College Recommendation Requirements
Hopefully, you won’t be asking your high school teachers to write you a letter of recommendation hours before the application deadline.
In fact, we recommend locking down your recommenders well in advance. Enlightened College Applicants will get ahead of the game by utilizing our user-friendly list of recommendation requirements at over 400 premier colleges and universities. Also included is whether each institution requires a recommendation from a guidance counselor.
*Data collected from institution websites.
Table updated October 2023
To view additional information, click the + icon to the left of the institution’s name
| Institution | School Report | Teacher Recommendations Required | Counselor Recommendation Required* | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adelphi University | No | 1 | No | One or more letters of recommendation from a school/college counselor, teacher or school-based administrator. Letters from other sources, such as a volunteer coordinator, may also be considered. |
| Agnes Scott College | Yes | 1 | No | Invitations sent via Common App |
| Allegheny College | Yes | 1 | No | Optional letter from pastor, coach, employer, etc. |
| American University | Yes | 1 | No | Optional additional recommendation letter; Counselor can provide optional recommendation letter |
| Amherst College | Yes | 2 | Yes | From an English, Math, Science, Social Studies or Foreign Language |
| Appalachian State University | No | 0 | No | |
| Arizona State University | No | 0 | No | |
| Auburn University | No | 0 | No | |
| Augustana College (IL) | Yes | 0 | No | Teacher recommendation is encouraged, but not required |
| Austin College | No | 0 | No | School Report/Couselor Recommendation/ Teacher Recommendations are optional |
| Babson College | Yes | 1 | Yes | |
| Bard College | Yes | 2 | Yes | One from Math/Science & One from Language/Humanities/Art |
| Barnard College | Yes | 2 | Yes | From an English, Math, Science, Social Studies or Foreign Language during 11th & 12th Grade |
| Bates College | Yes | 1 | Yes | Forms included in Common Application or Coalition Application; Can submit up to 2 teacher recommendations |
| Baylor University | No | 0 | No | Two letters of recommendation are recommended |
| Belmont University | Yes* | 0 | Yes* | Requires either the School Report or Counselor Recommendation Letter |
| Beloit College | Yes | 0 | No | Strongly recommended - Recommend 1 but will read 3; Prefer academic teachers |
| Bennington College | Yes | 2 | Yes | Teacher recommendations at least two different subject areas: English, mathematics, foreign languages, science, & social studies. Additional recommendations from other teachers, mentors, & employers maybe submitted. Use the form provided by the Common Application. |
| Bentley University | No | 1 | Yes | |
| Berea College | No | 0 | No | Optional - teachers, coaches, mentors, counselors, etc. |
| Binghamton University | No | 1 | No | Can be counselor or teacher recommendation |
| No | 0 | No | ||
| Boston College | Yes | 2 | Yes | Recommend that these evaluations are written by teachers who have taught you in one of the five main academic subject areas (English, Social Studies, Science, Math, or Foreign Language). |
| Boston University | Yes | 1 | Yes | Submit through Common App |
| Bowdoin College | Yes | 2 | Yes | Teacher who has taught applicant either junior or senior year in an academic core subject (English, math, lab sciences, social sciences, and foreign languages) that appears on their official high school transcript. Other recommendation - may be second teacher, clergy, coach, community-based organization counselor, employer, peer, or community member who can speak to the applicant's contributions to the wider community or share insights not otherwise captured in the application. |
| Bowling Green State University | No | 0 | No | |
| Bradley University | No | 0 | No | One letter of recommendation may be valuable for some students. Students may elect to include a letter from a teacher, school counselor, coach, or school activity advisor. |
| Brandeis University | Yes | 1 | Yes | From a teacher who has instructed you in a core academic course (math, science, history, foreign language or English) |
| Brigham Young University | No | 2-3 | No | BYU sends email request to one religious, one core class teacher, one additional |
| Brown University | Yes | 2 | Yes | From a teacher who has instructed you in a core academic course (math, science, history, foreign language or English) |
| Bryant University | Yes | 1 | No | We require one academic letter of recommendation, either from a counselor or teacher |
| Bryn Mawr College | No | 2 | Yes | |
| Bucknell University | No | 0 | No | |
| Butler University | Yes | 0 | No | Optional recommendations will be considered |
| Cal Poly, Pomona | No | 0 | No | |
| Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo | No | 0 | No | |
| Yes | 2 | Yes | One from math/science & One from humanities/social science + One optional | |
| No | 0 | No | ||
| No | 0 | No | ||
| No | 0 | No | ||
| Carleton College | Yes | 2 | Yes | |
| Carnegie Mellon University | No | 1 | Yes | |
| Yes | 2 | Yes | Additional recommendations are allowed | |
