How many recommendation letters do colleges usually require for applications?

Usually, colleges ask for 1 counselor recommendation and 1 to 2 teacher recommendations. The most common setup is 1 counselor letter plus 2 teacher letters from core academic subjects like English, math, science, social studies, or foreign language.

Some colleges only want 1 teacher letter, and some do not require any teacher recommendations at all. A smaller number allow or invite 1 additional recommendation, but that is typically optional, not something you should assume you need.

A good planning approach is to line up 2 teachers and your counselor. That covers the majority of schools. If one of your colleges specifically allows an extra letter, only send it if it adds something new about you, such as leadership, character, or commitment outside the classroom.

Try not to send extra letters just because you have them. Admissions offices usually prefer the required number, and too many letters can make your application feel less focused.