purpose of the request.

Providing Relevant Information

When reaching out to your recommenders, provide them with the necessary information to write a strong and personalized letter. This includes details about your academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and any specific experiences or skills you would like them to highlight. Sharing your personal statement or resume can also help them gain a comprehensive understanding of your background.

Follow Up Professionally

After requesting a letter of recommendation, it’s important to follow up with your recommenders to ensure they have all the information they need and to express your gratitude for their assistance. Be respectful of their time, as they may have multiple requests to consider. Sending a polite reminder closer to the deadline can help ensure your letters are submitted on time.

By approaching potential recommenders professionally, providing them with relevant information, and following up appropriately, you can increase the chances of obtaining strong letters of recommendation for your Harvard University application.

What Makes a Strong Letter of Recommendation?

When it comes to your Harvard University application, strong letters of recommendation can be a game-changer. They provide valuable insights into your character, abilities, and potential, helping the admissions committee to paint a more comprehensive picture of who you are as a candidate. But what exactly makes a letter of recommendation stand out from the rest? Here are some insider tips to help you craft an impactful recommendation:

1. Personalization is Key

A strong letter of recommendation should be personalized and tailored specifically to you. It should highlight your unique strengths, abilities, and accomplishments, and demonstrate how these qualities make you an exceptional candidate for Harvard University. Ensure your recommenders have a good understanding of your academic and extracurricular achievements, as well as your personal qualities that set you apart.

2. Provide Specific Examples

General statements like “she’s a great student” or “he’s a hard worker” won’t leave a lasting impression. Instead, encourage your recommenders to provide specific examples of your accomplishments, leadership roles, and impactful contributions. These concrete examples will give the admissions committee a clear understanding of your abilities and demonstrate your capacity for success at Harvard.

3. Highlight Your Impact

Letters of recommendation should focus on showcasing the impact you’ve made in your academic, extracurricular, and community endeavors. Whether it’s leading a research project, initiating a community service program, or excelling in team collaborations, emphasize how your actions have brought about positive change and have contributed to the betterment of those around you.

“[Candidate’s name] is an exceptional individual whose commitment to academic excellence and dedication to social impact are truly commendable. Her ability to analyze complex problems and propose innovative solutions is unmatched. In our research project, she played a vital role in driving forward groundbreaking discoveries…”

4. Authentic Voice and Perspective

A strong letter of recommendation comes from someone who knows you well and can speak genuinely about your character and abilities. Encourage your recommenders to highlight their unique perspective and experiences with you, providing the admissions committee with a well-rounded view of who you are as a person.

5. Enthusiasm and Passion

A letter of recommendation that exudes enthusiasm and passion for your candidacy can make a lasting impression. Recommenders who can convey their excitement about your potential can greatly influence the admissions committee’s perception of you. It’s important to choose recommenders who genuinely believe in your abilities and are excited to support your application to Harvard.

6. Request Early and Provide Guidance

Don’t wait until the last minute to request your letters of recommendation. Give your recommenders ample time to write thoughtful and impactful letters by requesting them well in advance. Additionally, provide them with guidance on what aspects of your character and achievements you would like them to highlight. This will help ensure that the recommendations align with your overall application strategy.

Incorporating these tips will assist you in crafting strong letters of recommendation that showcase your unique qualities and make a lasting impression on the Harvard University admissions committee. By carefully selecting recommenders who can truly speak to your abilities and accomplishments, and by providing them with specific guidance, you can increase your chances of standing out among the competition and securing your place at Harvard University.

Crafting Personal Statements for Recommendations

When applying to Harvard University, it is crucial to understand the specific requirements and expectations for personal statements in recommendation letters. Crafting a strong and tailored personal statement can greatly enhance your chances of standing out among other applicants and showcasing your fit for Harvard’s academic community.

Harvard University values personal statements that reflect the applicant’s unique experiences, accomplishments, and aspirations. It is essential to align your statement with the university’s core values, such as intellectual curiosity, leadership, and community engagement.

To craft an impactful personal statement, consider the following:

• Reflect on your experiences: Think about the moments, challenges, or achievements that have shaped your academic journey and passion for your chosen field.
• Showcase your growth: Highlight instances where you have demonstrated personal growth, resilience, and the ability to learn from setbacks.
• Connect with your recommenders: Collaborate closely with your recommenders to ensure that your personal statement complements their letters and provides a well-rounded view of your abilities.
• Be genuine and authentic: Harvard values authenticity, so make sure that your personal statement conveys who you are as a person and demonstrates your unique perspective.
• Outline your future goals: Discuss your aspirations and how your time at Harvard will help you achieve them. Show how you plan to contribute to the university community and make a positive impact.

By crafting a compelling personal statement that resonates with Harvard’s values, you can significantly enhance your application. Remember to leverage your experiences, demonstrate personal growth, and outline your future goals to create a persuasive narrative that reflects your fit for Harvard University.

Cultivating Relationships with Recommenders

When it comes to securing strong letters of recommendation for your Harvard University application, building meaningful relationships with your recommenders is crucial. By nurturing these connections, you can ensure their support in crafting impressive and personalized recommendation letters that truly showcase your abilities. Here are some strategies to cultivate relationships with your recommenders:

• Choose the right recommenders: Identify individuals who have worked closely with you and can speak to your skills, character, and potential. Consider professors, employers, or mentors who can provide valuable insights into your abilities and experiences.
• Initiate open and honest communication: Approach your recommenders professionally and express your interest in their support. Clearly articulate your goals, achievements, and aspirations, allowing them to fully understand your motivations for applying to Harvard.
• Provide necessary information: Furnish your recommenders with relevant details, including your academic and extracurricular accomplishments, goals, and the specific qualities you hope they will highlight in their letters. This information will help them craft tailored and impactful recommendations.
• Offer supporting materials: Share any relevant documents or essays that provide additional context for your application. These materials can give your recommenders a comprehensive understanding of your background and achievements.
• Follow up and express gratitude: Once your recommenders have agreed to write your letters, maintain regular communication throughout the application process. Remember to thank them sincerely for their time and effort in supporting your goals.

Building strong relationships with your recommenders establishes a foundation of trust and understanding. By effectively communicating your aspirations and providing them with the necessary information, you can ensure that they write compelling letters of recommendation that align with Harvard University’s expectations.

“Cultivating strong relationships with your recommenders is vital in ensuring that they can provide insightful and impactful letters of recommendation that highlight your unique qualities and achievements.”

Submitting and Tracking Recommendation Letters

Once you have curated impressive recommendation letters for your Harvard University application, it is crucial to navigate the process of submitting them effectively. Below, we provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to submit and track your recommendation letters to ensure they are received by the admissions office within the specified deadlines.

1. Submitting Recommendation Letters

Harvard University offers multiple options for submitting recommendation letters, providing flexibility to applicants. Take note of the following methods:

• Online Submission: Many recommenders prefer submitting letters online. Harvard utilizes an online application portal, allowing recommenders to upload their letters directly to your application profile. You should provide clear instructions to your recommenders on how to access and utilize this option effectively.
• Postal Mail: If your recommenders opt for traditional mail, ensure that they seal their recommendation letters in an envelope and sign their names across the envelope’s flap to maintain its confidentiality. You will need to provide the admissions office’s mailing address to your recommenders to facilitate this method.

Tip: It is essential to communicate with your recommenders and confirm their chosen submission method well in advance of the application deadline to avoid any last-minute surprises or delays.

2. Tracking Recommendation Letters

Tracking the status of your recommendation letters is crucial to ensure they have been successfully submitted and received by the admissions office. Harvard provides a user-friendly tracking system that allows you to monitor the progress of your recommendation letters. Here’s how:

• Log in to your Harvard University application portal using your credentials.
• Access the “Recommendations” section of your application profile.
• Review the status of each recommendation letter. The system will indicate whether a letter has been received, pending, or not received.
• If any recommendation letters have not been received by the specified deadline, reach out to your recommenders and kindly remind them to submit the letters promptly.

Tip: Regularly check your application portal for updates and send gentle reminders to recommenders, especially as the deadline approaches, to ensure all letters are received on time.

Showcasing Diversity in Recommendation Letters

When it comes to crafting recommendation letters for Harvard University, showcasing diversity is key. Highlighting different perspectives, experiences, and attributes can create a comprehensive and well-rounded portrayal of your abilities.

Utilize the opportunity to leverage the unique qualities you possess and emphasize the diverse contributions you can bring to the Harvard community. Consider the following strategies when showcasing diversity in your recommendation letters:

• Emphasize different academic strengths: Highlight your accomplishments in diverse academic areas to demonstrate your versatility.
• Highlight varied extracurricular involvement: Showcase your participation in a range of extracurricular activities, clubs, or organizations to showcase your ability to thrive in different contexts.
• Showcase diverse perspectives: Discuss instances where your unique viewpoint contributed to a collaborative environment or problem-solving process.
• Illustrate cultural competency: Describe instances where your understanding and appreciation of different cultures and backgrounds have been instrumental in your personal growth or leadership experiences.

Incorporating these elements into your recommendation letters can help paint a vivid picture of your abilities and demonstrate your readiness to contribute to the diverse and inclusive atmosphere at Harvard University.

In conclusion, crafting strong letters of recommendation is a crucial aspect of the Harvard University admission process . These letters provide valuable insights into your character, accomplishments, and potential as a student. By following the guidelines and tips outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your recommendation letters stand out and enhance your application.

Remember that requesting letters of recommendation requires professionalism and effective communication. Build strong relationships with your recommenders and provide them with the necessary information to write compelling and personalized letters. Your personal statements within these letters should align with Harvard’s values and showcase your fit for their academic community.

Additionally, don’t underestimate the impact of diversity in your recommendation letters. Highlighting different perspectives, experiences, and attributes can provide a comprehensive and well-rounded portrayal of your abilities. This can further enhance your chances of gaining admission to Harvard University.

As you navigate the submission and tracking process, ensure that your recommendation letters are sent to the admissions office within the specified deadlines. Stay organized and follow up professionally to ensure a smooth application process.

What is the importance of letters of recommendation in the Harvard University admission process?