| Catholic University of America | Yes | 1 | Yes | |
| Central Michigan University | No | 0 | No | |
| Centre College | Yes | 1 | No | A teacher evaluation completed by someone who has taught you in a college preparatory course in your sophomore, junior or senior year. |
| Chapman University | Yes | 1 | No | Up to one additional recommendation may be submitted; Your counselor may also submit an attached letter of recommendation, although it is not required. |
| Christopher Newport University | No | 0 | No | 1 core subject teacher evaluation recommended (English, social studies, foreign language, mathematics, or science); School Report is optional |
| No | 0 | No | ||
| Claremont McKenna College | Yes | 1 | Yes | Recommendation should be completed by a teacher who taught you in a core academic area (English, mathematics, foreign language, science, or social sciences) |
| Clark University | No | 1 | Yes | Can submit up to 2 teacher recommendations |
| Clarkson University | No | 1 | Yes | Letter of recommendation from a core subject teacher; Additional letters of recommendation from employers, coaches, etc. accepted |
| Clemson University | No | 0 | No | |
| Coastal Carolina University | No | 0 | No | Letters of recommendation may be supplied if applying test optional |
| Colby College | Yes | 2 | Yes | Can send additional recommendations |
| Colgate University | No | 2 | Yes | Recommendations must be from core academic teachers who worked with a student in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade. |
| College of Charleston | No | 0 | No | Up to 2 optional recommendations are welcome (from guidance counselor and/or teachers) |
| College of Saint Benedict | No | 0 | No | Optional recommendations are welcome |
| College of the Holy Cross | No | 1 | Yes | Addtional letters of support from coaches, parents/guardians, and mentors welcome |
| College of William and Mary | Yes | 0 | Yes | Optional teacher evaluation form including teacher letter of recommendation |
| Colorado College | No | 2 | No | Teacher recommendations preferably from 11th grade core classes; additional recommendations are welcome; Counselor letter recommended but not required |
| Colorado School of Mines | No | 0 | No | Optional recommendations are welcome |
| Colorado State University | No | 0 | No | |
| Columbia University | Yes | 2 | Yes | Must come from teachers who taught academic disciplines; For engineering applicants, one must come from a math or science teacher |
| Connecticut College | Yes | 2 | Yes | Preferably from junior or senior year; academic teachers |
| No | 1-2 | Yes (Engineering) | Engineering encourages at least one from STEM instructor; 2 (Engineering), 1 (Art and Architecture); Additional letters can be submitted | |
| Cornell College | No | 0 | No | Optional recommendations are welcome |
| Cornell University | Yes | 2 | Yes | Engineering - one must be from math teacher (pre-calculus or calculus teacher preferred) |
| Creighton University | Yes* | 0 | Yes* | Optional recommendations are welcome; Requires either Secondary School Report or a Counselor Recommendation |
| CUNY Bernard M Baruch College | No | 0 | No | Optional recommendations are welcome |
| CUNY Hunter College | No | 0 | No | Recommendations are optional |
| Dartmouth College | Yes | 2 | Yes | Teacher recommendations must be from academic teacher; Peer recommendation strongly encouraged; Additional recommendation allowed |
| Davidson College | Yes | 2+ | Yes | Two recommendations from academic instructors, one must come from a core academic subject (English, math, science, history/social science, or a second language); Peer Recommendation - We ask that someone of similar age to the applicant (a friend, a coworker, a teammate, etc) complete the online peer recommendation. |
| Denison University | Yes | 1 | Yes | Must be from core course |
| DePaul University | Yes | 0 | Yes | Up to 3 optional letters may be submitted |
| DePauw University | Yes | 1 | No | Letter of recommendation from a teacher, school counselor, coach/mentor or church/youth group leader |
| Dickinson College | No | 1 | Yes | Academic teacher recommendations (through the Common Application; one required, two recommended) |
| Drake University | No | 0 | No | Optional - teacher or high school counselor |
| Drew University | No | 1 | Yes | |
| Drexel University | No | 1 | Yes | 2 letters of recommendation are required - one must be from school counselor |
| Duke University | No | 2 | Yes | Teacher recommendations must be from English, math, social studies, sciences, and foreign languages); Preferably from last two years of secondary school; Pratt School of Engineering requires one recommendation from math or science teacher; Can submit one personal recommendation from employer, mentor, etc. |
| Duquesne University | No | 0 or 1 | No | 1 recommendation letter is required for health professions applicants; Optional for other programs |
| Earlham College | No | 1 | No | Can be completed by school counselor or core teacher |
| East Carolina University | No | 0 | No | |
| Eckerd College | No | 1 | No | Can be counselor or teacher recommendation |
| Elon University | Yes | 0 | No | |
| No | 2 | No | ||
