Students must request teacher recommendations for summer programs no later than: January 10, 2026
Students must speak with their counselor in order to be approved to ask their teacher for a letter of recommendation.
In general, if a counselor can write a letter of recommendation for a student, they should be the one doing it. Since programs vary in their requirements, students should do their research .
Grade Level Limitations
FRESHMEN • Teacher recommendation allowed ONLY for COSMOS • Student must be enrolled in AMSE or a verified external STEM program • All other summer program recommendations must be written by the counselor
SOPHOMORES • Students may use one teacher recommender total • That teacher may write for up to two programs that require a teacher letter • No student may request multiple teachers for summer programs • Beyond two teacher-required programs → redirect to counselor
JUNIORS • Maximum of two teacher recommenders total • Maximum of three summer programs that require teacher recommendations • At least one teacher must be able to serve as a senior-year college recommender • Any requests beyond these limits must be redirected to the counselor
College
Teacher Letter of Recommendation Fall Window
As part of the college application process, some universities require a teacher's letter of recommendation as part of the application process. For students who were not prepared to ask a junior teacher during the spring, we recommend selecting a senior teacher in the coming month. Teachers MUST be given a minimum of two weeks to write a letter of recommendation, and it is most helpful to give at least one month’s notice. Remember, that most applications only ask for one letter, while some ask for two, and very few ask for three. only ask for the number of letters required by the universities you are applying to.
Please follow the steps below to ask your teacher
Do your research! Do your colleges require a letter of recommendation? If you are only applying to CSU’s and UC’s you do not need one. We encourage you to continue using CIALFO and College Kickstart to do research and check your colleges.
Think about which one or two teachers would be able to best speak to your academic strengths, work ethic, and excitement about the subject in their class. Which classes do you really feel known in?
Students, it is now time to ask. It is important to ask your teacher IN PERSON. Our fall Letter of Recommendation window runs from September 8-19. It helps both teachers and counselors with management and organization if you ask during this window of time.
Once your teacher says yes, complete the forms required by your teacher and provide a timeline of when letters are needed.
If you are not ready at this time or are unsure who to ask, please speak with your counselor.