Letters of recommendation play a crucial role in the Harvard University admission process . They provide insight into your character, abilities, and potential contributions to the academic community. Admissions committees rely on these letters to gain a more holistic view of your qualifications and determine your fit for Harvard.

What format should I follow when writing letters of recommendation for Harvard University?

When writing letters of recommendation for Harvard University, it is recommended to follow a specific format. Begin with a strong introduction, provide specific examples and anecdotes that highlight the applicant’s strengths, and conclude with a thoughtful assessment of their potential. It is important to keep the letter concise, focused, and tailored to the specific requirements and values of Harvard University.

How do I request letters of recommendation for my Harvard University application?

When requesting letters of recommendation for your Harvard University application, it is crucial to approach potential recommenders professionally and provide them with the necessary information to write a strong recommendation. Start by selecting individuals who know you well academically or professionally. Communicate your goals and aspirations, provide them with relevant supporting materials, and request their assistance in crafting a compelling letter. Don’t forget to follow up with a thank-you note and keep them informed of your application status.

What are the key elements that make a strong letter of recommendation for Harvard University?

A strong letter of recommendation for Harvard University should showcase the applicant’s unique qualities, accomplishments, and potential contributions. It should be personalized, highlighting specific examples and anecdotes that demonstrate their abilities and character. The letter should also address the applicant’s fit for Harvard by emphasizing their alignment with the university’s values and academic community. It is important to provide a balanced assessment of their strengths and areas for growth, showcasing a comprehensive view of their capabilities.

What are the specific requirements for personal statements in recommendation letters for Harvard University?

When crafting personal statements in recommendation letters for Harvard University, it is essential to align them with the university’s values and expectations. Tailor the statements to showcase how the applicant’s experiences, skills, and aspirations align with Harvard’s academic community. Highlight their unique perspectives and achievements, and emphasize their potential to make a distinct impact on campus. It is crucial to ensure that the personal statements complement the rest of the application and provide a well-rounded portrayal of the applicant’s abilities.

How can I cultivate strong relationships with my recommenders?

Cultivating strong relationships with your recommenders is crucial to obtaining compelling letters of recommendation. Start by establishing open lines of communication, sharing your goals, achievements, and aspirations. Provide them with timely updates on your progress and express your gratitude for their support. Additionally, offer to assist them with any tasks or projects they may need help with. Building meaningful connections can help them understand your unique abilities and create more personalized and impactful letters of recommendation.

How do I submit and track my recommendation letters for Harvard University?

To submit your recommendation letters for Harvard University, follow the specific instructions provided by the admissions office. Ensure that each letter is sealed, signed across the seal, and submitted directly to the admissions office by the recommender. Keep track of the submission deadlines to ensure all letters are received on time. You can also check the status of your letters through the application portal or by contacting the admissions office directly.

How can I showcase diversity in my recommendation letters for Harvard University?

Showcasing diversity in your recommendation letters for Harvard University is essential. Encourage your recommenders to highlight the unique attributes, perspectives, and experiences that you bring to the table. Emphasize the ways in which your diverse background can contribute to the richness of the academic community. By showcasing your personal and cultural diversity, you demonstrate your potential to enhance the diversity and inclusivity of Harvard’s campus.

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Some applicants are unsure whether to waive their right to access their letters of recommendation.

If you waive your right:

You will not be able to view the letters submitted on your behalf, even if you are admitted and you enroll at Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS).

If you do not waive your right:

If you are admitted and you enroll at Harvard Griffin GSAS, your letters will become part of your student record, and you will have the right to inspect that record (including your letters) after you enroll. Please note that you ONLY have this right if you enroll at Harvard Griffin GSAS. If you do not enroll, you do not have the right to view your letters.

Please note that both your recommenders and your program of interest can see whether you have chosen to waive your right to inspect your recommendations.

What does this question mean?

When you waive your right to view your recommendation, our system notifies your recommenders of your decision. As they submit a recommendation on your behalf, it may be useful for them to know if you will possibly have access to this recommendation in the future.

Should I waive my right?

Only you can decide whether or not to waive your right to inspect letters of recommendation. If you are uncertain, you may wish to ask the advice of people you know and trust (e.g. faculty, current graduate students, etc.).

Can I change my mind after I have submitted my recommender information?

No. Once you have submitted information about your recommenders, you cannot change your answer.

Why do we ask this question?

Harvard Griffin GSAS asks this question in order to meet its obligations under the US Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA ), which gives all enrolled students the right to inspect their student records. If you are admitted and you enroll at Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, your application will become a part of this student record.

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• Guide to Letters of Recommendation

What you need from the Faculty Member

1. The letter text. 2. An email from the student containing a list of positions to which they are applying, including links to the job/fellowship/program postings. 3. Letterhead and envelopes from whichever department they'd like the letter sent. 4. An electronic signature. 5. Any email they receive from institutions directing them to online submissions.

1. All necessary text and information should be provided no fewer than 5 business days prior to the posted deadline. Text or other required information received fewer than 5 business days before the deadline CANNOT BE GUARANTEED to arrive in time. 2. Late-arriving requests for recommendations will be sent in as timely a manner as possible and cannot be guaranteed to arrive by the deadline. 3. Links for submitting electronic recommendations expire on the deadline. Once a link has expired, the letter can no longer be submitted. In the event a link has expired, ASG Faculty Assistant will attempt to send  letters  via email to the appropriate recipient.

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How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation

Learn the right way to ask your teachers, coaches, and employers for a strong letter of recommendation to boost your application.

Mary Sharp Emerson

There is a very good chance that at some point during high school, you are going to have to ask for a letter of recommendation.

If you plan to apply to college, you will likely need at least two letters of recommendation as part of your application. But college applications are not the only time you’ll need recommendations. 

You may also need to ask for letters of recommendation to apply for scholarships, internships, pre-college programs, summer schools, and other academic programs. You may even need them to get a job during or after high school. 

Asking for a letter of recommendation can feel awkward or embarrassing. However, knowing the right way to handle the situation can ease that embarrassment. This guide offers a simple step-by-step process to walk you through this routine part of high school life.

And as you think about how to ask for letters of recommendation, remember that many people in your life want to help you achieve your goals with a positive reference!

Why are Letters of Recommendation Important?

Letters of recommendation are an important element of college admissions and other applications because they offer a different perspective into your personality and your strengths.

Recommendations from teachers and coaches offer admissions committees a type of insight that they can’t get from a transcript or from your personal statement and essays. 

Showing how you interact with your peers in the classroom or teammates during a competition, for instance, gives admissions committees a sense of how you will fit into their community.  Recommendations can also highlight strengths—such as persistence and commitment to hard work—that might not be evident from test scores. 

This alternate perspective is so important to admissions officers that letters of recommendation are one of the most important parts of your college application. According to the 2019 State of College Admissions Report by the National Association for College Admissions Counseling, most colleges rank counselor and teacher recommendations as more important in their consideration process than class rank, extracurricular activities, portfolios, and AP test scores. 

So just how do you go about getting the strong letters of recommendation you need to boost your application? 

Following these simple steps—and doing some advance planning—will help make the process a bit easier.

1. Choose Who to Ask

The first step in getting letters of recommendation is deciding who you should ask to write the letters for you. 

Before you begin, check the requirements of the school or program you are applying to. Be sure you ask people who fulfill those requirements. For example, many applications require a letter from a guidance counselor and a core teacher: English, math, science, or social studies.

Many applications also require a specific number of recommendations. Stick to those requirements as well, and only submit supplemental letters of recommendation if the application offers the option.

Once you know the requirements of the application, you will want to identify teachers who taught you recently and know you well enough to provide insight into your work and personality.

Of course, if possible you should pick a class in which you have done well. You may also want to think about classes you enjoy the most, where you participate more frequently, or where you’ve worked with the teacher in a one-on-one setting on a project or to get extra help.

If you have the option to submit additional letters of recommendation, you may want to ask teachers who taught non-core classes that closely align with your interests or potential major, such as art, music, or computer science. 

Other possibilities include coaches, club advisors, employers, or leaders at a volunteer opportunity: these individuals can provide valuable insights into your strengths in non-academic settings.

What if No One Knows Me Well Enough to Write a Recommendation?

Not everyone is outspoken or participates in activities, so you may feel like the adults in your life don’t know you as well as others in your class.

But don’t worry. Your teachers, most likely, know you better than you think they do. Moreover, a letter of recommendation doesn’t have to be an in-depth biographical account of your life, nor do you have to have known someone for years for them to be qualified to write you a recommendation.

Consider scheduling a sit-down with the person you would like to write a recommendation to help them to get to know you. Share why you’re applying to the school or program, how it will help you toward your goal, and why you think you are a good fit. 

A short conversation shows initiative and commitment, as well as provides them with what they need to write the letter.

Pro Tip: Many applications require a letter of recommendation from your guidance counselor. Therefore, it’s important to get to know your counselor, and help them get to know you. So make a point of visiting your guidance counselor throughout your high school journey!

2. Ask In Person

Once you have decided whom you want to ask, if possible, you should ask them in person to write you a letter of recommendation.

This is probably the hardest part of getting letters of recommendation! It can be challenging to walk up to a teacher and ask them to write nice things about you. But remember: they know this is the process and, in most cases, they want to help you.

Find a time when you can speak with your teacher alone. Arrive a few minutes early or stay a few minutes after class, and ask politely if you can speak with them for a minute. Be respectful of their time; if they seem rushed, ask if you can make an appointment. 

State your request in a polite and respectful manner. You may want to start with a personal reason why you are asking them in particular. For example, note how much you enjoy their class, that their subject aligns with a potential major, or that you enjoyed learning from with them when working on a recent project. 

If they agree, let them know you’ll follow up with an email with all the details. And be sure to say “Thank you”. 

Pro Tip : Ask for your recommendation well in advance of when you need it. It takes time to write a strong letter. And most teachers—especially core teachers—are writing letters for lots of students. A minimum of two weeks is acceptable; six to eight weeks in advance is even better. Rising seniors applying to college in the fall may want to ask for letters from junior-year teachers at the end of the spring semester!

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3. Follow Up with a Written Request

After you have made your request in person, you will need to follow up with a written request—usually by email—that confirms your discussion.

