The Recommendation Letter for College Admissions: Do’s and Don’ts
One of the most important parts of your college application is the recommendation letter. This letter is often the only opportunity for admissions officers to get a personal glimpse into your character and academic abilities. As a teacher, counselor, or coach tasked with writing a recommendation letter for college admissions, it can be tricky to know where to start.
Crafting a strong college recommendation letter requires careful consideration and attention to detail. There are certain dos and don’ts that can make a big difference in creating a recommendation letter for college admissions.
In this article, we will explore some key tips and strategies for both requesting and writing an effective recommendation letter. One that will help your college application shine!
Here is everything you need to know to create a letter that will make a positive impression.
Importance of a Recommendation Letter for College Admissions
A recommendation letter can make or break a student’s college application. Admissions officers use these letters to gain insight into a student’s personality, work ethic, and academic potential. A strong recommendation letter can set a student apart from the thousands of other applicants. But a weak college recommendation letter can hurt their chances of acceptance.
College recommendation letters are especially important for students who may not have the strongest academic record or who are applying to highly selective schools. A strong letter can provide context for a student’s achievements and highlight their potential in a way that their grades or test scores may not.
As a writer of a recommendation letter, you have the power to make a significant impact on a student’s future. Taking the time to craft a thoughtful and well-written letter can make all the difference in helping your student achieve their goals.
Tips for Requesting a Recommendation Letter for College Admissions
If you are a student requesting a recommendation letter, there are some key tips to keep in mind:
Choose the right people
Your letters of recommendation are a crucial piece of your college application. Give some thought to who will write you the strongest letters. Choose people who know you well so they can give specific examples and details about your character and abilities.
Ask early
Don’t wait until the last minute to request a recommendation letter. Give your teacher, counselor, or coach plenty of time to write the letter and submit it by the deadline.
Don’t Assume
Just because you ask someone to write your college letter of recommendation, doesn’t mean they will say yes. Have a few backup recommenders in mind in case one of them is unable to commit.
Provide context
When requesting a recommendation letter, provide some context for your application. This can include the schools you are applying to, your intended major, or any other relevant information. Definitely inform them of a deadline (at least a week or more before your application is due).
Follow up
After requesting a recommendation letter, make sure to follow up with the writer. Confirm that they received your request and provide any other information they may need.
How to Follow Up with the Writer of the Recommendation Letter
After you have requested a recommendation letter, it’s important to follow up with the writer. Ensure that they have everything they need to write a strong letter. Here are some tips for following up:
1. Be polite and respectful
Remember that your teacher, counselor, or coach is doing you a favor by writing your recommendation letter. Be polite and respectful in all of your communications with them.
2. Provide any additional information or materials
If the writer requests any additional information or materials, provide these as soon as possible. This could include a resume or transcript. Better yet, have it prepared to send to them before they even ask!
3. Thank them for their time and effort
After the letter has been submitted, make sure to thank the writer for their time and effort in writing the letter. A handwritten note or email can go a long way in showing your appreciation.
The Dos of Writing a College Recommendation Letter
When it comes to writing a recommendation letter for college admissions, hre are some key tips to keep in mind:
1. Start with a clear introduction
Your introduction should be clear and state your relationship to the student and how long you have known them. It should also provide a roadmap for the rest of the letter (basically a thesis).
For example, you might start your letter of recommendation like this:
“I am writing to provide my enthusiastic recommendation for [Student Name], who has been a student in my [Class Name] class for the past two years. In that time, I have been consistently impressed by [his/her] intellectual curiosity, work ethic, and dedication to [specific project or activity].”
2. Highlight the student’s strengths
Your recommendation letter should focus on the student’s strengths and potential. This can include their academic abilities, leadership skills, creativity. Any other qualities that make them stand out.
Be specific in your praise and provide examples to back up your claims.
For instance:
“During [Student Name]’s time in my class, [he/she/they] demonstrated a keen understanding of [subject matter], often asking insightful questions and engaging in stimulating class discussions. [He/She/They] was/were also a natural leader, often taking the initiative to help other students and organize group projects.”
