How do recommendation letters work for international students applying to US colleges?
I’m an international high school student planning to apply to colleges in the US, and I’m confused about recommendation letters because my school doesn’t really do them the same way American schools seem to.
I’m trying to understand who colleges usually expect these letters to come from and what makes a recommendation acceptable if my teachers and counselor aren’t familiar with the US application process.
I’m trying to understand who colleges usually expect these letters to come from and what makes a recommendation acceptable if my teachers and counselor aren’t familiar with the US application process.
6 days ago
•
0 views
Sundial Team
6 days ago
For most US colleges, international applicants are expected to submit recommendation letters in roughly the same way as domestic applicants.
If your school does not have a counselor, colleges generally allow another school official to fill that role, such as a head of school, principal, academic dean, or class advisor. What matters most is that the person can explain your academic record, school context, and standing in the class or curriculum.
For teacher letters, colleges want teachers who have actually taught you recently and can describe how you learn, participate, write, think, and contribute in class. The best letters are specific. A short letter from a teacher who knows your work well is usually better than a vague letter from a very senior or prestigious person.
Your recommenders do not need to be experts in the US admissions process. Colleges do not expect them to use American-style language. They just need to write honestly about your academic ability, character, classroom habits, and, if relevant, the context of your school.
If your school is unfamiliar with the process, you can help by giving recommenders a clear summary of deadlines, submission instructions, your resume or activity list, and a short note about what each college is asking for. You should not write the letter yourself, but it is completely fine to give them background information so they can write a stronger, more detailed letter.
If the letters are not in English, many colleges accept certified translations or school-provided translations.
If your school does not have a counselor, colleges generally allow another school official to fill that role, such as a head of school, principal, academic dean, or class advisor. What matters most is that the person can explain your academic record, school context, and standing in the class or curriculum.
For teacher letters, colleges want teachers who have actually taught you recently and can describe how you learn, participate, write, think, and contribute in class. The best letters are specific. A short letter from a teacher who knows your work well is usually better than a vague letter from a very senior or prestigious person.
Your recommenders do not need to be experts in the US admissions process. Colleges do not expect them to use American-style language. They just need to write honestly about your academic ability, character, classroom habits, and, if relevant, the context of your school.
If your school is unfamiliar with the process, you can help by giving recommenders a clear summary of deadlines, submission instructions, your resume or activity list, and a short note about what each college is asking for. You should not write the letter yourself, but it is completely fine to give them background information so they can write a stronger, more detailed letter.
If the letters are not in English, many colleges accept certified translations or school-provided translations.
Comments & Questions (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to ask a question or share your thoughts!
Start the conversation
Have a follow-up question or want to share your experience? Leave a comment below.
Related Questions
Students also ask…
What are the general application requirements for international students applying to Fordham University?
How does financial aid for international students work when applying to U.S. colleges?
How important are recommendation letters for transfer applicants?
Does San Diego State University require recommendation letters for freshman admission?
How does need-based financial aid work for international undergraduate applicants?
Have questions about the admissions process?
Start working with a Sundial advisor today!