| Emerson College | Yes | 1 | Yes | Teacher evaluation from academic subject (English, history, science, math, social studies, or foreign language) |
| Emory University | Yes | 2 | Yes | Core-area academic teachers |
| Fairfield University | Yes | 0 | No | Optional recommendations from teachers, counselors, others |
| Florida Atlantic University | No | 0 | No | |
| Florida Gulf Coast University | No | 0 | No | |
| Florida Institute of Technology | No | 0 | No | Optional - Can be from teacher, mentor, or coach |
| Florida International University | No | 0 | No | |
| Florida Southern College | No | 1 | No | Teacher or school counselor |
| Florida State University | No | 0 | No | |
| Fordham University | No | 1 | No | Prefer letter come from academic source; May provide additional letters |
| Franklin and Marshall College | No | 1 | Yes | From teacher during high school years |
| Yes | 2 | Yes | One Letter of Recommendation must be from a STEM teacher. The other Letter of Recommendation may be from a teacher of your choice. | |
| Furman University | Yes | 0 | No | |
| George Mason University | Yes | 1 | Yes | |
| George Washington University | Yes | 1 | Yes | Academic teacher |
| Georgetown University | Yes | 1 | Yes | The Recommendations Request section of the supplement that will ask you to provide the names and email addresses of your high school counselor and recommending teacher(s). Emails are sent to them automatically to request these documents for your application. |
| Georgia College | No | 0 | No | Highly recommended; 1-2 letters from teachers/counselor |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Yes | 0 | No | Optional - May submit up to four recommendations; Counselor - 1; Teachers - up to 2; Clergy member, college access counselor, or empoyer - 1 |
| Georgia Southern University | No | 0 | No | |
| Georgia State University | No | 0 | No | Optional - 1 counselor letter and up to 2 teacher recommendations |
| Gettysburg College | Yes* | 1 | Yes* | Can submit School Report and/or Counselor Recommendation Letter |
| Gonzaga University | Yes | 1 | No | Academic Teacher |
| Goucher College | Yes | 1 | No | Recommendation letter from counselor is not required, but recommended); Letter of recommendation from academic teacher |
| Grinnell College | Yes | 2 | Yes | |
| Gustavus Adolphus College | No | 0 | No | Optional recommendations are welcome |
| Hamilton College | No | 1 | Yes | May submit an additional teacher recommendation |
| Harvard University | Yes | 2 | Yes | Additional recommendations are welcome |
| Harvey Mudd College | Yes | 2 | Yes | 1 must be from math/science & 1 must be from humanities/social science/arts teacher; Counselor recommendation when available |
| Haverford College | Yes | 2 | Yes | English, Math, Science, Social Studies or Foreign Language |
| Hendrix College | Yes | 0 | No | Optional |
| High Point University | Yes | 1 | No | Provide one letter of recommendation from either your counselor or a teacher |
| Hobart William Smith Colleges | No | 1 | No | One teacher or counselor recommendation |
| Hofstra University | No | 1 | No | Minimum of 1 recommendation letter from a guidance counselor or teacher. Two preferred. |
| Hope College | No | 0 | No | |
| Howard University | No | 1 | Yes | |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | No | 0 | No | Optional - up to 3 accepted |
| Illinois State University | No | 0 | No | |
| Illinois Wesleyan University | No | 0 | 0 | Optional - Can submit if candidate wants to |
| Indiana University Bloomington | No | 0 | No | |
| No | 0 | No | ||
| Iowa State University | No | 0 | No | |
| Ithaca College | Yes | 1 | No | One letter of recommendation either from your school counselor or an academic teacher; Can submit more letters from coach, employer, club leader, etc.) |
| James Madison University | No | 0 | No | 1 letter of recommendation is accepted |
| John Carroll University | Yes | 0 | Yes | Optional teacher recommendations are welcome |
| Johns Hopkins University | Yes | 2 | Yes | |
| Juniata College | No | 1 | No | More can be submitted |
| Kalamazoo College | Yes | 1 | Yes | Also accept alternative recommendations: coach, employer, pastor, friend of the family |
| Kansas State University | No | 0 | No | |
| Kenyon College | Yes | 1 | Yes | We prefer the recommendation be provided by an instructor who taught you in a year-long, traditional college-preparatory course in your junior year; May submit up to 2 more recommendations |
| Kettering University | No | 0 | No | |
| Knox College | Yes | 1 | No | A teacher from an academic subject area (English, math, social studies, science, or language) |
| Lafayette College | Yes | 1 | Yes | Teacher recommendation by a person who taught you in an academic subject during your junior and/or senior year |
| Lake Forest College | No | 1 | No | We require a letter of recommendation from a teacher and/or a college counselor. Though not required, you may also submit one additional reference from an athletic coach, scout leader, community service coordinator, or work supervisor. |
| Lawrence University | Yes | 1 | No | |
| Lehigh University | Yes | 1 | Yes | |
| Lewis & Clark College | Yes | 1 | No | A teacher in an academic course (English, mathematics, science, foreign language, history, or social studies) 10th-12th grade |
