One step of applying to college that many students find nerve-wracking is the recommendation process. Most colleges will ask for two letters of recommendation from teachers, and students need to seek out teachers who know them and will be not only willing to write them a letter, but able to write one that shows them to their best advantage. This is not a task to be underestimated—especially as many high school teachers receive a large number of recommendation requests every year.

However, the process can be a lot less daunting for students who look at it as a process with multiple steps—accomplishing each one, before moving on to the next, can make it all less stressful. With that in mind, let’s look at the very first step in the journey: forming connections with your teachers, so they’ll know you well enough to write a great recommendation when the time comes.

When do I start?

There’s an old saying that goes: “The best time to plant a tree is ten years ago; the second-best time is now.” Don’t worry — nobody is expecting you to have formed ten-year bonds with your teachers! But there’s no time like the present to let them know who you are and see your academic talents.

Particularly in your junior year, it’s a good idea to speak one on one with the teachers you find most engaging, and ask them for advice on your college plans. If you have a teacher who also doubles as a coach for a sport or extracurricular activity, so much the better! They’ll have seen you in and out of the classroom, and will have an even better sense of your personality and abilities.

Does subject matter?

Yes and no. If you’re applying for a college that specializes in a particular field or type of course (such as MIT for math engineering, or Parsons for art and design), it may be wisest to cultivate relationships with teachers in those subjects, who will eventually write your letters of recommendation.

However, if you’re not already looking into a fairly specialized college program, the subject is less important than how well the teacher in question knows you—and how well you’ve done in their class. Any teacher you’ve had for more than one class (such as having had the same teacher for freshman social studies and junior year history), especially if you did well in all their classes, is also a great option for someone to reach out to, regardless of subject. Since they’ve known you for several years, they’ll not only have a sense of your talents and what you’re like to have as a student, but also how much you’ve grown throughout your time in high school.

What will my teachers think of my reaching out?

They’ll be delighted! Many students are hesitant to talk to their teachers about their college plans, or even their academic trajectory in high school, but they shouldn’t be. Don’t worry about bothering your teachers—they’ll likely be more than happy to speak with you! Teachers choose their profession because they care about their students and their subject, so hearing from you will be a high compliment for them. They’ve also likely seen many classes of students come and go, so they’re a great source of experienced advice, even outside of forging a relationship that will help when it comes time for your letters of recommendation. Really, you can’t go wrong!

And remember, in the college application process, asking for help when you need some is always a good thing. Friends and teachers can be great resources, as can application experts and tutors, like our staff at A-List. Just keep your eyes on your goals, and don’t be afraid to reach out when you need to, and you’re on the road to a great college experience!