The email should start by thanking them again for agreeing to write a letter of recommendation for you. 

The email should include all the information they need to complete the recommendation, such as:

• Why you are asking them
• What the application is for (college applications, a summer program, scholarship, etc)
• Any requirements the letter should include
• How to submit the recommendation
• When the recommendation is due

Your email should indicate if there is anything specific you want the letter to address, such as a project you are proud of or a skill you mastered. 

And your email should include a list of your accomplishments—a “brag sheet”. 

For students who are unaccustomed to touting their accomplishments, coming up with a brag sheet can also be a challenging part of the process. 

But remember: applying to college or a special program is not the time for modesty! Your brag sheet will give your teachers the important information they need to make the strongest recommendation on your behalf, so it should be thorough, accurate, and not at all self-effacing.

Pro Tip: Email each teacher individually. Do not use a group email to make your written recommendation request. Be sure to address your teacher by name, and customize it for that person and their class.

4. Follow Up If Necessary

Most applications today are set up via online portals to allow your teachers to submit their letters of recommendation directly to the school or program to which you are applying. So waiting to see that box get checked can be nerve-wracking. 

If the recommendation hasn’t been submitted a week before the due date, it’s ok to send your teacher a polite reminder email that the due date is approaching. If they have agreed to write it, they will do so. But it’s always possible that the due date slipped their mind, or your email with the information they need got lost in their inbox.

Do not, however, nag your teacher with multiple follow-ups. If the due date is approaching and you have not heard from your teacher after one follow-up, ask your school guidance counselor for help contacting the teacher. 

Pro Tip : Make sure the tone of your follow-up email is cooperative, not confrontational. Avoid phrases that could be construed as accusatory: “You haven’t submitted your letter of recommendation yet.” Instead, ask if they need any additional information from you as they work on your letter.

5. Send a Written Thank You

Once your application is complete, send everyone who wrote you a letter of recommendation a personalized email thanking them for their help. If you know the results of your application, let them know how much their assistance helped you achieve your goals. 

It’s easy to forget this step, but it is so important to acknowledge—with a written thank you—their role in your application. After all, everyone—even teachers—likes to be thanked and acknowledged. And acknowledging their help will make it easier to ask for their assistance—or another letter of recommendation—again in the future.

Asking for a letter of recommendation or a reference is a life skill, one that you’ll need throughout your academic and professional career. Learning how to ask for a letter of recommendation the right way in high school will not only make your applications stronger now, it will set you up for success in college and beyond.

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About the Author

Digital Content Producer

Emerson is a Digital Content Producer at Harvard DCE. She is a graduate of Brandeis University and Yale University and started her career as an international affairs analyst. She is an avid triathlete and has completed three Ironman triathlons, as well as the Boston Marathon.

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Guidelines for Requesting Letters of Recommendation

Nearly all applications for grants, fellowships, study abroad, and graduate school require letters of recommendation from individuals who are in some position to assess your qualities as a candidate. These references may provide independent corroboration and support for the claims you advance in your application, lend an expert stamp of approval to a proposed project, or describe your academic and extracurricular achievements and suitability for a proposed course of work or study. When soliciting letters of recommendation, keep the following in mind:

• Consider the nature of the program to which you are applying in selecting whom to approach for a letter of recommendation and in what capacity and how well each person knows you. When applying for thesis research funding, for example, a letter from a scholar in your proposed field will carry more weight than one with no knowledge of that area of research.  
• Select as recommenders people who know you well, who have followed your work closely in class and have read and commented on at least one paper. A professor or graduate student with whom you’ve taken several classes (or a small seminar) and attended office hours will be better able to write you a strong letter than one who knows you only as a face in a crowded lecture hall. Applications often require multiple letters (two or three is typical). In that case strike a balance and seek recommenders who will be able to address the different skills and activities you wish to highlight in your application. Include at least one professor among your recommenders if possible.  
• Feel free to consult a trusted adviser about whom to ask for letters of recommendation.  
• Give your recommenders plenty of time. If possible request a letter up to a month, and no less than two weeks, before it is due. If you receive no reply after 4-5 business days, write again. If you still receive no reply , turn to someone else. Once someone has agreed to write send them supporting materials (described in the next point) and follow up with them (politely) one to two days before the deadline unless you know that they have already submitted the letter. Don't forget to thank your recommenders and know that they will be very pleased to hear of the outcomes of your applications (especially good ones, which include interviews even if you don't make the final cut).  
• Provide your recommenders with all the information they need to write a good letter. This includes your own resumé and a draft of your application statement, if applicable; a description of the program or grant for which you are applying; and all logistical information about how they should submit the letter, including the deadline and the URL, email, or postal address that should be used to turn it in. You might also consider sending them copies of any papers you wrote for their classes, along with the grades and comments received on those papers. 

Letters of Reference

Applicants are required to submit three letters of recommendation to SOPHAS. For applicants who are recent graduates, at least one recommender should be a former instructor. Applicants are encouraged to verify that all recommendations are submitted in a timely manner in order for the application to be considered complete by the application deadline.

Waiving the Right to Access Your Letters of Recommendation US federal legislation gives each student who enrolls at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health the right to access his or her academic record. Your letters of recommendation are part of your academic record. You may review them only if you matriculate and only if you did not waive your right to access each one. You may waive this right to access, if you wish, by selecting this option in the reference section. Please note that signing this waiver is not required as a condition for admission to the School.

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These 2 Recommendation Letters Got Me Into Harvard and the Ivy League

College Admissions , Letters of Recommendation

When I applied to college, I was accepted into every school I applied to, including Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, MIT, the Ivy League, UC Berkeley, UCLA, and more. While I had a strong overall application, the two teacher letters of recommendation were critical in getting me admitted .

Why? Both teachers said I was one of the top students they had ever taught. Both enthusiastically advocated for my personality, leadership skills, and energy.

How can you earn recommendation letters that will get you into your top choice colleges? I'll show you how in this article.

For the first time, I'm sharing my full, unedited letters of recommendation as examples for you. These are the exact letters submitted when I applied to college. Even better, you'll see exactly what my Harvard admissions officer underlined—what really stood out as important and noteworthy.

First Things First

Quick question— how confident are you in knowing what colleges are looking for in your recommendation letters?

Do you have a strong understanding of what an effective letter consists of, and what a bad letter looks like?

Many students have the totally wrong idea of what colleges are looking for in recommendation letters. This, naturally, leads to subpar letters for students.

Before I show you my letters, I first want to explain why recommendation letters from teachers are such an important part of your college application, and then what makes effective letters so effective.

If you're champing at the bit and really want to jump directly to my letters, here's Recommendation Letter Example #1 , and here's Recommendation Letter Example #2 .

But I highly recommend that you stick with me for the next two sections—you'll get a lot more out of this guide and get much stronger rec letters as a result.

Why Teacher Recommendation Letters Are So Important for College

The goal of your overall college application is to communicate who you are as a person, in an easily digestible package that can take 20 minutes to understand (or less). From this package, colleges will decide whether they want you to join their community or not.

Yeah, it doesn't feel great to have your 18 years of existence compressed into a web form. But that's the best system colleges have come up with so far to deal with the tens of thousands of college applications they receive every year. (Or in the case of UCLA , 135,000+ applications.)

What do colleges care most about? Ultimately, it boils down to two things:

• how likely you are to succeed in college and in your career
• how much you'll benefit the school community as a student and beyond

These are the ultimate goals of colleges when selecting their next class of students. Your application must convince the college that you will succeed in both goals.

Of course, these are complex ideas—success is not only hard to predict, but different people also have different ideas of what success means.

But there are a few general principles that hold true for most colleges:

• previous academic success is a great predictor of future academic success , which in turn predicts career success.
• you also generally want to avoid the opposite of these traits. These are all bad adjectives: unethical, narrow-minded, unmotivated, self-centered, arrogant, rude.

For the first admissions requirement of academic success, your coursework and test scores play the biggest role. If you took a rigorous courseload and got a high GPA , and you got a high SAT/ACT score , you have shown that you can handle high school academics. This means you're in a great position to succeed academically in college.

How do you show the second requirement—personality traits? Part of this is in your personal essays and extracurriculars, where you'll show what you're interested in and give voice to your personality.

But of course you'll describe yourself as curious, creative, collaborative, kind, and so forth. Who would describe themselves as unethical and mean?

This is why colleges need objective, third-party observers to comment on who you are. This is where your teacher recommendations come in, and why they're so important.

The role of the rec letter is to show who you are as a person. Your teachers have engaged with you throughout at least a year of class. They've seen you in class with other students, and possibly out of class too. There are hundreds of small interactions that piece together to form your teacher's impression of you.

How do you interact with students? How do you interact with teachers? How creative was your work? How much did you participate in class discussions? How motivated were you to excel in school?

Are you a jerk nobody wants to be around? Or are you someone the teacher entrusts with the future?

A great teacher recommendation tells the college all of the above.

Let's Hear From Harvard's Dean of Admissions

What if you don't fully believe me yet? I'm just one guy with his own admissions experiences.

So I'm going to call on William Fitzsimmons, Dean of Admissions at Harvard College:

Recommendations from secondary school teachers and counselors are extremely important at Harvard and at many other colleges, particularly those with selective admissions processes. Faced with more academically qualified applicants than places in the freshman class, our admission officers review the two required teacher recommendations and the counselor report with great care, often commenting on them in writing on "reader sheets" in each application. We often project the recommendations themselves onto large screens so that all members of the Admissions Committee can see them during the subcommittee and full committee review processes in February and March. Recommendations can help us to see well beyond test scores and grades and other credentials and can illuminate such personal qualities as character and leadership as well as intellectual curiosity, creativity, and love of learning. Along with essays, interviews, and other materials in the application, recommendations can offer evidence of an applicant's potential to make a significant difference to a college community and beyond.

Notice how he says Harvard is "faced with more academically qualified applicants than places."

What does this imply? "Among a pool of students with the same academic qualifications, we use personality traits to decide who to admit or reject." And letters of recommendation for students describe those personality traits.

To beat a dead horse: your teacher recommendations add more color to your academic achievements, your test scores, and your GPA.