| Louisiana State University | No | 1 | No | From an academic source (counselor, teacher, advisor, administrator, etc.) or someone who can speak to your ambitions, work ethic, or perseverance through challenges. |
| Loyola Marymount University | No | 1 | No | A letter from a teacher and a letter from your counselor or principal is recommended |
| Loyola University Chicago | No | 1 | No | Can be counselor or teacher recommendation |
| Loyola University Maryland | No | 1 | Yes | |
| Macalester College | No | 1 | Yes | A teacher in one of the core academic subjects (English, social studies, world language, mathematics, or science) |
| Manhattan College | No | 1 | No | A teacher or guidance counselor is required; Applicants may submit up to three academic letters; Also permitted to submit an additional character reference. |
| Marist College | No | 0 | Yes | Teacher recommendation is optional |
| Marquette University | No | 0 | No | Recommendations are optional |
| Yes | 2 | Yes | Recommend one evaluation from a math/science teacher, and one from a humanities, social science, or language teacher; One additional supplemental evaluation allowed | |
| No | 1 | No | Recommendations can come from any source who is not a relative (i.e. coaches, employers, teachers, guidance counselors, etc.); Applicants with a GPA below 2.5 must submit a letter of reference from a teacher or school counselor | |
| McDaniel College | No | 0 | No | Optional but strongly recommended to submit at least one letter |
| Mercer University | No | 1* | No | Only for Test-Optional Students: From one of your high school teachers or counselors about your work ethic, school engagement, academic achievement, and more |
| Mercyhurst University | No | 1 | No | Does not specify who the letter must come from |
| Merrimack College | No | 1 | No | From a teacher or school counselor |
| Miami University | No | 1 | No | From a school counselor or academic teacher |
| Michigan State University | No | 0 | No | |
| No | 0 | No | Optional; Counselor can send in High School Counselor Information form | |
| Middlebury College | Yes | 2 | Yes | |
| No | 0 | No | Letters of reference are recommended, but not required | |
| No | 0 | No | ||
| Mississippi State University | No | 0 | No | |
| No | 0 | No | ||
| Monmouth University | No | 1 | No | |
| Morehouse College | No | 1 | Yes | |
| Mount Holyoke College | Yes | 2 | Yes | From core academic classes |
| Muhlenberg College | No | 1 | Yes | Teacher in core academic area |
| New College of Florida | No | 0 | No | Optional - From your college counselor, principal, dean or teacher who has taught you in an academic subject |
| No | 1 | No | ||
| No | 0 | No | ||
| New York University | Yes | 1 | No | From a teacher, counselor, coach, supervisor, or anyone else in a position of authority; Up to 3 allowed |
| North Carolina State University | No | 0 | No | |
| Northeastern University | No | 1 | Yes | Can submit 1-2 additional recommendations |
| Northern Arizona University | No | 0 | No | |
| Northwestern University | Yes | 1 | Yes | Will accept supplemental letters of recommendation |
| Oberlin College | Yes | 2 | No | From teachers who have taught in core academic subjects (English, math, science, social studies, foreign language, or an AP/IB class) in either the junior or senior year |
| Occidental College | Yes | 1 | Yes | Core academic subject area is preferred. Ideally, we’d like a letter from those who taught you in 10th, 11th, or 12th-grade. |
| Ohio State University | No | 0 | No | Not required; Counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation |
| Ohio University | No | 0 | No | Optional |
| Ohio Wesleyan University | Yes | 0 | No | Teacher evaluation is encouraged |
| Oklahoma State University | No | 0 | No | |
| Old Dominion University | No | 0 | No | Optional; Strongly recommended |
| Oregon State University | No | 0 | No | |
| No | 0 | No | ||
| Pepperdine University | No | 1 | No | Must be from a core subject (math, science, English, history, foreign language, religion) teacher or counselor |
| Pitzer College | Yes | 1 | No | Should come from a teacher who has taught you during your junior or senior year in a core academic subject. A recommendation from your college counselor and one additional recommendation will be accepted, but both are optional. |
| Pomona College | Yes | 2 | Yes | Teachers of core academic subject areas: English, foreign languages, math, science or social sciences; Optionally, a recommendation from a teacher of an elective subject (music, art, journalism, etc.), or by a coach, employer or other individual who can speak to your skills or special qualities may serve as an additional recommendation. |
| Princeton University | Yes | 2 | Yes | Higher-level courses (e.g. AP, IB Higher/Standard Level, A-levels, etc.) in different academic areas of study from core academic areas, such as English, language, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences or math |
| Providence College | Yes | 0 | Yes | May submit additional letters from teachers, coaches, employers, or others who may want to advocate on your behalf. |
| Purdue University | No | 0 | No | |
