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Recommendations and References
Learn about QuestBridge recommendations and references, including information about who to ask, how to ask, and when to ask.
Recommendations or references are often required components of college or scholarship applications. A recommender or reference is someone who can speak to your character, strengths, achievements, background, and/or any other information that may be helpful in understanding who you are as an applicant.
A strong recommendation or reference can differentiate you from a large pool of applicants. Teacher recommendations or references can offer insight into your academic performance and personal character. The School Report (counselor recommendation) can provide a sense of how you stand out within your graduating class at school. The earlier you build relationships with your recommenders or references, the better, as they can be excellent advocates for you on your path to college.
Click on the appropriate table below to learn information and best practices specific to the application you’re working on.
Applicants will need to provide contact information for one high school teacher who can act as a reference. This teacher should have taught you in a core academic subject, preferably in 10th or 11th grade.
Note: Your teacher does not need to write a letter of recommendation or take any other action unless later requested. If later requested, they will complete a brief form on your behalf.
Use the criteria below and complete our Securing a Strong Reference worksheet to select who to ask for a reference. As you consider specific teachers, if you answer “yes” to several of the questions below, you can feel confident in asking them.
Did they teach you recently?
Did they teach you in a core academic subject (English, History/Social Studies, Math, Science, Foreign Language)?
Did you do well in their class, or improve dramatically?
Do they know you outside of the classroom?
Can they speak to your personal qualities or strengths?
You should ask your teacher if they would be willing to serve as a reference before entering their information in your application. We recommend you ask your teacher at least one to two weeks before the application deadline, if not sooner. This will give you enough time to ask another teacher in case your first choice is unable to be your reference.
Asking for a reference in person is always preferable. First, ask if they feel comfortable completing a reference form for you. If the answer is no, make sure you have enough time to ask someone else.
It is a good idea to provide your reference with information about yourself, including a combination of the following:
A brief explanation of the QuestBridge program you are applying to and what their role would be as a reference
Why you are interested in applying through QuestBridge
An activities resume
Your transcript
A draft of your application personal essay
Any personal information you feel is important for them to know
“Thank you in advance” note
As a first step towards preparing this information, complete our Reference Information Sheet to share with your reference.
As a reminder, your registered reference does not need to complete a reference form or take any other action unless later requested. If they are selected to submit a reference, you will be notified by QuestBridge.
If contacted, follow up with your reference to ensure they received an email with their reference form link and know when to submit it. You can also give them friendly reminders about the deadline.
Note: Your teacher being selected or not selected to submit a reference does not reflect your chances of being named a College Prep Scholar.