The best recommendation letters for colleges rave about your personality and personal qualities.

This is why my two letters below are so effective.

You do not want your recommendation letters to just be repeats of your resume. This gives the admissions officer zero extra information about who you are a person.

You do not want your recommendation letters to just say, "Johnny got an A and turned in his homework on time." This makes it very obvious that the teacher has no idea who you are as a person, which means it adds zero to your application.

Great recommendations talk about more than your class performance. They discuss your personal qualities, how interacting with you feels like, and why you're likely to succeed in the future.

First, I'm going to show my letters to you, with analysis of why they were so effective. You'll see the highlights made by my Harvard admissions officer, which will tell you what things she found important.

Then I'll give you advice on how to build relationships with your teachers so you can get letters like this on your own.

My Letter of Recommendation Samples

Usually you don't get to read letters of recommendation for students because you sign the FERPA waiver, waiving away your rights to read your application. But I was able to retrieve my full Common App and Harvard application from Harvard, complete with my original letters of recommendation.

Most colleges require you to have two letters from teachers in different subjects. The two teachers I asked for letters were my favorite two teachers in all of high school.

Personally, I vibed most strongly with teachers who actually cared about teaching . They gave engaged students with energy, treated us kindly and empathetically, and went above expectations to help students succeed. Not only did I have the most fun with these teachers, but they were also more likely to advocate for me enthusiastically in their letter.

You might not vibe with teachers for the same reasons, but it's important you choose teachers you get along with and who you feel will write you very strong letters .

My first letter comes from my AP Chemistry teacher from 10th grade. My second comes from my AP English Language teacher from 11th grade.

As you read these letters, remember—these letters didn't come instantly. They take hundreds of small interactions over a year or more to build an impression of who you are. You can't trick a teacher into writing a great recommendation letter for you.

If you honestly like learning and are an enthusiastic, responsible, engaging student, a great recommendation letter will follow naturally. The horse should lead the cart.

How long have you known this student and in what context?

I've known Allen as a student inside the classroom and outside the classroom in extracurricular academic activities since he was in the 10th grade. What are the first words that come to your mind to describe this student?

Intelligent, motivated critical thinker; Charasmatic, well rounded, talented individual; Independent, mature, responsible student.

List the courses you have taught this student, noting for each the student's year in school (10th, 11th, 12th) and the level of course difficulty (AP, accelerated, honors, IB, elective, etc.)

As a 10th grader, Allen was one of the top students in my AP Chemistry class.

Please write whatever you think is important about this student, including a description of academic and personal characteristics. We are particularly interested in the candidate's intellectual promise, motivation, maturity, integrity, independence, originality, initiative, leadership potential, capacity for growth, special talents, enthusiasm, concern for others, respect accorded by faculty, and reaction to setbacks. We welcome information that will help us to differentiate this student from others.

See enclosed letter.

Compared to other college-bound students in his or her secondary school class, how do you rate this student in terms of:

This was the Common Application from 2004-05, over 10 years ago. In today's Common Application, all of these ratings are retained, aside from "Potential for Growth." Today's Common App also now includes Faculty Respect, Maturity, Leadership, Integrity, Reaction to Setbacks, Concern for Others, and TE Overall. You can tell that Common App teacher evaluations place a strong emphasis on personality.

From Miss Vorak, you can see a very strong evaluation. First she says she's known me for over two years and has had interactions inside and outside the classroom. Then she's very enthusiastic with her "first words" answer, listing off a lot of strong personal traits. Finally, she gives me the highest ratings possible for all qualities.

The Ratings section is really important. In one go, you're compared to all the students your teacher has ever taught. The better your ratings here, the more competitive you are relative to your classmates.

What makes for good enough ratings for you? That depends on your personal college goals and your school's competitiveness. The more competitive the colleges are, the higher up your ratings need to be.

If you're applying to your state school, where the admissions rate is >30%, and your high school is pretty competitive, simply being Very Good or Excellent can be a strong rating for you.

On the other hand, if you're applying to the most selective colleges like Harvard, Stanford, or the other Ivy League schools, it is important to be ranked "One of the top few encountered in my career" for as many ratings as possible . If you're part of a big school, this is critical to distinguish yourself from other students. The more experienced and trustworthy the teacher, the more meaningful this is. You really want to make sure you're one of the best in your school class, if not one of the best the teacher has ever encountered.

Next, let's look at her letter.

As you read this, think— what are the interactions that would prompt the teacher to write a recommendation like this? This was a relationship built up in a period of over 2 years, with every small interaction adding to an overall larger impression.

Again, if the images are too small to read, I'll have the exact text below, so scroll down.

And here's the letter in text form. I've bolded the sections that were underlined by my Harvard admissions officer:

To Whom It May Concern:

It is with very great pleasure that I write this recommendation for Allen Cheng to support his application for admission into Harvard. Allen has a deep passion for science and has been one of the few exceptionally gifted students that I have encountered in my career as an Advanced Placement Chemistry teacher. Among his many achievements and accomplishments, Allen's performance on a battery of Chemistry Olympiad exams taken by approximately 11,000 students nationwide recently secured him the position as the second alternate for the U.S. Chemistry Olympiad team, ranking 6th in the country for a team which represented our nation in the International Chemistry Olympiad competition in Germany this past spring. As a senior, Allen hopes to surpass his performance once more in hopes of securing a solid position as one of the four members on the 2005 U.S. Chemistry Olympiad team this coming spring.

I first encountered Allen when he was a sophomore in my AP Chemistry class. He was the youngest student in the class of upper classmen , but he was the top excelling student among the two sections of AP Chemistry classes that I taught during the 2002-2003 academic year. As a sophomore, he worked very well with others, mastered laboratory techniques, earned the top score on the AP Chemistry Exam, and was one of the top performers on the National Chemistry Olympiad Exam that year.

As one of the top performers on the National Chemistry Olympiad Exam in 2003, Allen was one of twenty students in the nation who qualified to be a participant in the United States National Chemistry Olympiad National Team in the spring that year. He spent an extensive amount of time studying independently in order to ensure that he would cover all of the topics that our class did not yet study and often sought additional instruction during lunch and after school during which he asked questions and performed labs from previous Chemistry Olympiad competitions for practice. When results were published, Allen was ecstatic to have qualified as one of the twenty participants in the U.S. Chemistry Olympiad Study Camp and he enjoyed the experience training for the International Chemistry Olympiad during which he was exposed to Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, etc., branches of science typically encountered at the college level.

As a member of my Advanced Placement Chemistry class, I have found Allen to be an intelligent, conscientious, motivated and responsible student who masters theory-and applies it well . He academically excelled among his peers, often explained concepts to confused classmates, actively participated during discussion, asked questions to ensure that he had a firm understanding of concepts, and sought additional sources for supplementary problem solving exercises. As a scientist, he was always meticulous when performing experiments, he led his lab group to successfully complete experiments, he wrote great detailed analytical lab reports, and he worked well with others. Allen is a self motivated, dedicated, hardworking student of high intelligence who can grasp difficult concepts, think critically and handle the rigor of a competitive college environment. He exhibits the qualities of a leader and promising scientist who truly loves science.

Allen truly impresses me as a student who actively seeks new experiences which support his love for science. This past summer, Allen was a participant at the Research Science Institute at MIT where he conducted research in the field of neuroscience. In addition, Allen has been conducting research with the Jisan Research Institute under the guidance of a professor for two years and has recently coauthored a paper which was published and presented in the LASTED International Conference on Robotics and Applications in Hawaii this year. In addition to conducting research, Allen has also been volunteering at Methodist Hospital and in an immunology lab at the City of Hope National Medical Center where he has been able to strengthen his general laboratory skills. He is clearly an independent, active member of society who pursues personal interests.

Beyond his academic excellence, Allen is a charismatic individual who is respected and liked by faculty and peers. Throughout his high school career, Allen often stopped by my room during lunch to take my AP Chemistry tests to review his general chemistry, but he also often stopped by during lunch or after school to chat about his latest developments, events in school, or other various topics. His maturity and charisma are qualities that are quite rare among high school students. He interacts well with his peers be it in the classroom setting or with the broader diverse student population where he is well known as a balanced individual with a warm personality and sense of humor . He balances his time well by excelling in a heavy course load filled with advanced placement classes and he also participates in various school and community activities, including our school's academic teams which provide a structured yet fun forum for competition and learning. Allen is a well rounded individual who clearly enjoys a challenge.

Overall, Allen exhibits the qualities of a leader as well as a great scientist who has had ample research experience and excels academically in challenging, college level courses. He is an intelligent, well-rounded, and grounded individual who challenges himself and actively seeks new opportunities and experiences. He has the determination, maturity, and intelligence to succeed in any endeavor and always maintains a positive attitude. His academic and personal achievements show that he is committed to his education and will work hard to achieve his goals. He exudes confidence and has a vivid, outgoing, and friendly personality that allows him to get along with others very well in any setting. I admire him for his intelligence, sincerity, honesty, and integrity and am impressed by his discipline as an independent learner. He is a highly motivated individual with a thirst for knowledge. Allen Cheng would truly be a superior addition to the student body at Harvard.

Cherryl Vorak

AP Chemistry, Chemistry Honors Teacher

The letter here is very strong for a multitude of reasons. First, the length is notable —most letters are just a page long, but this is nearly two full pages , single spaced. This is pretty rare, since teachers often have to write dozens of letters a year. It's clear she's interacted with me a lot, cares a lot about supporting me, and is willing to put in the work to do so.

The structure is effective: first Miss Vorak talks about my academic accomplishments, then about my personal qualities and interactions, then a summary to the future. This is a perfect blend of what effective letters contain. She highlights my most important extracurricular activities and awards (you can read more about it here in my Complete college application ).

At the detail level, her diction and phrasing are specific and supportive . She makes my standing clear with precise statements : "youngest student…top excelling student among the two sections" and "one of twenty students in the nation." She's clear about describing the effort I put in, like studying college-level chemistry and studying independently.

