Recommendation letters are best when completed by instructors that are in a position to know the strengths and the weaknesses of students. Although only a part of the college admissions process, recommendation letters can play a significant role in differentiating applicants from peers with similar academic backgrounds.
Personalizing all Letters
All college recommendation letters should be personal. Toward that end, each letter should be written on organizational letterhead and include the following opening imperatives:
- The name of the party receiving the letter
- The correct admissions and university address
- The full name of the student
- The student’s social security number
- The date of the letter
- Never uses phrases like "To Whom it May Concern" in the salutation
The purpose of the letter is to portray the student as a successful learner who had demonstrated academic excellence, intellectual inquisitiveness, athletic prowess, three to four years of solid school leadership, and active sensitivity toward community service projects. Personalizing every letter demonstrates that the letter writer knows the applicant and has first-hand knowledge of strengths and weaknesses.
What a Recommendation should Highlight
The best applicants will highlight a diverse high school background that includes:
- Student club activity
- Co-curricular activities such as debate or participation in the Model UN
- Major Service projects like Habitat for Humanity or Special Olympics
- Leadership roles in the Student Council
- Membership in the National Honor Society
- Membership in scouting, preferably having attained Eagle Scout status
- Participation in the school drama productions
- Editorship roles on the school newspaper or other publications
- Enrollment in enrichment trips sponsored by the school whether overseas or within the United States
Academic honors should encompass more that a gold or silver medal for subject excellence. Honors can include blue ribbons won at academic competitions such as the Quiz Bowl, the Science Fair, or a Model Congress program.
Adding Documentation
Participation in high school events must be planned and documented. The best way to document is through
- School press releases
- Local newspaper stories
- High school literature including student-created newspapers and brochures
- Photographs and video
- Testimonials from people directly involved
Such documentation should be sent to admissions officers with application packets or presented to university officials during a face-to-face interview while on a college visit. College visits are highly important, demonstrating the seriousness of the student’s intent to apply.
Who Should Send a Letter of Recommendation?
The best recommendations are sent by teachers that had a good academic experience with the student and are able to present a multi-faceted portrait of the applicant that includes specific examples. If a particular research paper was very well done, the teacher should note this and explain why the paper was deemed excellent. Letters should detail:
- Specific projects that stood out
- Examples of oral presentations and classroom rebates
- Examples of analysis and critical thinking
- Details of any obstacles overcome by the student
The goal of a recommendation letter must be to present a written profile of the student that is humanizing and truthful. Substantive letters do count much if every aspect of that letter completes a succinct picture of the student.
Join the Conversation