| Quinnipiac University | No | 1 | No | From a teacher, guidance counselor or someone who can reflect on your dedication and work ethic |
| Ramapo College of New Jersey | No | 1 | No | From a school counselor, teacher or other individual who can attest to your abilities |
| Reed College | Yes | 2 | Yes | Teacher Evaluations (from two different academic disciplines; must be different from the counselor) |
| Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | No | 1 | No | From a counselor or teacher, preferrably a math or science teacher who knows you well |
| Rhode Island School of Design | No | 1 | No | As many as three may be submitted. Recommendation letters should be written by teachers or other professionals who have firsthand knowledge of your art or academic achievements and can comment on your potential as a student. |
| Rhodes College | Yes | 1 | Yes | May submit more than one recommendation, but no more than three. Ask a teacher from any class, but those from academic core subjects tend to provide the most informative letters |
| Rice University | No | 2 | Yes | From teachers of core academic subjects, and ideally one recommendation would relate to the applicant's intended area of study: Supplemental recommendations allowed - can be from an employer, supervisor, coach, mentor, or another teacher |
| No | 1 | No | ||
| Roger Williams University | No | 1 | No | A minimum of one letter of recommendation; Additional letters welcome |
| Rollins College | Yes | 1 | No | From a teacher, counselor, or other academic reference |
| No | 1 | No | From a teacher, counselor or principal | |
| Rowan University | Yes | 1 | Yes | From a teacher or school counselor |
| Rutgers University-Camden | No | 0 | No | |
| No | 0 | No | ||
| Rutgers University-Newark | No | 0 | No | |
| Sacred Heart University | No | 1 | No | From an individual other than a family member |
| Saint Anselm College | Yes | 1 | No | By a school counselor or a teacher (preferably from the last two years). We will also accept additional recommendations from teachers, coaches, clergy members, employers, alumni, etc. |
| Saint Johns University (MN) | No | 0 | No | Optional; Recommended |
| Saint Joseph's University | No | 1 | No | From a teacher or counselor |
| Saint Louis University | No | 0 | No | Optional; Strongly encouraged; From counselor, teacher, coach, advisor, mentor, boss, volunteer supervisor (no family members); School Report optional but strongly encouraged |
| Yes | 0 | Yes | Can submit additional recommendations from teachers, coaches, and other personal acquaintances | |
| No | 0 | No | Optional; Counselor or teacher | |
| Saint Michael's College | No | 1 | Yes | From teachers, counselors, coaches and employers |
| Salisbury University | No | 1 | No | One letter required; Can be satisfied by the Secondary School Counselor’s Recommendation Form submitted by your school counselor; Applicants are welcome to submit additional letters of recommendation |
| Salve Regina University | No | 1 | Yes | |
| Samford University | No | 1 | No | From a school counselor or teacher from your high school; Encouraged to submit school report |
| San Diego State University | No | 0 | No | |
| San Francisco State University | No | 0 | No | |
| San Jose State University | No | 0 | No | |
| Santa Clara University | Yes | 1 | No | |
| Sarah Lawrence College | Yes | 1 | No | Requires one letter of recommendation from a teacher of a core academic courses (English, math, science, history, or foreign language), and a second letter is optional. |
| Scripps College | Yes | 2 | Yes | Preferably from junior or senior year classes |
| Seattle University | Yes | 1 | Yes | |
| Seton Hall University | Yes | 1 | Yes | Teacher or Mentor |
| Yes | 1 | Yes | 1 core junior or senior teacher recommendation and 1 counselor recommendation; May submit 2 additional recommendations | |
| Siena College | No | 0 | Yes | |
| Simmons University | No | 1 | Yes | |
| Skidmore College | Yes | 2 | No | |
| Smith College | Yes | 2 | Yes | |
| Soka University of America | No | 2 | No | Academic recommendations (from a principal, headmaster, school counselor, or teacher) are preferred. Optional to submit school report. |
| Southern Methodist University | No | 1 | Yes | |
| Southwestern University | No | 1 | No | Recommendation must be from either your school counselor or a teacher in a core academic subject, (English/language arts, math, science, social science, or language other than English) |
| Spelman College | No | 2 | No | One letter must be from a teacher at the student’s current school |
| St John's University-New York | No | 0 | No | Letters of Recommendation are strongly encouraged for test-optional students |
| St Lawrence University | No | 2 | Yes | Teacher recommendation must be from high school teachers |
| St Olaf College | No | 1 | No | One letter of recommendation from a teacher in a core academic subject: English, international language, history, social studies, mathematics, or the natural sciences; Addtional recommendations allowed. |
| St. John's College (MD) | Yes | 1 | Yes | Can submit one additional letter |
| St. John's College (NM) | Yes | 1 | Yes | Can submit one additional letter |
| St. Mary's College of Maryland | Yes | 1 | Yes | Counselors, teachers, coaches, or supervisors |