When describing my personality, she's exuberant and fleshes out a range of dimensions : "conscientious, motivated and responsible," "exhibits the qualities of a leader," "actively seeks new experiences," "charismatic," "balanced individual with a warm personality and sense of humor." You can see how she's really checking off all the qualities colleges care about and corroborating her ratings.

Overall, Miss Vorak's letter perfectly supports my application —my love for science, my overall academic performance, and my personality. The last part is especially important—she adds much more color beyond my A in AP Chemistry. This letter was important to complement the overall academic performance and achievements shown on the rest of my application.

Let's go to my second Common App teacher recommendation.

Curious about what my college application looked like, including personal essays, grades, test scores, and extracurriculars?

You're in luck—I've published my ENTIRE college application here . This includes my complete Common Application, teacher recommendations, counselor recommendation, and Harvard supplement.

This application got me into every school I applied to, including Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, and more.

Check out how Miss Vorak's letter complemented my entire college application and my Personal Narrative .

Teacher Letter #2: AP English Language Teacher

My second teacher Mrs. Swift was another favorite. A middle-aged, experienced English teacher, I would describe her as "fiery," in a good way. She was passionate, always trying to get a rise out of students in class discussions. She was challenging as a teacher and grader, and I always wanted to impress her. Emotionally she was a reliable source of support for students.

First, the teacher evaluation from the Common App:

2 years, AP student.

What are the first words that come to your mind to describe this student?

11th Grade AP English

You can see right away that her remarks are terser. She didn't even fill out the section about "first words that come to mind to describe this student."

You might chalk this up to my not being as standout of a student in her mind, or her just getting tired of recommendation letter requests every year.

In ratings, I earned three of the "one of the top in my career" for "Motivation," "Independence, initiative," and "Intellectual ability." The rest are marked as Outstanding (top 5%).

These are overall great ratings, but not as universally "top ever" compared to my AP Chemistry teacher.

There are a few explanations for this. As a teacher's career lengthens, it gets increasingly hard to earn this mark. Since Mrs. Swift was a lot older than Miss Vorak, she had run through a ton of students already, which makes it harder to be one of the top few ever encountered.

I probably also didn't stand out as much as I did to my Chemistry teacher— most of my achievement was in science (which she wasn't closely connected to), and I had talented classmates. Regardless, I did appreciate the 3 marks she gave me.

Now, the letter. Once again, as you read this letter, think: what are the hundreds of interactions, in the classroom and outside, that would have led to a letter like this?

It is with great pleasure that I recommend Allen Cheng for admission to your school. In my three years of working with him, he has demonstrated the qualities necessary for high success in the demanding academic atmosphere of a high caliber university as well as the social skills needed to be successful in college.

Academically, he is an extremely strong student, earning an A both semesters in AP Junior English (a feat few accomplish), and A's throughout his high school career. He consistently exhibits dedication and vigor in all that he approaches. He is a member of the National Honor Society, the California Scholarship Federation, and an integral part of the Jisan Research Institute. He is a vital member of all that he is a part of.

Outside of the classroom, Allen's passion is for research. He has a brilliant and lightning quick mind; he is a fantastic scientist, one with great charisma and leadership skills. Though he is a year younger than the rest of his class, he is heads and shoulders above them. He has been more than ready for all that a major university has to offer for quite some time.

Perhaps one of Allen's most outstanding characteristics is his independence of thought and his willingness to express those thoughts . In other situations where students-would never speak their minds, he showed no hesitation to voice questions, thoughts, and ideas. He was always an active participant in class discussions, his animated character and controversial positions often being the spark that set off the entire class to an impassioned and heated period of arguing, often with him at the focal point of one side or another.

His other qualities are of equal magnitude – his leadership skills came to forefront in group projects where he took charge, assuming the majority of the work and responsibility, ensuring that everything was completed in a timely manner and to his extremely high standards. He also has the ability to take the quiet and shy student and actively engage him or her, transforming that student into an active member of the class. I went out of my way to partner him with other students who needed this kind of attention and encouragement.

Another quality that sets him apart from other student leaders is his strength of conviction . He will argue on any topic that has touched a nerve. He breathes with raw, unbridled passion. It is a rare gift in a person of any age; in someone just 16 , it is breathtaking. He is honest, never stooping to cheat; he is entertaining, relying on wit, knowledge, and intelligence to persuade. Friends rely on him; he is attentive to their true needs. Teachers enjoy him in their classes.

I recommend Allen completely, with no hesitation. He will make his mark and be known.

Judith Swift

Overall, this letter is very strong. It's only one page long, but she spends a lot more time on my personal qualities. She writes with her characteristic flair:

"In other situations where students would never speak their minds, he showed no hesitation to voice questions, thoughts, and ideas."

"controversial positions often being the spark that set off the entire class"

"ability to take the quiet and shy student and actively engage"…"went out of my way to partner him with other students who needed"

"strength of conviction"…"raw, unbridled passion"…"He will argue on any topic that has touched a nerve."

These comments support my personality strongly. I lean more towards an irreverent, straightforward personality, not being afraid to speak my mind. While this came across in my personal essays and application, an experienced teacher vouching for this adds so much more weight than just my writing it about myself .

Again, this impression was built up over a year of her teaching me. It wasn't just one time I stopped by after class. It was continuous participation in class discussions, strong performance throughout the year, and likely observations of me when I didn't know she was even looking.

With my two letters in mind, let's end with advice for how you can get the best college rec letters possible.

How You Can Get the Best Recommendation Letters from Your Teachers

By now, I've repeated my most important advice for you a few times. The important thing is that the advice sticks in, and that you actually practice it.

The best recommendation letters for students gush about your personal qualities and why that makes you the promising beacon of the future.

You can't trick a teacher into writing a strong letter for you. This is the wrong attitude to have, and most teachers will be able to sniff out insincerity. Don't think that you can just stop by after class three times and get the teacher to be your buddy.

Instead, your teacher's impression of you is built up over hundreds of interactions —in class discussions, in group projects, in your homework, during presentations, when arguing about test scores, and even when you think she's not listening.

With all this in mind, here are strategies for how you can build great relationships with your teachers and get super strong letters along the way:

• Starting sophomore year, identify 2-3 teachers each year you get along with . Have at least one in math/sciences, and another in the other subjects. You won't get letters from all of them, but you do want backups in case your top choice writers don't work out.
• Prepare well for class discussions, and don't be afraid of sounding dumb. Speak your mind and your teacher will remember it. As a teaching assistant in college and grad school, I can tell you firsthand how annoying it is to ask the class a question and have no one respond. Prep beforehand and show that you're one of the few students who actually cares about learning.
• In your interactions with teachers, focus on improving yourself and learning , not on getting a better grade. This applies to talking about grading, group projects, and learning what's on a test. Students who grovel for extra points on a test are really annoying. In contrast, students who try to figure out where their weaknesses are and how to improve for the future are really fun to work with.
• Try to make the teacher's life easier. If you can help the teacher save time, she'll love you for it. This might mean helping out classmates who are struggling, sharing notes with the class, or noticing problems she's having and trying to fix them.

This will take sustained effort and energy, but it's the most reliable way to get very strong recommendation letters. Even more, you'll likely have a lot more fun in school, and you'll build a strong relationship with an adult mentor who can teach you a lot.

For a lot more detailed advice like this on how to interact with teachers earnestly, check out my How to Get a 4.0 GPA and Better Grades guide .

Keep Reading to Build Your College Application

Do you like my advice in this guide? Great—I've written a lot more to help you build the strongest college app possible.

Want more recommendation letter samples? Check out 4 more excellent recommendation letters from teachers .

How to Get a Perfect SAT Score / How to Get a Perfect ACT Score

Do you feel like your SAT/ACT score is lower than what your top colleges are looking for? As someone who got a perfect score on the SAT and ACT, I learned important strategies to notice your weaknesses and drill to improve them. Read these guides to boost your SAT/ACT scores .

Also, check out my series on getting perfect scores in each of the sections on the SAT/ACT:

SAT 800 Series: Reading | Math | Writing

ACT 36 Series: English | Math | Reading | Science

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

Aiming for a top school like Harvard, Stanford, Yale, or Ivy League-level schools? Your impression of what they're looking for might be completely wrong.

In this guide, you'll learn:

• why colleges exist, and what that means for what students they're looking for
• why being well-rounded is the path to rejection
• what an application Spike is, and why it'll get you into every college you apply to
• how to develop a Spike of your own

If you're aiming for top tier colleges, this is a must read for you .

How to Get a 4.0 GPA and Better Grades

Do you feel like you're struggling to balance a rigorous course load with good grades? You're not alone—this is a challenge for many high school students nationwide.

In this guide, I'll tell you everything I know about how to get good grades. This includes mindset and psychology; study habits you need to have; and individual subject strategies. Even if you're not aiming for a 4.0 GPA, this is well worth the read—you'll learn something that can save you hundreds of hours of study time .

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As co-founder and head of product design at PrepScholar, Allen has guided thousands of students to success in SAT/ACT prep and college admissions. He's committed to providing the highest quality resources to help you succeed. Allen graduated from Harvard University summa cum laude and earned two perfect scores on the SAT (1600 in 2004, and 2400 in 2014) and a perfect score on the ACT. You can also find Allen on his personal website, Shortform , or the Shortform blog .

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Harvard Letters of Recommendation

By Eric Eng

When applying to Harvard University , one crucial component of your application is the letter of recommendation. This letter plays a significant role in showcasing your abilities, character, and potential, providing valuable insights to the admission committee. Understanding the importance of Harvard letters of recommendation and navigating the process of securing them can greatly boost your chances of admission.

Understanding the Importance of Recommendation Letters

Recommendation letters hold significant weight in the college admission process. They provide an opportunity for someone who knows you well, such as a teacher, mentor, or supervisor, to vouch for your capabilities, character, and potential.

These letters offer a unique perspective of you as a student and individual beyond what can be captured in transcripts and test scores.

When it comes to applying to college, the competition can be fierce. With thousands of qualified applicants vying for a limited number of spots, it’s crucial to find ways to stand out from the crowd. This is where recommendation letters come in. They serve as a powerful tool to showcase your strengths and accomplishments, giving admissions officers a deeper understanding of who you are as a person.

