Who should you ask to write letters of recommendation?

Consider asking present or former teachers or professors, employers, coaches, or others who know your personality and abilities well. Letters from people who are familiar with your background and abilities are more important than letters from people in important positions or family members. In fact, letters from friends and family members are not usually considered acceptable.

If you are required to submit 3 or 4 letters of recommendation, it is a good idea to have different types of people write them. For example, rather than getting 4 letters from "professors, get 2 from professors, one from an employer and one from a former coach. Hopefully each will focus on slightly different aspects of your personality and abilities. However, if you are required to only submit one or two letters, get them from the people who can best describe your ability in the area to which you are applying. For example, if you are applying to study Business, a Math or Economics teacher or professor would write a more relevant letter than your soccer coach.