| Stanford University | Yes | 2 | Yes | |
| No | 1 | No | Recommendation from the guidance counselor or an academic teacher | |
| Stetson University | No | 0 | No | Optional |
| Stevens Institute of Technology | No | 2 | No | Prefer one from a teacher and one from a guidance counselor |
| Stonehill College | Yes | 1 | No | |
| Stony Brook University | No | 1 | No | From a teacher or counselor; Two letters required for honors program; If applying for WISE, one letter must be from a math or science teacher |
| Suffolk University | No | 1 | No | |
| SUNY at Albany | No | 1 | No | From a teacher or counselor |
| SUNY at Purchase College | No | 1 | No | Require one letter of recommendation for each applicant, however some programs require multiple letters |
| SUNY College at Geneseo | Yes | 1 | No | From a teacher or counselor |
| SUNY College at Oswego | No | 1 | No | From a school counselor, teacher, coach, work-based supervisor or volunteer-based supervisor |
| SUNY College at Potsdam | No | 1 | No | Preferably from a school-based counselor or teacher |
| No | 0 | No | Encouraged | |
| SUNY Cortland | No | 1 | No | From a teacher or college counselor |
| SUNY Oneonta | No | 1 | No | From a teacher or college counselor |
| Susquehanna University | Yes | 0 | Yes | |
| Swarthmore College | Yes | 2 | Yes | Academic teachers |
| Syracuse University | No | 1 | Yes | |
| Temple University | No | 0 | No | Up to 2 optional letters will be reviewed |
| No | 0 | No | Optional; Will consider the first two letters received as part of your admission file | |
| Texas Christian University | Yes | 1 | Yes | |
| The College of New Jersey | No | 2 | No | Strongly encourages 2-3 total letters of recommendation; One must be from a teacher. The other letters can come from other teachers, school counselors, coaches, employers, or extracurricular advisors. |
| The College of Wooster | Yes | 1 | Yes | |
| The University of Montana | No | 0 | No | |
| No | 0 | No | Optional; Academic, professional, personal | |
| No | 0 | No | Up to two optional letters of recommendation; From teachers, mentors or people who know you well, either within or outside of your high school | |
| No | 0 | No | Up to 3 optional letters may be submitted | |
| Towson University | No | 0 | No | |
| Transylvania University | No | 0 | No | Optional; School administrator (guidance counselor, teacher, principal, etc.) |
| Trinity College | Yes | 1 | No | From school counselors, high school teachers, and community-based organizations are welcome; Additional letters are welcome |
| Trinity University | Yes | 1 | No | From counselor or teacher |
| Truman State University | No | 0 | No | |
| Tufts University | Yes | 1 | Yes | From a teacher in a junior or senior year major academic course (math, natural science, social science, English, or a foreign language); Combined Degree (BFA+BA/BS) applicants must submit three letters of recommendation: one from a school counselor, one from an art teacher, and one from a teacher in a junior or senior year major academic course; An additional letter from all other applicants, though not encouraged, may be submitted if the student feels it can add new perspective to their application. |
| Tulane University | Yes | 0 | Yes | Will review additional recommendations |
| Union College | No | 1 | Yes | |
| Yes | 3 | No | Pre-Candidate: Require nomination from congressional member/Vice President/Other military affliation; AFTER nomination; 11th- or 12th-grade English instructor, 11th- or 12th-grade math instructor, and one other instructor; Two additional letters can be submitted | |
| No | 2 | Yes | From math instructor and English instructor; Up to 2 more letters accepted; Commanding Officer letter accepted if currently serving | |
| Yes | 3 | Yes | Pre-Candidate: Nomination from Congressional member; AFTER nomination - Must be from English, Math, Lab science teachers | |
| United States Military Academy | No | 4 | No | Require Congressional/Service-Connected Nomination; Must be from English instructor, math instructor, a lab science instructor (physics or chemistry), and a physical education instructor |
| United States Naval Academy | No | 0 | No | Pre-candidate: Must receive Congressional/Vice Presidential Nomination |
| University at Buffalo | 0 | No | Strongly recommends one letter from a school counselor, teacher, community member or employer; May submit up to 3 | |
| University of Alabama | No | 0 | No | |
| No | 0 | No | ||
| University of Arizona | No | 0 | No | |
| University of Arkansas | No | 0 | No | |
| University of California, Berkeley | No | 0 | No | May ask for up to 2 letters of recommendation as part of a supplemental application review; One must be from a core academic teacher |
| University of California, Davis | No | 0 | No | |
| University of California, Irvine | No | 0 | No | |
| No | 0 | No | ||
| University of California, Merced | No | 0 | No | |
| No | 0 | No | ||
| No | 0 | No | ||
| No | 0 | No | ||
| No | 0 | No | ||
| University of Central Florida | No | 0 | No | |
| University of Chicago | Yes | 2 | No | Teachers who have taught you in an academic subject: mathematics, social studies, history, science, English or literature, foreign language, and other courses in which you are doing substantial amounts of reading, writing, or class discussion; A third letter may be submitted - from another teacher, an employer, role model, youth leader, or friend |