The Role of Recommendation Letters in Your Application

Recommendation letters serve as a personal endorsement of your skills, talents, and potential for success in college.

Admissions officers value the insight these letters provide, offering a more holistic view of you as an applicant. They can shed light on your work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and leadership qualities, providing a glimpse into your potential contributions to the Harvard community.

Imagine this: an admissions officer is reviewing your application. They have already examined your grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities. But what sets you apart from the other applicants? What makes you unique? Recommendation letters can help answer these questions. They provide a window into your character, highlighting your personal qualities that may not be evident from your academic achievements alone.

Why Harvard Values Recommendation Letters

Harvard University places great importance on recommendation letters because they help identify candidates who will excel both academically and personally.

The admissions committee looks for individuals who are not only intellectually curious but also have the ability to thrive in a collaborative and diverse environment. The recommendation letters help assess candidates’ fit within this unique community.

Harvard is known for its rigorous academic programs and commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community. The university seeks students who will contribute to this community in meaningful ways, both inside and outside the classroom.

The Harvard letters of recommendation can provide valuable insights into your interpersonal skills, teamwork abilities, and leadership potential, which are highly valued at the institution.

Furthermore, recommendation letters can also help validate your claims in your personal statement or essay. They provide an external perspective on your accomplishments and character, lending credibility to your application. Admissions officers at Harvard understand the significance of these letters and carefully consider them in their evaluation process.

In conclusion, recommendation letters play a crucial role in the college admission process, particularly at esteemed institutions like Harvard University . They offer a unique opportunity to showcase your strengths, personality, and potential contributions to the university.

So, when you ask someone to write a recommendation letter for you, choose someone who knows you well and can provide a comprehensive and compelling endorsement of your abilities.

Who Should Write Your Harvard Letters of Recommendation?

Choosing the right person to write your recommendation letter is crucial. Consider individuals who know you well and can provide insightful and specific details about your abilities and accomplishments.

Harvard requires applicants to obtain two teacher recommendations in distinct academic subjects who are familiar with their academic performance. These recommendations consist of an evaluation form and a personalized letter of recommendation.

Additionally, the University requires a letter of recommendation from a school counselor, along with the school report and high school transcript .

If you wish to submit additional Harvard letters of recommendation, you can do so after your initial application submission. Upon submitting your application, a confirmation email will be sent to you, which includes a personalized link that you can share with your chosen recommenders to streamline the process for them.

When it comes to selecting the right recommender, there are a few key factors to keep in mind. First and foremost, you want to choose someone who has a deep understanding of your capabilities and can speak to your strengths with authenticity. It’s important to have someone who can provide a comprehensive and nuanced perspective on your abilities rather than someone who only knows you superficially.

Another important consideration is to choose someone who can speak to your potential for success at Harvard specifically. While it may be tempting to ask a well-known figure or a high-profile individual to write your recommendation letter, it’s more important to have someone who truly knows you and can provide specific examples and anecdotes highlighting your suitability for the university.

Choosing the Right Recommender

When selecting your recommender, it’s essential to choose someone who can speak to your academic abilities, personal qualities, and potential for success at Harvard.

While a well-known figure may seem impressive, it’s more important to have a recommender who truly knows you and can provide specific examples and anecdotes. A thoughtful, personalized letter will carry more weight than one from a high-profile individual.

Consider individuals who have had a significant impact on your academic journey. This could be a teacher who has challenged you in a particular subject and has witnessed your growth and dedication firsthand. Their insights into your intellectual curiosity, problem-solving skills, and ability to think critically will be invaluable in showcasing your potential as a Harvard student.

Additionally, mentors who have guided your extracurricular pursuits can provide unique perspectives on your leadership abilities, teamwork skills, and commitment to making a positive impact in your community. Their firsthand knowledge of your involvement in clubs, sports teams, or volunteer organizations can show your ability to balance multiple responsibilities and make meaningful contributions outside of the classroom.

Supervisors or employers who have observed your work ethic, professionalism, and dedication in a professional setting can also be excellent choices for recommenders. Their insights into your ability to meet deadlines, collaborate with others, and take initiative can demonstrate your readiness for the challenges of a rigorous academic environment like Harvard.

The Qualities of a Good Recommender

An ideal recommender is someone who can provide a balanced and honest assessment of your strengths and areas of growth. They should have a good understanding of Harvard’s values and be able to highlight how you align with the university’s mission and values.

A strong letter of recommendation will demonstrate the recommender’s firsthand knowledge of your accomplishments, character, and potential.

It’s important to choose someone who can speak to your personal qualities and character traits that make you a unique and valuable candidate. This could include attributes such as resilience, empathy, intellectual curiosity, or a commitment to social justice.

A recommender who can provide specific examples of how you have demonstrated these qualities in your interactions with others can help paint a vivid picture of who you are as an individual.

Furthermore, a good recommender should be able to address any areas of growth or challenges you may have faced. This demonstrates their understanding of your journey and belief in your ability to overcome obstacles and continue to thrive academically and personally.

In conclusion, choosing the right person to write your recommendation letter is a critical step in the college application process. By selecting individuals who know you well, can provide specific examples of your abilities and accomplishments, and can speak to your potential for success at the institution, you can ensure that your Harvard letters of recommendation are compelling and authentic representations of who you are as a candidate.

Crafting the Perfect Recommendation Letter

Writing a strong recommendation letter requires careful thought and attention to detail. The letter should provide specific examples and evidence to support the claims made about your abilities and accomplishments.

Here are some key elements to include in the letter:

Key Elements to Include in the Letter

• An introduction that establishes the recommender’s relationship with you
• A description of your academic achievements and intellectual abilities
• An overview of your personal qualities, such as leadership, initiative, or resilience
• Specific examples that highlight your potential to contribute to the Harvard community
• A conclusion that reinforces the recommender’s endorsement of your candidacy

When crafting a recommendation letter, your recommenders should go beyond the basic elements and delve into the intricate details that make you stand out. Let’s explore some additional aspects to consider:

Highlighting Your Academic Achievements

While it’s important to mention your academic achievements, it is equally crucial to provide context and depth to these accomplishments. For example, your recommenders can elaborate on the challenges you faced during your studies and how you overcame them. They can also discuss specific projects, research papers, or presentations that demonstrate your intellectual curiosity and ability to think critically.

Unveiling Your Personal Qualities

In addition to highlighting personal qualities such as leadership, initiative, or resilience, it is beneficial to provide anecdotes or stories that exemplify these traits. Your recommenders can share instances where you led a group project, initiated innovative solutions to problems, or displayed resilience in the face of adversity. These real-life examples will help the reader visualize your character and potential.

Contributing to the Harvard Community

When discussing your potential contributions to the Harvard community, your recommenders need to expand on the specific ways in which you can make a difference. They can talk about your involvement in extracurricular activities, community service, or clubs that align with your interests and values. Moreover, they can highlight any unique skills or perspectives you possess that would enrich the campus environment.

Avoiding Common Mistakes in Recommendation Letters

When writing a recommendation letter, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can weaken its impact. These include generic statements, exaggerations, or overly negative comments. A strong letter should strike a balance between highlighting your strengths and providing constructive feedback for growth.

To ensure your recommendation letter stands out, your recommenders must consider the following tips:

Be Specific and Detailed

Avoid using vague language or generalizations. Instead, your recommenders should provide specific examples and details that illustrate your points. This will make the letter more compelling and credible.

Focus on the Positive

While it’s important to provide constructive feedback, your recommenders must emphasize the positive aspects of the candidate’s abilities and character. Highlight their strengths and potential rather than dwelling on weaknesses.

Personalize the Letter

Avoid using generic templates or phrases. Your recommenders must tailor the letter to the individual candidate, showcasing their unique qualities and experiences. This personal touch will make the letter more authentic and memorable.

By incorporating these additional paragraphs into your Harvard letters of recommendation, your recommenders can provide a comprehensive and detailed account of your qualifications and potential. Remember, a well-crafted recommendation letter can greatly impact your chances of success.

Submitting Your Harvard Letters of Recommendation

Submitting your recommendation letter within the designated timeframe is crucial to ensure it is considered as part of your application. Keep in mind the following considerations:

Meeting Deadlines for Submission

Harvard has strict application deadlines, and recommendation letters should be submitted well in advance to allow ample time for processing. Communicate with your recommender early on to ensure they have sufficient time to write the letter and submit it before the deadline.

Harvard offers two application deadlines: Restrictive Early Action applicants should submit their applications by November 1, while Regular Decision applicants have until January 1 to submit their application requirements.

Following Harvard’s Submission Guidelines

Harvard University provides specific guidelines for submitting recommendation letters. Make sure to familiarize yourself with these guidelines and communicate them clearly to your recommender. This will help ensure that your letter is received and processed without any complications.

Every first-year applicant, regardless of international or U.S. status, must submit application requirements, which include the Harvard letters of recommendation, through either the Common Application or Coalition Application via Scoir.

How Recommendation Letters Impact Your Harvard Application

The weight of recommendation letters in the selection process cannot be overstated. These letters provide valuable insights into your character, personality, and potential to thrive at Harvard. A strong recommendation letter can set you apart from other applicants and significantly enhance your admission chances.

The Weight of Recommendation Letters in the Selection Process

Recommendation letters hold significant weight in Harvard’s selection process. The admissions committee scrutinizes each letter to gain a deeper understanding of your abilities and potential, extending beyond your academic and extracurricular achievements.

These letters provide valuable context and nuance, offering insights into your character and how you might contribute to Harvard’s diverse and dynamic community.

They offer a more holistic perspective, showcasing your unique qualities, passions, and potential for growth. This multifaceted view is vital in evaluating your fit within Harvard’s academic and social environment. In essence, the Harvard letters of recommendation serve as a pivotal element that helps shape a more comprehensive and compelling narrative of your suitability for admission to this prestigious institution.

How a Strong Recommendation Letter Can Set You Apart

A well-crafted recommendation letter has the power to distinguish you from Harvard applicants. It eloquently showcases your distinctive qualities, emphasizing your accomplishments and elucidating how you can enrich the university’s academic and social environment.