3. Provide context for the student’s achievements
If the student has faced any challenges or obstacles, provide context for their achievements. This can help admissions officers understand the student’s accomplishments in a broader context.
For example:
Despite facing significant financial challenges, [Student Name] has maintained a rigorous academic schedule and has even taken on a part-time job to help support [his/her/their] family. [He/She/They] has/have shown remarkable resilience and determination in the face of adversity.”
The Don’ts of Writing a College Recommendation Letter
Just as there are certain dos of writing a college recommendation letter, there are also certain don’ts that you should avoid.
Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
1. Don’t be vague or generic
Admissions officers read hundreds of recommendation letters. It’s important to make yours stand out. Avoid using vague or generic language that could apply to any student.
For example, instead of saying:
“[Student Name] is a hard worker who always does their best.”
Try to be more specific:
“Even when faced with challenging assignments, [Student Name] consistently goes above and beyond what is expected, putting in extra time and effort to ensure that [he/she] fully grasps the material.”
2. Don’t exaggerate or lie
It’s important to highlight the student’s strengths. But it’s equally important to be truthful and accurate in your assessment of the student. Avoid exaggerating or lying about the student’s abilities or achievements.
Not only is this unethical, but it can also backfire if the student is later found to have misrepresented themselves.
3. Don’t be too negative
It’s important to be honest in your assessment of the student. But it’s also important to avoid being overly negative or critical. If you have concerns about the student’s abilities or potential, frame them in a constructive way.
For example:
“While [Student Name] may struggle with [specific subject or skill], [he/she] has shown a willingness to work hard and seek out extra help. With some additional support and guidance, I believe that [he/she] has the potential to excel in this area.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Recommendation Letter
In addition to the dos and don’ts of writing a recommendation letter for college admissions, there are also some common pitfalls. Here are a few to watch out for:
Being too brief or vague
A recommendation letter that is too brief or vague can leave admissions officers with more questions than answers. Make sure to provide specific examples and details to support your assessment of the student.
Focusing too much on personal anecdotes
It can be helpful to include personal anecdotes that illustrate the student’s character or work ethic. But don’t let these overshadow the student’s actual achievements or potential. Keep the letter to just one page.
Ignoring the prompt or guidelines
Make sure to carefully read the prompt or guidelines provided by the college or university. Failure to follow these instructions can hurt the student’s chances of acceptance.
Examples of Effective Recommendation Letters for College Admissions
To get a better sense of what makes a strong college admissions recommendation letter, it can be helpful to see some examples. Here are a few excerpts from effective recommendation letters:
Example 1:
“[Student Name] is one of the most talented and driven students I have had the pleasure of working with. [He/She/They] has/have a natural aptitude for [subject matter], consistently earning top marks in my class and going above and beyond what is expected. In addition, [he/she/they] has/have shown exceptional leadership skills, often taking the initiative to help organize group projects and mentor other students.”
Example 2:
“Despite facing significant challenges, including [specific challenge], [Student Name] has shown remarkable resilience and determination in achieving [specific accomplishment]. [He/She/They] is/are a natural problem-solver, always seeking out new ways to approach difficult tasks. I have no doubt that [he/she/they] will excel in whatever endeavors [he/she/they] choose(s) to pursue.”
Final Thoughts on the Recommendation Letter for College Admissions
Crafting an effective college recommendation letter requires careful consideration and attention to detail. By following the dos and don’ts outlined in this article, you can create a letter that truly stands out and helps your student achieve their goals.
Remember to be specific in your praise. Provide context for the student’s achievements, and avoid common mistakes such as being too brief or vague. With these tips and strategies, you can help your student make a lasting impression on admissions officers. And ultimately achieve success in their academic and professional pursuits.
If you are looking for more ways to support a student on their journey to college (or are a student yourself), check out how Slay Your Essay can help you craft a memorable essay that you can confidently use to apply to your dream schools.
