Guide to Letters of Recommendation Wait...what even is a letter of recommendation? It is a letter written by a professional adult -- typically a teacher -- that describes and endorses you as a student based on your academic performance and strengths and even your character and integrity in the classroom. However, many schools have begun to open up the option for students to also submit additional letters of recommendation from adults who know them outside of the classroom too. They can make a huge difference in your application!
Okay, now what? Find out if you are even going to need any letters of recommendation! Most community colleges don't ask for them at all. If the college does not provide any way to submit a letter of recommendation, then you don't need to submit any. At many 4-year colleges, they are totally optional (not required but can still be submitted). You may not need any for your college applications, but you might for scholarship or honors program applications. How do I find out if a college requires them? Go to the college's website and type "letters of recommendation" in the search bar, which should give you to the correct page on their site with the information you are looking for (if you can't find any information, you may need to call the Admissions Office at that college). If using the Common App, each college's recommendations policy is listed in the "My Colleges" tab and then open each schools' accordion menu. Look under "Recommenders and FERPA" section. You will need your Recommenders' email address. Don't forget! Even if the school says they don't require recommendation letters for your general application, they might still be required for scholarships or honors program consideration!