Impressive Harvard letters of recommendation not only add credibility to your application but also bolster its persuasive impact. It can provide a personal narrative that aligns with Harvard’s values and mission, demonstrating your potential to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the institution.

In conclusion, a letter of recommendation is a crucial requirement for your Harvard application. Understanding the significance and intricacies of this process can help you secure strong recommendation letters and boost your chances of admission .

By carefully selecting recommenders, crafting a compelling letter, and adhering to submission guidelines, you can make a powerful impression on the admissions committee and enhance your prospects of being accepted into Harvard University.

AdmissionSight is your reliable partner in navigating the challenging Harvard admissions process and obtaining impressive recommendation letters. Our seasoned advisors are well-versed in the university’s requirements, providing personalized guidance to students.

With AdmissionSight’s assistance, students are better prepared to showcase their strengths and enhance their prospects of gaining admission to this esteemed institution.

Want to assess your chances of admission? Take our FREE chances calculator today!

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Inside the Black Box

Our Recommendations for Your Recommendations

Letters of recommendation are an important part of your application. We’ve compiled some tips and advice on how best to approach these letters to help you better prepare for this part of the process.

First, let’s start with the basics.

• We require two letters of recommendation.
• You may submit up to three.
• We strongly recommend that at least one letter of recommendation come from an academic source.

Sound good? Let’s move to two of our biggest “DON’Ts:”

• DON’T assume more equals better. While we accept three letters, the third is truly optional. From the perspective of the Admissions Committee, quality goes farther than quantity. Carefully select two recommenders who know you well and will speak to your abilities and accomplishments. If you are still thinking of including a third letter, consider whether it will add a new and different perspective.
• DON’T select a recommender solely based on their title. We like to emphasize “substance over signature.” The name at the bottom of the page means much less than the content of the letter. The Admissions Committee is interested in learning more about who you are, how you’ve spent your time, and what unique contributions you might bring to HLS. This information is most clearly communicated by someone with whom you’ve been working closely, rather than someone who may have a more “impressive” title, but with whom you’ve had less direct contact. Select a recommender who knows you well and can paint the most illustrative picture of the strengths of your candidacy. It is quite obvious to us when a recommender knows a student only though the resume they passed along to them, and they are often not shy about telling us explicitly if they don’t know the candidate well.

Now that you know what NOT to do, here are our recommendations for your recommendations:

• Nurture your relationships with prospective recommenders. If you’re a college student, make a point to get to know your professors outside of class, through office hours or other informal conversations. It’s helpful to keep in touch with professors and supervisors even after you’ve graduated or moved on to other professional opportunities. This can help them write more meaningful letters.
• Start early . Respect your recommendation writer’s time by checking in with them early in the application process. Inquire if they have the time and capacity to provide a letter. Make sure you share any relevant deadlines with them, and give them plenty of time to submit the reference.
• Pick recommenders who know you well  and who are excited to help. Enthusiasm goes a long way towards making a letter compelling!

Filed in: Inside the Black Box

Contact the J.D. Admissions Office

Website: hls.harvard.edu/jdadmissions

Email: [email protected]

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Complete Guide to Harvard Letters of Recommendation

With an acceptance rate that has dipped below 5% in recent years, there’s no doubt that getting into Harvard is exceptionally competitive. As a result, students who are interested in gaining admission to the top-tier institution need to understand that every component of their application matters, including the recommendation letters they submit.

To make sure your letter of recommendation for Harvard is strong, you need to understand exactly what admissions officers will be looking for and the role this document will play in your application process. Keep reading for a breakdown of everything that you’ll need to know to submit a Harvard letter of recommendation that will help set you apart for all of the right reasons.

How Important Are Recommendation Letters in Harvard Admissions?

Before you start working on your  Harvard letter of recommendation , it’s important to understand the weight these documents will carry. Like most colleges, Harvard reviews a variety of hard factors (like grades and GPA) and soft factors (such as essays and extracurricular activities) when making their admissions decisions.

Letters of recommendation are a valuable soft factor. In the National Association of College Admissions Counselors’ State of College Admissions Report, more than 40% of college admissions officers surveyed noted that letters of recommendation carry “moderate importance”, with another approximately 15% classifying them as a factor with “considerable importance” to the college admissions process at large.

At a school like Harvard where there are so many qualified students competing for relatively few seats, every factor can move the needle in determining your admissions outcome, so recommendations are especially important.

What’s the Purpose of Harvard Letters of Recommendation?

Recommendations are a key component of the application process. They give admissions officers some context into a student’s academic performance and help them create a fuller picture of the applicant. A  letter of recommendation for students with low grades  may help the admissions office see beyond a subpar semester or even prevent that student from being placed on the Harvard waitlist , however, applicants who want to be competitive at Harvard will generally need to demonstrate top-tier academic achievements.

How long should a letter of recommendation be?

There isn’t a specific word count that will dictate how long your Harvard letter of recommendation needs to be. The quality of what your teachers and counselors write will ultimately matter much more than the quantity. However, most letters are generally between two-thirds of a page and a full-page long, or approximately 300-600 words.

How Many Recommendation Letters Does Harvard Require?

On their website, Harvard specifically asks for letters of recommendation from two teachers in different academic subjects. Students can submit additional letters of recommendation if they wish. The University also requires one letter of recommendation from a school counselor.

Who Should Write Your Letters of Recommendation for Harvard?

While you might not have much choice when it comes to who will write your school counselor recommendation, choosing the teachers to ask for a letter from is a big decision.

For your Harvard letter of recommendation, you’re going to want to ask teachers who have worked closely with you and who knows your strengths inside and out. Ideally, we recommend eleventh-grade instructors because they will know how you perform in higher-level courses and will have more recent memories of your work inside the classroom.

When asking for  letters of recommendation from teachers , students might also wish to prioritize those who focus on a subject that they are passionate about and might be interested in pursuing in college. For example, a student who is considering majoring in journalism might want to think about asking one of their English teachers for a letter of recommendation.

What Makes a Great Letter of Recommendation for Harvard?

Given how selective Harvard is and the important role letters of recommendation play in the admissions process, every student will want to know what it takes to get a great letter. Ultimately, the best letters are personalized, showcase a student’s unique character, and come from teachers with a genuine connection to the applicant. A few general tips include:

Use of Anecdotes

Hopefully, the teachers you ask to write your letters will be very familiar with your classroom performance. The strongest letters follow the “show, don’t tell” rule by using real-life examples that demonstrate the kind of impact a student will make, versus relying on vague adjectives and filler words. Anecdotes are powerful, which is why it’s often beneficial to send your letter writers a copy of your resume and some talking points, so they have something to work off of.

Highlight a Specific Commitment or Unusual Skill

Your Harvard letter of recommendation should showcase exactly what kind of student you are and where your passions lie. Admissions officers are looking for applicants with a demonstrated commitment to a specific field, so your recommendation letters should ideally reflect these interests and highlight the fields you’re most passionate about pursuing.

Being Well-Organized and Structured

Admissions officers review hundreds of letters during application season, so it’s important to make sure the text you submit is easy to follow so they can pull key takeaways, even from just a quick read. Since every writer has their own voice and style, there’s no singular format that documents must follow. However, if you’re looking for a generalized outline, this  sample MBA recommendation letter  is an example of a well-structured piece.

What Can You Do to Get Strong Letters of Recommendation?

What do the best  letters of recommendation for college applicants  have in common? They come from passionate teachers who developed strong relationships with the student they are writing on behalf of and they were given plenty of time to compose a thoughtful letter. We recommend asking teachers before the start of your senior year and including a few notes about the experiences that you’re particularly proud of to give them a foundation and set the writer up for success.

What If You Don’t Have Teachers or a Counselor Who Knows You Well?

If you are worried that a teacher or counselor doesn’t know you as well as you had hoped, it’s particularly important to give them a few notes and a copy of your resume so they can write something more personalized. You can also include a supplemental letter from someone who knows you much better, such as a supervisor, coach, or religious leader, to help round out your application.

How to Ensure that You Get Great Harvard Recommendation Letters?

Since letters are sealed or submitted by the recommender, students won’t have the chance for a final review of their Harvard letters of recommendation. So how can you set yourself up for success?

Start by carefully selecting teachers with who you’ve built a strong rapport with and make sure you give them plenty of time to compile their letters. Be polite and help them out by sharing your resume and talking points. Make sure you behave graciously and take ownership of any projects or responsibilities, but avoid going out of your way to show your strengths right before your application because this might feel a little forced.  Ultimately, the  relationship with teachers  you have built and the performance in the classroom will speak for itself.

How to Send Your Harvard Recommendation Letters?

What’s next after your teachers have finished writing your letters? If you’re using the Common Application to apply to Harvard, your letters will be submitted electronically through their school-specific supplements section.

Students who choose to submit via the Coalition Application will follow a similar process by submitting electronically through the Official Documents section of the portal.

While you may be curious to see what the teachers you have asked have chosen to write, students should avoid requesting to see the letters before they are submitted. Doing so puts the teacher in an awkward position and it might even hinder their honesty and thoughtfulness.

If you’re so worried that you feel compelled to ask your letter writers to see what they’ve written before they submit, it might be a sign that you haven’t built a strong and trusting relationship with those teachers. In that case, you would be better off asking another instructor and choosing someone who you feel more confident will write an essay that presents you in the best light possible.

While asking for letters of recommendation can feel a little scary at first, it’s an opportunity to solidify your relationship with the teachers that have seen you grow and know what you’re capable of achieving. Now that you know all about the Harvard letters of recommendation, consider getting familiar with the details of  how to get into Harvard , including how to nail the Harvard admissions interview , so that you can ace your application and hopefully earn a seat at this competitive institution.

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Home » IvyWise College Admissions Blog » College Admission Advice » College Application Tips » Complete Guide to Harvard Letters of Recommendation

Harvard Recommendation Letters: The ULTIMATE Guide

How to send your recommendation letters, and more importantly, who should you get them from? Here’s our COMPLETE Guide to Harvard recommendation letters!

Hey Harvard applicants! When you’re applying to university, there are certain things that can make or break your whole application. Letters of recommendation are one of those things. Harvard recommendation letters are taken very seriously by the admissions office, since they are a great way of showing whether the applicant is a good candidate. Not only that, a good LOR even shows why.

