What Teachers Really Do When Writing Your Recommendation Letter

When students think about asking a teacher for a recommendation, many imagine the teacher sitting down to write a simple letter of praise. But the truth is, on the Common Application, recommendation forms are far more detailed. Teachers don’t just write a letter—they also answer a series of structured questions and rank you across multiple qualities.

Understanding this reality can help students:

  1. Choose their recommenders more strategically.

  2. Appreciate the time commitment teachers make.

  3. Build stronger relationships with teachers before senior year.

🎓 Beyond the Letter: The Common App Recommendation Form

When a teacher agrees to write a recommendation, they don’t just upload a free-form letter. Instead, the Common App requires them to:

  1. Answer background questions (how long they’ve known you, in what context, etc.).

  2. Rate you on a range of academic and personal qualities using a standardized scale.

  3. Upload a narrative letter that provides deeper insight into your character and performance.

📊 The Teacher Rating Grid

One of the most eye-opening sections is the rating chart. Teachers are asked to rank students on a scale (below average, average, good, very good, excellent, outstanding, top few ever). The categories often include:

  • Academic achievement

  • Intellectual promise

  • Quality of writing

  • Creative, original thought

  • Productive class discussion

  • Respect for others

  • Initiative, independence

  • Leadership

  • Integrity

  • Reaction to setbacks

  • Concern for others

This means a teacher isn’t just describing you—they are placing you in direct comparison with every student they’ve taught. If you’re “Outstanding (top 10%)” in initiative, for example, the admissions officer sees that as stronger than simply being “Very good.”

📝 The Narrative Letter

After the ratings, the teacher writes the more traditional letter of recommendation. Here, they provide anecdotes, stories, and examples that back up the ratings they’ve given. For instance:

  • If they mark you as “Outstanding” in leadership, they may describe how you led a project, club, or group presentation.

  • If they highlight “Creative, original thought,” they may share a moment when you solved a problem in a unique way.

This is why students should never assume teachers are just “checking a box.” They are asked to defend their rankings with real stories.

⏳ The Time Commitment

Between the ranking grid and the narrative letter, a strong recommendation takes 1–2 hours per student—sometimes more. For teachers writing 10+ recommendations, that’s a major time investment during the busiest time of the school year.

💡 What This Means for Students

  1. Choose recommenders wisely. Pick teachers who know you well and can speak to your strengths across different categories—not just someone whose class you got an A in.

  2. Build relationships early. Teachers who have seen you grow, struggle, and succeed will have stronger stories to share.

  3. Don’t underestimate the process. A recommendation is not a “favor” but a professional evaluation that takes time and care.

  4. Express gratitude. A handwritten thank-you note goes a long way. Teachers put serious effort into these forms—you should acknowledge that.

✅ Final Thoughts

Recommendation letters on the Common App are not just short endorsements. They’re structured evaluations with ratings, comparisons, and narrative examples. Teachers act as both advocates and evaluators, and their words carry significant weight in the admissions process.

So, the next time you ask for a recommendation, remember:

  • Your teacher isn’t “just writing a letter.”

  • They’re filling out a detailed assessment that can strongly influence admissions decisions.

  • The best way to ensure a strong recommendation is to be the kind of student who truly stands out in their classroom—not just on paper, but in day-to-day interactions.