When it comes to applying for college, recommendation letters are a crucial aspect of the process. These letters provide insight into an applicant’s character, capabilities, and achievements from a credible source. As a result, many students struggle with acquiring the right set of information to include in their recommendation letters or requesting a teacher, professor, or advisor to provide the necessary details.
Here are the top five essential pieces of information to include in a college recommendation letter:
1. Introduction and relationship: Start by introducing yourself and describing the relationship between you and the applicant. State your name, job title, and how long you have known the student, and in what capacity. Include any specific examples of the student’s work you’ve overseen.
For instance, “Dear Admissions Committee, my name is Jane Doe, and I’m a High School English teacher. I have had the pleasure of teaching John Doe for two years, and he has shown exceptional skill, dedication and curiosity in my class, as well as in his extra-curricular activities.”
2. Qualities and achievements: This section should elaborate on the student’s qualities and achievements within the classroom, as well as any out-of-school activities and responsibilities. Highlight the student’s accomplishments and describe how they stand out against other students you’ve encountered with similar achievements.
For example, “John is a natural leader who takes initiative in class projects. I even remember him spearheading a successful fundraising campaign for our school’s drama club. Moreover, he was elected class treasurer and established a peer tutoring program for underclassmen.”
3. Personal attributes: Describe the student’s personal attributes, such as their maturity, resilience, and determination- in and out of the classroom. demonstrate why you believe the applicant would excel in college.
For instance, “Despite encountering some personal struggles during his Junior year, John never lost sight of his goals. Instead, he channeled his energy into academic excellence, participating in clubs and volunteering for charity organizations. John’s positive attitude, determination, and resilience are qualities that will serve him well in college and beyond.”
4. Academic aptitude: Describe the student’s academic capabilities, including grades, class ranking, and test results- or any other measures of academic aptitude. Highlight any trends or patterns in students’ learning or performance.
For example, “As you can infer from his transcript, John consistently scores high grades and is ranked among the top 5% of his class. He regularly attends academic seminars and conferences and has been selected to participate in a competitive summer research program. As a result, I’m confident that John will excel in any academic setting.”
5. Recommendation: Close the letter with a recommendation. State why you believe the student is a good fit for college and offer any additional comments or advice.
For instance, “It has been a pleasure teaching John. He is the kind of student that any high school teacher can only hope to have. Therefore, I wholeheartedly recommend John for admission to your college of choice. I am confident in his academic and personal abilities and feel that he will make a positive contribution to your college community.”
In summary, a college recommendation letter should be well-written, informative, and personalized to the applicant. Provide specific examples and evidence that demonstrate the student’s academic and personal attributes. Lastly, showcase why you believe the student would be an excellent candidate for the college they are applying to.
