Students can start asking for a recommendation letter from a teacher as early as junior year. Many students may wait until senior year, but that can be too late if teachers cap the number of recommendations they are willing to write each year. Earlier is always better!
A pro tip for recommendations: Put together an “applicant info packet” for your recommender that includes your school list, resume, and any relevant information about your future major or goals for college (sometimes called a “brag sheet”). This will help your recommender know what’s important to highlight when they write their letter of recommendation.