Many colleges and universities across the country require letters of recommendation, but students often wonder; who should I ask and what should he or she write about? The following information will guide you through the process of securing outstanding effective letters of recommendation.
In order to obtain an effective letter of recommendation, College Questions Online suggests prospective applicants consider the following steps:
1. Determine the purpose of each letter of recommendation:
There are two types of letters of recommendation, they are:1) letters that speak to the character of the applicant, and 2) letters that speak to the academic prowess of the applicant. Most students should attempt to secure at least one of each type of the aforementioned letters of recommendation.
2. Determine who is best suited to write each type of letter of recommendation:
It is suggested that students compile a list of 3-5 individuals that would likely be willing to write a strong letter of recommendation. After a list of possible writers has been compiled, students should determine which type of recommendation each individual on the list is best suited to write.
For example, the leader of a church's local youth group may be more suited to write about a student's character as opposed to a local high school's AP Biology teacher who may be more suited to write about a student's academic prowess.
3. Determine which type of letter will best compliment your application for admission:
Although it is suggested that prospective student's secure one of each type of the aforementioned letters of recommendation, each application is different and letters of recommendation can sway admission officers. College Questions Online suggests that prospective students determine which type of recommendation an admission officer is more likely to need after reviewing the rest of the application for admission.
For example, a student with outstanding grades and standardized test scores may be best suited acquiring letters that speak to the student's character and leadership qualities. In contrast, a student who struggled in some academic areas may be best suited finding a teacher who can speak to the student's talents in a specific area in which the student excels.
4. Consult the writers about issues or qualities you hope they address in the letters of recommendation:
Each applicant has strengths and weaknesses and letters of recommendation are a great way to address those areas. A letter of recommendation should do two things: 1) highlight the strengths of the applicant, and 2) address weaknesses in a manner that eases the fear or risk associated with the applicant.
The individuals that are going to write your letters of recommendation should be given some direction as to some of the issues or qualities they should address. Giving the writer some direction is important so that a writer that you determined should write about academic ability does not decide to focus on your outstanding personality.
Example #1:
For example, Johnny is applying to his first choice college but determines that he falls just short of the normal academic standards associated with admitted applicants. Johnny is applying as a prospective Biology major because throughout high school, although he has struggled academically, he has excelled in the sciences. Johnny has taken honors chemistry, honors physics, and AP biology. He is asking his AP biology teacher to write a letter of recommendation for him. College Questions Online suggests that Johnny considers asking his biology teacher to focus on his ability to excel in the field of science. He may want to give the teacher some background about his academic history so that the AP biology teacher can write an effective letter that eases some of the concerns the admission officer may have about the applicant. Johnny should consider asking his teacher to write that he or she is aware that Johnny may have struggled in history and accounting but that Johnny is passionate about the science and is primed for a successful collegiate career.
Example #2:
Another example, Sally is applying to her first choice college but is nervous because during her sophomore year she was suspended for three days for fighting with another girl in class. Sally's grades are outstanding but she is concerned that colleges will question her character and integrity because of this incident. Sally is planning on asking her social studies teacher for a letter of recommendation because Sally's social studies teacher also serves as a troop leader for the local girl scout troop that Sally volunteers with. College Questions Online suggests that Sally considers asking her social studies teacher to focus on Sally's community involvement and ability to work well with others in a group format. Sally may want to consider telling her social studies teacher about her three day suspension sophomore year so that the writer can address the concerns an admission officer may have and ease those concerns with either an explanation or examples of how much Sally has matured in the past two years. It is important that Sally gives her social studies teacher some guidance as to what to write about because she will likely be tempted to write about Sally's outstanding academic achievements. The letter of recommendation will likely be more beneficial if it focuses on Sally's character because Sally's academic ability is not in question.
5. Determine whether an (influential) alumni is available to write a letter of reference:
Letters of reference from alumni can be powerful. Alumni relations is an important part of most college campus initiatives, tapping into the need to appease alumni can be a powerful tool during the admissions process. A letter of reference from a particularly influential alumni may be just the push that opens up the door to your dream school.