• “Letter of Recommendation: How to Ask for It” (Peterson′s)
• “How to Get a Great Letter of Recommendation” (College Board)
• “Six Tips for Getting Great Letters of Recommendation for College” (Great College Advice)
• “5 Tips for Securing Recommendation Letters” (U.S. News & World Report)
• “How to Get a Great Letter of Recommendation” (Kaplan Test Prep)
• “Selecting Teachers to Write Letters of Recommendation” (IvyWise)
• “5 Steps to Getting a Killer Grad School Recommendation Letter” (NerdWallet)
• “How to Get a Great Letter of Recommendation for Your MBA Application” (Princeton Review)
• “5 Ways to Get Standout Law School Recommendations” (U.S. News & World Report)
• “5 Best Ways to Get to Know Your Professor” (Study.com)
• “4 Reasons High Schoolers Should Build Strong Teacher Relationships” (U.S. News & World Report)

You never know when you’re going to need a teacher or counselor to write a letter of recommendation for you. Often, when you need one letter, you’ll likely need two or three more. It’s important to cultivate relationships with your teachers and counselors early on so that when it comes time to ask for a recommendation, they’re not scratching their heads trying to remember who you are.

You don’t have to develop a complete relationship overnight. Start small; stay after class and ask your teacher questions. You can ask for help regarding the work in class, or you can ask your teacher about how and why they got into their chosen field. Most teachers will be receptive to your questions, and these interactions will help set you apart from the crowd.

Many teachers and counselors are involved in extracurriculars outside the classroom. If you’re not comfortable seeking your teacher out in a classroom setting, consider interacting with them by joining one of the clubs or groups that they supervise. In this less formal setting, you can get to know your teacher, and your teacher can get to know you. This interaction is also an opportunity to bond over a common interest.

Ultimately, teachers and counselors are people, and most appreciate it when their students show an interest in them and their work. You don’t have to become best friends (it’s better if you don’t!), and you don’t have to develop relationships with all of them. You just need to find a few who you connect with. So few students take advantage of the amazing resource that is their teachers and counselors — don’t be one of them!

• Ask teachers who know you well, not only the ones in whose class you did the best
• Ask early and give your teacher(s) plenty of time 
• Make your request to write a letter personally (face to face)
• Provide the person writing your letter with materials to help them write a strong letter (resume, statement of intent, etc.)
• Provide the necessary means to send the letter (link to online site, stamped envelope, etc.)
• Waive your right to read the letter
• Send a handwritten thank-you note
• Let your letter writers know where you were accepted

• Wait until the last minute to ask for a letter of recommendation
• Ask a teacher you had years ago
• Assume that your teacher will be willing or able to write a letter
• Forget to follow up with your recommenders before the deadline 
• Believe that more equals better; schools are looking for quality, not quantity
• Despair if a teacher turns down your request — their reason for saying no could have nothing to do with you; just thank them anyway and move on