| University of Cincinnati | No | 0 | No | Optional recommendation is welcome |
| University of Colorado Boulder | No | 1 | No | One academic letter of recommendation |
| University of Connecticut | No | 0 | No | Up to 2 optional letters may be submitted |
| University of Dallas | 0 | Yes | One optional teacher recommendation can be submitted | |
| University of Dayton | No | 0 | No | Letters of recommendation are optional |
| University of Delaware | Yes* | 0 | Yes* | Provide a school counselor letter or the Common Application secondary school report; Additional letters are considered |
| University of Denver | Yes* | 0 | Yes* | Counselor can submit either a counselor letter or the school report; Additional letters are considered |
| University of Florida | No | 0 | No | |
| University of Georgia | Yes | 0 | No | Optional; From a source who has seen you demonstrate and can vouch for your ablility to complete rigorous academic coursework independently |
| University of Houston | No | 0 | No | |
| University of Illinois at Chicago | No | 0 | No | Recommendations from teachers, counselors, or extracurricular activity supervisors are encouraged; Honors College requires 2 recommendations |
| No | 0 | No | ||
| University of Iowa | No | 0 | No | |
| University of Kansas | 0 | 0 | No | Three letters of recommendation required for pharmacy program |
| University of Kentucky | 0 | 0 | No | |
| University of Louisville | 0 | 0 | No | |
| University of Maine | No | 1 | No | |
| University of Mary Washington | Yes | 1 | No | School counselor, teacher, or school official |
| No | 0 | No | Up to 2 optional letters may be submitted; Will be reviewed in the order they are received | |
| No | 1 | Yes | Additional letters of recommendation may be submitted | |
| Yes | 1 | No | At least one academic letter of recommendation | |
| No | 1 | No | School-based counselor or teacher | |
| No | 1 | No | A teacher, college counselor, coach, employer, etc. | |
| University of Memphis | No | 0 | No | |
| University of Miami | Yes | 1 | No | From either a school counselor or a teacher |
| University of Michigan | Yes | 1 | No | Core academic teacher or other non-relative who can speak directly to the student's academic aptitude, potential, and classroom performance |
| University of Michigan-Dearborn | No | 0 | No | Letters may be requested |
| University of Minnesota-Duluth | No | 0 | No | |
| University of Minnesota-Morris | No | 0 | No | Optional recommendations are welcome |
| No | 0 | No | ||
| University of Mississippi | No | 0 | No | |
| University of Missouri-Columbia | No | 0 | No | Recommendation letters can be submitted as supplemental materials |
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln | No | 0 | No | |
| University of Nevada-Las Vegas | No | 0 | No | |
| University of Nevada-Reno | No | 0 | No | |
| University of New Hampshire | No | 1 | No | School counselor or a core academic teacher |
| University of New Mexico | No | 0 | No | |
| No | 0 | No | ||
| Yes | 1 | No | From a teacher who taught you in a core academic area, like English, math, science, social science, or world language | |
| No | 0 | No | Optional recommendation will be considered | |
| No | 0 | No | Submitting a letter of recommendation is encouraged, but not required; Should be from a core academic teacher or school counselor | |
| University of North Dakota | No | 0 | No | |
| University of North Florida | No | 0 | No | |
| University of North Texas | No | 0 | No | May be requested if additional information is needed |
| University of Notre Dame | No | 1 | No | Core academic subject area (math, science, English, social science, or foreign language); Counselor evaluation recommended but not required |
| University of Oklahoma | No | 1 | No | Up to 3 optional letters may be submitted; Recommend at least one letter come from a high school official such as your principal, counselor, or teacher |
| University of Oregon | No | 0 | No | |
| University of Pennsylvania | Yes | 2 | Yes | One recommendation should be from a instructor from junior or senior year in major academic subjects (such as math, science, history, English, or foreign language); Second recommendation can be from teacher or from a supervisor at work, mentor, coach, arts or music instructor, spiritual leader, or cultural leader |
| University of Pittsburgh | No | 0 | No | |
| University of Portland | Yes* | 0 | Yes* | Counselor letter OR school report required |
| University of Puget Sound | Yes | 1 | Yes | One from a counselor or advisor at your current school and one from a teacher at your current school |
| University of Redlands | Yes* | 1 | Yes* | Requires either the School Report OR counselor's letter; Additional recommendations from coaches, teachers, or other sources accepted |
| University of Rhode Island | No | 1 | No | Can be a teacher, but counselor is prefered; One additional recommendation will be considered; Pharmacy applicants are required to submit two letters |
| University of Richmond | Yes | 1 | No | Can be a teacher, but counselor is prefered; Up to two additional recommendations may be considered |
