PETER'S COLUMN Views and Analysis
University Recommendations: Choose Teachers Who Know You, Not Just Impressive Titles
Peter encourages applicants to check university requirements first, then choose teachers who can describe how they learn.
Original post date: Facebook displayed '10 minutes ago' on September 24, 2026. Only relative timing was shown; no exact publication time has been inferred; View original post ↗
Peter argues that a recommendation should provide credible evidence of a student's learning and character, rather than borrow the recommender's prestige. When a university requests teacher recommendations, start with teachers who have actually taught the applicant and meet its rules.
Check the rules before inviting a recommender
MIT requires two teacher recommendations. It suggests one from mathematics or science and another from humanities, social sciences or languages, but explicitly says this pairing is not mandatory. Yale requests two recommendations from teachers who have taught the applicant in core academic subjects. Both value how well teachers know the student, beyond grades.
Help teachers recall specific learning experiences
Peter suggests listing courses and dates, representative work, improvements made after feedback, and application goals, deadlines and submission methods. These are factual reminders, not a script for praise; recommenders should make their own judgments and write independently.
Parents can help with planning while students take responsibility
Parents can help organize documents, contacts and lead time. Peter encourages students to invite teachers themselves, explain their goals and express thanks. Before application season, serious participation, thoughtful questions and completed work create the learning experiences teachers can describe.
