A Collegewise parent asked me recently, "If students know which teacher they'd like to write their letter of recommendation for college, can they ask now, or do kids have to wait until they apply?"
Good question. Most colleges require that the teachers who write your letters of recommendation either 1) Fill out a form from the application and mail that with their letter, or 2) Submit the letter online using a link that's part of the application.
Both of those actions require that the college's application be available. So your teachers can’t actually do anything for you until you know where you’re applying to college and you have the respective applications in hand.
But here’s what you can do now.
1. You can research the application requirements for the schools that interest you. Do they allow for letters of recommendation? How many? Do the letters need to come from teachers, or can they come from personal sources? It's important to follow directions on your college applications. And even if the applications aren’t available yet, most colleges’ websites will provide this information in the “undergraduate admission” section.
2. You can start considering which teachers to ask. But remember, a college doesn't need a teacher to tell them that you got an "A" in their class (that's on the transcript). Colleges want to know where you've delivered great performances. So think about the classes where you've done that and the teachers who've seen you do it.
3. You could use the summer to get organized. Check the colleges' websites regularly to see if their applications are available. Print up the required forms. Get your envelopes ready to give to your teachers. Don't wait until the fall to start sifting through all of that information.
Your goal should be to enter your senior year knowing exactly what each college needs and which teachers you would like to ask. As soon as the applications are available, then print up the forms and start asking.
I've also written two other posts about letters of rec here and here.