| University of Rochester | Yes | 1 | Yes | Requires one teacher recommendation, however you may submit up to three; Optional family or peer recommendation may be submitted (member of your family, a close friend, coach, employer, or community leader who knows you well) |
| University of San Diego | No | 1 | No | High school counselor or a teacher who taught you in an academic class; Additional recommendations accepted |
| University of San Francisco | No | 0 | No | Optional recommendations are welcome |
| University of Scranton | No | 0 | Yes | May submit optional teacher recommendations |
| University of South Carolina | No | 0 | No | |
| University of South Dakota | No | 0 | No | |
| University of South Florida | No | 0 | No | |
| University of Southern California | No | 1 | No | From either your school counselor or a teacher from your school; Applicants to the School of Cinematic Arts must submit two letters of recommendation |
| University of St Thomas (MN) | No | 0 | No | We suggest that you submit one or two letters of recommendation from teachers or other people in your life |
| University of Tampa | No | 0 | No | Optional; Guidance counselor or teacher recommendation |
| University of the Pacific | No | 1 | No | From high school counselor or teacher; Can submit additional letter from a mentor, employer, community service project leader or other non-family member who can speak to your leadership, character and community involvement |
| University of Tulsa | No | 0 | No | Optional but strongly encouraged to submit counselor recommendation and school report |
| University of Utah | No | 0 | No | |
| University of Vermont | No | 1 | No | |
| Yes | 1 | No | Optional school counselor recommendation can be submitted; If school counselor cannot submit recommendation, a second teacher or school administrator can submit instead; Teacher recommendation must be from an academic teacher; | |
| University of Washington | No | 0 | No | |
| No | 0 | No | Up to two optional recommendations will be considered | |
| No | 1 | No | A teacher, school counselor, or faculty member; Can also submit another letter of recommendation from an additional source, such as an employer, coach, research mentor, community leader, or clergy; Engineering students should obtain recommendation from math or science teacher | |
| University of Wyoming | No | 0 | No | |
| Ursinus College | Yes | 0 | Yes | |
| Valparaiso University | No | 0 | No | |
| Vanderbilt University | No | 2 | Yes | |
| Vassar College | Yes | 1 | No | |
| Villanova University | Yes | 1 | No | Optional letter from school counselor or college-access advisor also allowed |
| No | 1 | No | ||
| Virginia Military Institute | Yes | 0 | Yes | |
| No | 0 | No | ||
| Wabash College | Yes | 0 | Yes | |
| Wake Forest University | Yes | 1 | No | Counselor recommendation highly recommended |
| No | 0 | No | One recommendation from a teacher or high school counselor is recommended | |
| Washington and Lee University | Yes | 2 | Yes | |
| Washington College | No | 0 | Yes | Teacher recommendation is strongly recommended |
| Washington State University | No | 0 | No | |
| Yes | 1 | Yes | ||
| Wellesley College | Yes | 2 | No | |
| Wesleyan University | Yes | 2 | Yes | You are encouraged to submit one from a humanities or social sciences teacher and one from a math or science teacher. |
| No | 0 | No | ||
| West Virginia University | No | 0 | No | |
| Western Carolina University | No | 0 | No | Optional recommendations are welcome |
| Western Washington University | No | 0 | No | |
| Westmont College | No | 1 | No | From a teacher in a major subject (i.e. English, Science, History, Math, etc.); Optional pastoral/character reference may be submitted |
| Wheaton College IL | No | 2 | No | Recommendation by an academic teacher (English, social science, science, math, or foreign language); Recommendation by a Christian mentor; Recommendation from music teacher required for Conservatory applicants |
| Wheaton College MA | Yes | 1 | Yes | From an instructor who has taught you in an academic subject within the last two years |
| Whitman College | Yes | 1 | Yes | |
| Whittier College | Yes | 2 | No | The first letter must come from a teacher who taught you in a STEM, Language Arts, or Social Sciences class. The second letter of recommendation may come from a teacher in any area of study or a counselor, coach, clergy, or employer/supervisor. |
| Whitworth University | No | 0 | No | Optional recommendations are welcome from high school teacher or counselor |
| Willamette University | Yes | 0 | Yes | Optional core teacher recommendations are welcome |
| Williams College | Yes | 2 | Yes | |
| Wofford College | Yes | 0 | No | Optional recommendations are welcome |
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute | No | 1 | Yes | |
| Xavier University | Yes | 0 | Yes | Up to two additional recommendations can be submitted |
| Yale University | Yes | 2 | Yes | From teachers who have taught you in core academic subjects (e.g. English, Foreign Language, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies) |
| Yeshiva University | No | 1 | No |
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