27 June 2025
5 minutes read
How to Send Letters of Recommendation to Colleges: A Complete Guide for Indian Students
27 June 2025
5 minutes read
Key Takeaways
- How to send letters of recommendation to colleges starts with choosing the right recommender, understanding portal requirements, and meeting deadlines.
- Strong LORs must be written by someone who knows you well and can provide specific, relevant examples—don’t settle for generic praise.
- Always track submissions, follow up politely, and thank your recommenders to keep your application process smooth and professional.
Nearly 80% of Indian students applying to universities abroad struggle with one thing: how to send letters of recommendation to colleges without messing up deadlines, formats, or platform rules.
The problem? Most applicants don’t realize that submitting recommendation letters isn’t just about asking a teacher; it’s about following specific instructions, from Common App invites to email submissions and counselor approvals. If you’re unsure how to ask, write, or submit LORs, this guide breaks it down practically, professionally, and honestly.
What Is a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) and Why Do Colleges Need It?
A letter of recommendation (LOR) is a vital part of the college application process, offering the admissions committee insights beyond your grades and transcript. Written by a teacher, counselor, or someone who knows you well, a good executive letter of recommendation highlights your work ethic, qualification, and extracurricular activities through specific examples.
Whether using the Common App or another application system, you must invite your recommenders early and submit letters of recommendation before the application deadline. Understanding how to send letters of recommendation to colleges ensures your rec letters are submitted correctly to impress college admissions officers.
Types of Letters of Recommendation for College Indian Students Need to Send
When applying to college, Indian students often get confused about the types of letters of recommendation they need to submit. The truth is, it’s not just about asking your English teacher or school counselor, you need to choose the right recommender based on what the admissions office wants.
From academic subjects to internships, here’s what makes a strong letter of recommendation, and how to ask for a letter of recommendation the right way.
Academic vs. Professional Letters
| Type | Who Writes It | When to Use | Key Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic LOR | Teachers (e.g., English, Social Studies) | Required by almost all colleges for undergrad admissions | Should be written by someone who taught you in academic subjects and knows you well |
| Professional LOR | Internship or Work Supervisor | For certain colleges or programs, especially while applying to study abroad | Must provide concrete examples of your work ethic, skills, and qualification |
How Many LORs Are Required by Different Colleges?
| College Type | Typical LOR Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| US (via Common Application) | 1 from school counselor, 2 teacher recommendations | You may also waive FERPA rights; some colleges ask for supplemental letters |
| UK (UCAS) | 1 total (usually from a counselor or subject teacher) | Should highlight academic readiness and extracurricular activities |
| Canada/Europe | 1–2, depending on program | Might accept professional LORs too; college counseling teams help you submit them |
| Postgraduate Programs | 2–3 (Academic + Professional mix) | Ask for letters of recommendation at least a month before the letter to be sent |
Pro tip: When figuring out how to send letters of recommendation to colleges, always confirm the way to submit, whether via email ID, portal, or scanned PDF. Also, make sure to thank your recommenders and give them ample time to write a good letter of recommendation.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Send Letters of Recommendation to Colleges
Understanding how to send letters of recommendation to colleges can make or break your application. A lot of students ask their teachers too late, send incomplete requests, or forget to track whether the letters were submitted at all.
To avoid these mistakes, here’s a clear, step-by-step guide that Indian students can follow to ensure their recommendation letters reach the admissions experts on time and in the correct format.
Step 1: Choose the Right Recommenders
Pick teachers who taught you in high schools and academic subjects like your English teacher, music teacher, or art teacher—someone the admissions experts will trust. A teacher who knows your strengths and contributions can write a letter of recommendation that actually makes a difference.
Step 2: Inform and Assist Your Recommenders
Once you request a letter of recommendation, share your resume, questionnaire, or even your personal goals to help them write the letter effectively. Give ample time to write, ideally asking by junior year, and let them know the application deadline clearly.
Step 3: Uploading LORs via Application Portals (Common App, UCAS, etc.)
Most universities prefer digital submissions via portals like the Common App or UCAS. You’ll need to invite your recommenders, enter their email ID, and waive your rights under FERPA (optional but advised). Recommenders then write letters of recommendation for scholarship and upload them directly.
Step 4: Sending LORs by Email or Post (if Required)
If the college requires offline or email submission, ask your recommender to print, sign, and send the letter to be sent directly to the admissions office. This is common for certain universities or where no portal system is available.
Step 5: Tracking Submission Status
After you submit your application, log in regularly to see if the recommendation letters have been received. Some portals notify you, but if not, follow up politely. Don’t forget to send a thank-you note; it’s not just respectful, but also encourages a strong letter of recommendation if you need supplemental recommendations later.
Common Mistakes Indian Students Make While Submitting a Recommendation Letter
Even after learning how to send letters of recommendation to colleges, many Indian students make small but serious mistakes that can weaken their applications.
Here’s what you should avoid to ensure your business School Letter of Recommendation (LORs) actually help you stand out.
1. Asking the Wrong Teacher
Don’t ask your art teacher or someone unrelated to your academic major just because they like you. A teacher who knows your performance and personality in relevant subjects makes a good recommendation letter.
2. Giving No Context to the Teacher
Even the best teachers write vague letters when they aren’t given enough input. Share your resume, academic interests, and personal strengths to help them write an example of a good letter.
3. Asking Too Late
You need to be sure to ask at least 4 weeks before the deadline. Last-minute requests show a lack of planning and don’t leave enough time for a thoughtful letter.
4. Not Following Submission Guidelines
Every college has its own process. Whether it’s the Common App or direct email, not following the way to submit can cause delays or disqualification.
5. Skipping the Thank-You
After submission, always thank your recommender. It’s respectful, and if you need another letter later, they’ll be much more willing to help again.
Conclusion
Sending strong letters of recommendation isn’t just about hitting “submit”; it’s about strategy, timing, and choosing the right voices to speak for you. Now that you know how to send letters of recommendation to colleges, don’t leave your application to chance.
At Ambitio, we don’t just guide you. We build your profile to match what top universities are truly looking for. From choosing the best recommenders to crafting a standout resume and SOP, we help you create a powerful narrative.
Ready to impress the admissions committee? Join Ambitio Elite today and let your dream university discover the best version of you.
FAQs
How to send letters of recommendation to colleges?
You typically send letters of recommendation to colleges by inviting your recommenders through the college’s application portal (like Common App), and your teachers upload the letters directly.
Can I send the letters myself, or must my teacher do it?
You cannot send the letters yourself; your teacher or counselor must submit them directly to ensure authenticity.
What are the main ways to send letters of recommendation to colleges?
The main ways are online submission through application portals, by official email from the recommender, or by postal mail in sealed envelopes.
What information should be included when sending letters of recommendation to colleges by mail?
Include the application number, recommender’s details, and a cover letter with the university program’s name when sending by mail.
How do I track if my letters of recommendation have been sent to colleges?
You can check the status in your application portal, which will show if your letters have been uploaded and received.
What should I do if my recommender prefers to send the letter by mail?
Provide a pre-addressed, pre-stamped envelope and notify the college to expect the letter of recommendation by mail.
When should I request and send letters of recommendation to colleges?
Ask your recommenders at least a month before the deadline to give them enough time to write and send letters of recommendation to colleges.
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