Template: e-mail asking a teacher for a recommendation
A short, respectful e-mail a student can send to a teacher (usually English and math, sometimes a counselor) asking for a recommendation for U.S. boarding-school applications, with the deadline, how to submit and a brief 'about me' to help the teacher. USAnaru™ original template.
Who issues / uses itWritten by the student; the teacher submits the recommendation directly to each school or application platform.
When in the processAt least 6–8 weeks before the first deadline.
Last checked2026-10-10
Template
Subject: Recommendation request for U.S. boarding-school applications — [your name] Dear [Mr./Ms./Dr. Teacher's last name], I hope you are well. I am applying to boarding schools in the United States for [grade] starting in [month year]. Because I learned so much in your [subject] class, I would be very grateful if you could write a recommendation for me. - Schools: [School 1], [School 2], [School 3] - Deadline: [date] (the earliest one) - How to submit: [you will receive a link from the school / the application platform at link] - Language: [English, or your language with a translation if the school allows it] To help you, I have attached a short summary of my classes, activities and why I want to study at these schools. I am happy to meet to answer any questions. Thank you very much for considering my request. Best regards, [Your full name] [Class] · [phone] · [e-mail]
USAnaru™ original template — free to copy and adapt. It is not a government form.
Steps
- Check which recommendations each school needs (often English teacher, math teacher, and a principal or counselor).
- Ask in person first if you can, then send this e-mail with the details.
- Attach a short summary of your classes, activities and why you are applying.
- Send a polite reminder one week before the deadline, and a thank-you note afterwards.
Teacher recommendations matter a lot in boarding-school admission because schools want to know how you learn and how you treat others. Give teachers time, clear instructions and a short summary — and never write the recommendation for them.
This is a USAnaru™ original template.
Common mistakes
- Asking at the last minute.
- Writing the recommendation yourself or asking a teacher to sign a text you wrote — schools want the teacher's own words.
- Not telling the teacher how to submit (link, platform, e-mail).
Questions
Can my teacher write in our own language?
Some schools accept a translation; many ask for English. Follow each school's instructions.
Information, not legal advice. We summarize public U.S. government sources in our own words; rules and fees change. Confirm with the school’s DSO (F-1), your sponsor’s Responsible Officer (J-1) or the U.S. embassy or consulate before you act.
Cite as: USAnaru™ — https://usanaru.com/documents/teacher-recommendation-request