Why Are Harvard Recommendations Important to Your Application?

Harvard University receives tens of thousands of applications each year, per school. So to find out who they should accept and who to reject, they must find the brightest, most excellent candidates.

Also read: What Kinds of Students Get into Harvard?

Receommendations are important because they are the only parts of an application the student has little control over. They are sent without the applicant seeing them, and that makes them fully authentic. They are a way of knowing who the most experienced professionals in an institute would recommend to be admitted to Harvard. Letters of recommendation are a great way to illustrate the academic or professional history of a student. Only students who excel socially, academically and personally can get an exceptional recommendation.

How Many Recommendation Letters Does Harvard Require?

Two letters of recommendation are required as a part of a Harvard application. The number may vary for different schools at Harvard University, so check the admissions page for the school you’re applying to.

For example, Harvard College requires two Teacher Evaluation forms, and so does Harvard Business School. However, Harvard Law School requires at least two recommendation letters, but accepts up to five. in this case, most candidates send three LORs.

How to Send Your Harvard Recommendation Letters?

Recommendation letters are sent directly by the person who you’ve requested to recommend you. This can be a professor from college, your supervisor at work, or someone you’ve worked with in a professional capacity. This means that you won’t be able to see what someone wrote in your letter.

Most schools require your recommenders to either upload recommendation letters online, or fill out an evaluation form online. Some schools may also accept paper applications, so be sure to check your school’s admissions page to be certain.

Mostly, you’ll be required to provide the names and institutions of your recommenders beforehand, as a part of your application. This is called the registration of recommenders. You may be able to change these before you submit your application. However, you won’t be able to send a recommendation letter yourself, or have a recommender who’s not registered send a letter for you.

Who Should You Get a Letter of Recommendation from?

Choosing your recommender is the most important part about getting winning Harvard recommendation letters. That’s because this is the only part you can actually control! Other than that, it’s up to your recommenders to send a good letter.

Ideally, you should get letters of recommendation from people you know professionally, but those you know you well. It’s a good idea to get a letter from someone who’s at a position of authority at your college or office, such as the dean or senior professor. Go for someone who’s encouraging and someone who you believe will give a good recommendation.

1. Someone You Know Professionally

This is an important criteria to keep in mind. LORs are considered only when you get them from someone you have worked with in a professional capacity, or someone who has taught you in school or college. Simply finding a Harvard alumnus or ivy league educated person is not enough. Letters from those you know personally, like your friends or family members, are not accepted.

Additionally, Harvard prefers recommendation letters from someone who has worked with the candidate in the same field as they’re applying for. Like if you’re applying to Harvard Law School for masters, a good letter of recommendation would be from your law faculty at college.

Harvard Business School writes about who to get recommendation letter from, “This can be a former supervisor, a colleague, someone you collaborate on an activity outside of work. How well a person knows you should take priority over level of seniority or HBS alumni status.”

2. Someone at a Senior Position

Ideally, you need to get a letter of recommendation from the most senior person at the institution. A college dean, your school’s principal or your office’s Chairperson or President are good examples. If you don’t know any of these people personally, the best idea is to get someone at a similar position of authority to write a recommendation for you.

For example, I got three Harvard recommendation letters: a. From the Vice President of the company I had been working at for well over a year after college. b. From the Dean of Students of my college, who also later became the College Dean. c. From an Associate Professor of my college.

3. Someone Who Knows You Well

This is the most important thing to keep in mind when choosing someone to request Harvard recommendation letter from. Only someone who actually knows you and has worked with you or interacted with you more than a few times will be willing to write a letter for you. For example, your direct supervisor at office, or a professor who has taught you multiple classes at college.

Moreover, only someone who has worked with you closely will know about your strengths, which will make a strong recommendation letter. Only someone who knows you well will be able to answer detailed questions about you, or write a letter that includes examples of your qualities or skills. Otherwise you’ll get a generic, dull-looking letter that won’t impress the admissions office.

4. Someone Likely to Give You a Good Recommendation

You want to request letter of recommendation from someone who thinks highly of you, is impressed by your work or at least respects you. The worst idea would be to request a person who doesn’t like you! Letters of recommendation are sent secretly (without knowledge of the applicant). And surely, there have been instances where a recommender has given a terrible letter, obviously resulting in rejection of application.

5. Someone Encouraging

Application time is full of self-doubt, fear and stress for students. Discouragement is the last thing you need when you’re applying to any university. One of my classmates from Harvard once told me a story of how she went to request her college dean for a recommendation letter, but he refused to give her one, since he didn’t think she would get selected. And she was left crying and discouraged. Obviously, she got good letters from other professors and eventually got selected! True story!

How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation?

Requesting a letter of recommendation can be an intimidating task, especially from someone important. But if you’re asking the right people, you’ll be surprised at how encouraging they may be!

When requesting someone for a recommendation letter, it’s a good idea to first start by telling them what program you’re applying for and which universities you’re thinking of. Explain your plans about what you’re expecting college will do for your larger career goals, or why you’re doing masters.

Also tell them why you chose them to be your recommender, and what you eventually want to achieve in life. For example, “I’m applying to Harvard for a Masters in Education, and I’d really appreciate it if you wrote me a recommendation letter.” Be honest, respectful and polite.

Honesty goes a long way when maintaining professional relationships and requesting a favor. I told my college professor that I was very nervous about applying to Harvard, wondering whether I was good enough. He told me he thought I was good enough and encouraged me to apply, and he also gave me a glowing letter of recommendation!

How to Ensure Harvard Recommendation Letters are Submitted on Time?

This is something you’ll just have to manage with the rest of your application. A good reminder is usually more than enough. Politely let them know the deadline for sending it. And then a week or so before the deadline, you can send them a reminder email, or call over the phone to ask them if they’ve been able to send it. You can also ask them if there’s anything they need your help for, such as logging in, etc.

How to Ensure that You Get Great Harvard Recommendation Letters?

Since these are sealed or submitted directly by the recommender, there’s not much you can do to ensure. Generally, if you select the right people to write a letter for you (see above on who to get it from), then you can trust that they’ll send a good letter.

Most recommenders will be happy to send out good letters of recommendation, since it’s a matter of pride for them to see you succeed if they believe in you. But how to get them to believe in you? Well, this is a process you need to start working on way before you begin your application.

1. Make sure you are in the good books of your college professors or employer.

2. Be polite, help them out with anything if necessary, or . Show them that you’re worthy of their respect.

3. Take up projects or extra responsibility. It’ll not only make sure they are willing to give you recommendation, but also give them something to write about in your recy letter.

4. Don’t go out of your way to show them your work or strengths right before your application. People can see through fakeness. Just be yourself, and excel at what you do. And you’ll be surprised at how willing they might be to give you glowing letters of recommendation for Harvard or any other university.

So i hope you found my guide to Harvard recommendation letters helpful. Please let me know below if you have any further questions on these and I’ll try to answer them.

All the best!

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, how many letters of recommendation does harvard require.

Hey everyone! So I'm starting to work on my college applications and I'm really interested in applying to Harvard. Does anyone know how many letters of recommendation they require? And what types of recommenders are they looking for? I want to make sure I have all my bases covered.

Harvard University requires two letters of recommendation from teachers. Ideally, these should come from teachers who have taught you in one of your core academic subjects (English, mathematics, social studies, science, or a foreign language) during your junior or senior year of high school. The purpose of these recommendations is to give the admissions committee an insight into your classroom performance and how you contribute to the academic environment.

In addition to the two teacher recommendations, Harvard also requires a recommendation from your high school counselor or another school official. This person can provide a broader perspective on your overall academic and personal growth throughout your high school career. If you've forged a strong relationship with another administrator or advisor at your school, you can also ask them for a recommendation.

While these are the required recommendations, you do have the option to submit one or two additional letters from other sources, such as coaches, employers, or mentors. However, these should only be submitted if they add a new dimension to your application that hasn't already been covered in the required recommendations. Keep in mind that the quality of recommendations is far more important than the quantity, so focus on obtaining strong, insightful letters that can speak to your strengths and potential.

Make sure to give your recommenders plenty of notice and provide them with any necessary information about your accomplishments, goals, and the context of the recommendation (such as why you're applying to Harvard) to help them write a more compelling and detailed letter on your behalf. Good luck with your application!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

Application FAQs: Letters of recommendation

We announced last week that the application for admission for the 2023-2024 academic year is now available. As prospective students work to complete applications over the coming weeks and months, we’ll be addressing some of our applicants’ most frequently asked questions, starting today with letters of recommendation.

Who should I ask to write my letters of recommendation?

First and foremost, you should seek recommendations from individuals who know you well and are familiar with your work—academically or professionally.

When reviewing letters of recommendation, we look for evidence of your leadership skills and potential, intellectual achievement and promise, problem solving ability, commitment to public service, and more. When deciding who to ask to submit recommendation letters on your behalf, think about who from your academic and professional networks would be best equipped to address these characteristics.

If you are a current undergraduate or have less than two years of work experience, we generally advise that you submit two letters of recommendation from university faculty members and the third from your immediate supervisor from a professional work environment.

If you have more than two years of work experience, we encourage you to submit two letters of recommendation from current or previous work colleagues, including a supervisor, along with one academic reference.

I’m applying to the Mid-Career Master in Public Administration and graduated from college 10+ years ago. Do I need to include a letter of recommendation from an academic reference?

We understand you may not be able to submit recommendations from professors if you are applying to the MC/MPA program. In this case, you should have colleagues or supervisors who can evaluate your ability to succeed in a rigorous academic environment write your letters of recommendation.

Would more than three recommendations be considered beneficial?

We only accept three recommendations. Additional letters will not be accepted.

How will my references submit their letters of recommendation?

In the “Recommendations” section of our electronic application, you will enter the names and email addresses of each of your recommenders. An email with instructions will be sent to each registered recommender through our application system.

How can I tell if my references have submitted their letters of recommendation?

After adding your recommenders, you may check their letter submission status under the “Recommendations” section of your online application.

Start your master’s degree admission application for the 2023-2024 academic year now

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