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1. How do I ask for a letter of recommendation?
When reaching out to your teacher to ask for a recommendation letter, it’s important that your request is clear and includes a few core elements.
First, remind the teacher who you are. Whether you were in their class two years ago or right now, introduce yourself and state which of their classes you were in. Next, share your strongest qualities as a student. Bring up a project you’re proud of from their class or a situation where your teacher witnessed your strength as a student. Last, provide information about what program/competition you’re applying to. Mention what you expect to gain from this program and why you’re qualified. So, now, how do you approach your teacher?
2. Visit their office or send an email
If you can speak with your teacher in person, it’s best to find a quiet, formal setting to have a conversation with them. Do not informally catch them after class or in the middle of a busy school hallway. Instead, set up a meeting with your teacher or visit their office hours to speak with them 1:1. If you can only contact your teacher online, request a Zoom call to discuss your recommendation letter or send your request in an email. Let’s go over the aforementioned core elements in detail.
3. Introduce yourself to remind your teacher
Clearly state that you want a recommendation letter. Remind the teacher which class you were in, if you were their advisee, and other interactions you had.
Example:
“I’m applying to the Research Science Institute for the 2026 summer session. I’m emailing to ask if you could please write a letter of recommendation for me.”
“Can we set up a meeting/call to talk about my application? I’d appreciate it if you could write me a letter of recommendation.”
“I enjoyed working with you, as my research supervisor this past semester Spring 2025, for our project on how socially assistive robots can facilitate socioemotional education for children with neurodevelopmental disorders.”
Explain why you enjoyed their class or why you like them as a teacher. Make it clear why you’re choosing them to be your recommender. Mention one or two valuable things you learned from their class that are relevant to the program you’re applying to.
Example:
“I was also in your AP Seminar class in Fall 2024, where you not only helped me master advanced neuroscientific research methodologies but also helped me grow a lot as an individual. Our conversations last year on the applicability of neuroimaging techniques to benefit the greater community continues to inspire me and motivate me to further my passion for research. When I was awarded my AP Seminar and Research Certificate, I felt I owed it to your dedicated and enthusiastic mentorship.”
4. Describe your strongest qualities
Mention 2-3 assignments, group projects, or other situations where you excelled and that were apparent to your teacher. What made you stand out compared to other students they’ve had? This is your chance to demonstrate qualities you’d like them to highlight in your letter. You could talk about how you consistently led/were active in discussions or a project you’re proud of. Take this chance to remind them of the high grade they gave you!
Example:
“RSI looks for students who actively pursue academic challenges and have shown resilience and problem-solving when faced with obstacles. It’d be helpful if you could write about the participant recruiting challenge we faced in the human-robot interaction research project, and highlight my creative thinking and positive, diligent work ethic when resolving the issue.”
85% of Aralia Students Place in Top Writing Competitions
5. Describe the program fit for you
Describe the program and why you’re interested. Detail your motivations for applying, what you expect to gain from the program, and examples of why you’re qualified. You can bring in activities, awards, and classes you participated in outside of this teacher’s classroom if the experiences help highlight your strengths.
Example:
“The Research Science Institute (RSI) is one of the most prestigious and competitive summer research programs offered to high school students. This MIT-hosted program leads students through a rigorous week of classes with professors and a five-week individual research project internship. I’m very excited about this program because it will open doors for me to meet experienced peers and expert professors from a range of STEM fields. I will also have the rare opportunity to present my research project to a panel of professionals and gain valuable feedback to propel my skills as a young scientist.”
6. Give instructions on submitting the letter
Provide the program name, organization, due date, and other miscellaneous formatting requirements for the letter. If the letter must be mailed, include the name the letter should be addressed to, the mailing address, and prepaid postage and envelope. If the letter can be submitted electronically, provide the URL or email it should be sent.
Example:
“I will send you a request through the Research Science Institute’s application portal called Slideroom. They will send you an email with instructions on how to upload the letter. I’m applying for the summer of 2026, and the application is due in early December 2025. I’d appreciate it if you could complete the letter by December 1, 2025.”
Include links to your program description and requirements so your recommender will know what they should focus on in their letter. They might also have previously written recommendation letters for students who were accepted to that specific program; in that case, they’ll know what qualities the program is looking for.
Example:
“I’ve attached a document with essential background information on the Research Science Institute program, and more information is available on the RSI website.”
7. Thank your teacher beforehand
After providing your teacher with all the necessary information on yourself and the program you’re applying to, thank them for their consideration and time, even before they’ve begun to write your letter.
If they declined to write you a letter, express gracious understanding, for there are a variety of reasons they may not be able to. Their schedule may be too busy, or they may feel they don’t know you well enough to write a detailed, compelling letter of recommendation.
8. Attachments
Print out or attach to the email your unofficial transcript, personal essays, and resume/CV (if applicable). Don’t worry if your essays are not complete or perfect, since you’ll be ideally requesting recommendation letters months before the application deadline. What’s important is that you clearly share with your teacher why you want to do this program and what makes you a strong applicant.
9. Post-submission: Send a thank you email
After your teacher has submitted your letter of recommendation, visit them in person or write them an email to thank them for their time. Writing a letter of recommendation is a time-consuming and methodological process. You may want to make a handwritten card with a small gift to show your sincere appreciation.
10. Conduct research with Aralia Education
You’re now well equipped with everything you need to know to ask a teacher for a letter of recommendation! Ready to find the right high school program or competition for you? Check out the hundreds of competitions open to high school students, from beginner-friendly competitions to the nation’s most prestigious and selective. Read more information about the Research Science Institute, a top choice for exceptional high school student scientists. If you want to apply to RSI, start by conducting research with Aralia Education. Our psychology program excels in propelling students as exceptional young scientists. You’ll work with an experienced teacher from a top-ranking private high school to write an 8–15-page research paper, which you can highlight in your RSI and even college applications to make you a star applicant. Contact us to learn more.
