Letterhead for reference letters

Hey, everyone! My teacher is writing me a letter of recommendation, and I'm wondering if it's necessary for them to use letterhead. Does it make a difference to college admissions officers? Any advice is appreciated!

Hi! It's great that your teacher is writing you a letter of recommendation. While using letterhead isn't absolutely mandatory for reference letters, it is considered a formal and professional practice, and it can help add an air of legitimacy to the letter. That being said, the content of the letter is far more important than whether it's on a letterhead or not.

Admissions officers mainly focus on what the recommender has to say about your character, academic abilities, and extracurricular involvement. A strong, well-written letter that highlights your positive attributes will be valued more than a letter on letterhead with generic or unenthusiastic content.

If your teacher has access to school letterhead, it would be a good idea for them to use it, as it reinforces their connection to you as a student and their position as an educator. If not, it won't be a deal-breaker, so long as the letter effectively conveys your strengths and accomplishments.

In the end, it's the quality of the recommendation that truly matters. Encourage your teacher to share specific anecdotes, examples, or achievements that demonstrate your unique qualifications. Best of luck with your college applications!