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The Counselor Recommendation

Don’t Forget the Counselor Recommendation!

Most students know that colleges may ask for teacher recommendation letters but there’s another recommendation that can be just as important and it’s easy to overlook:

The school counselor recommendation.

Many colleges require or accept a letter from the student’s counselor as part of the application process. Among them are highly selective universities such as Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, and Penn.

For seniors, this is something to think about before application season gets busy.

What makes a counselor recommendation different?

A teacher recommendation typically focuses on the student as a learner: their participation in class, intellectual curiosity, work ethic, growth, and contributions to the classroom.

A counselor sees a different side of the student.

Because counselors work with students across their high school careers, they may be able to provide broader context about the student's academic journey, extracurricular involvement, personal development, and the environment in which they attend school.

That perspective can help an admissions office understand the student beyond the individual grades and activities listed on the application.

Don't assume every college has the same requirements

This is where students can get into trouble. College application requirements aren't identical from school to school. One college may require two teacher recommendations. Another may require one teacher and one counselor recommendation. Another may make recommendations optional. Requirements can also vary depending on the applicant or program.

Don't rely on what your friend is doing. Check each college's current requirements yourself.

As you build your college list, create a simple checklist showing which schools require:

  • Teacher recommendations

  • Counselor recommendations

  • Additional recommendations

  • Interviews

  • School-specific forms or reports

That small amount of organization can prevent a lot of stress later.

Give your counselor time to help you

Perhaps the most important piece of advice for rising seniors is simple:

Don't wait until the application deadline to approach your counselor.

Counselors may be writing recommendations for dozens of students at the same time. And a thoughtful recommendation takes time. Your counselor may need to review your academic record, activities, accomplishments, goals, and other information before writing the letter. The earlier you begin the conversation, the more opportunity your counselor has to get to know your plans and understand what you're hoping to accomplish.

Help your counselor tell your story

Don't expect your counselor to remember every important detail from your high school career. You can make the process easier by giving them useful context.

Consider preparing a short "brag sheet" or information document that includes:

  • Your college list

  • Intended areas of study

  • Academic interests

  • Significant extracurricular activities

  • Leadership experiences

  • Awards or accomplishments

  • Community involvement

  • Challenges you've overcome

  • What you're hoping to do in college

  • Anything else you think provides important context

This isn't about writing the recommendation for your counselor. It's about giving them the information they need to write a recommendation that is specific and meaningful.

Seniors: Start the conversation now

Fall of senior year can become incredibly busy very quickly. College applications. Essays. Activities. Testing. Financial aid. Schoolwork. Somewhere in the middle of all that, your counselor may be trying to complete recommendation letters and other required forms for a large number of students.

So if you're a rising senior, now is a good time to ask:

Which of my colleges require a counselor recommendation?

Then talk to your counselor.

Let them know your college plans. Ask about their process and deadlines. Find out what information they need from you and when they need it.

A 20-minute conversation now could save you, and your counselor, a lot of stress later.

One more thing to remember

A recommendation letter is not something you should think about only when you're filling out the application. Your counselor can be an important resource throughout the college process. The better your counselor understands your goals and your college plans, the easier it is for them to provide useful guidance, and, when required, a thoughtful recommendation.

Don't leave your counselor recommendation until the last minute.

Seniors, one of the smartest things you can do is make sure your counselor knows where you're headed and what you're hoping to accomplish.