Letters of Recommendation - things to know and be aware of.
Letters of Recommendation for College Admission, and what you should know.
When you are going through the college application process, submitting a strong application is critical if you want to stand out from your competition. Besides grades, extracurriculars, and your personal statement; letters of recommendation play a big part in the process. These letters give the colleges really valuable insights into your history, attributes, abilities, and potential; giving admissions officers a holistic view of who you are and what you can bring to their school.
What are Letters of Recommendation?
Letters of recommendation are written testimonials from people who you have built trust with. These people have experience with you in the workplace, the classroom, or any other environment where legitimate trust can be built. These people can speak to your academic achievements, personal qualities, and future potential. Typically, colleges and universities require at least two to four letters of recommendation. These are usually written by teachers, mentors, and employers, who have worked a significant amount of time with you and have a good read on your abilities. These letters can be a critical part of the decision-making process at the institution you are applying to. Remember that humans will be reading these letters, and so we can't discount the role of these letters within the application process.
Why are they important?
In short, they give really valuable insights. These are usually deeper than just your grades and test scores.
View this as a great opportunity to show what you're made of.
These letters help colleges and universities get a good read on what you can contribute to their school. The admissions officers are looking for a holistic view of why they should consider an applicant.
And remember, these letters are an opportunity to stand out from your competition. When they receive that flood of applications from students with similar academic profiles, the letters of recommendation can go a long way in setting you apart and showing something unique that no one else has. It's important to realize that a strong letter of recommendation can be the difference between staying in the big pile, vs. getting on the short list.
Who Should You Ask for a Letter of Recommendation?
Choosing who to ask is very important. You should approach people who you have a good history with, and know you well so that they can speak genuinely and transparently about your abilities and experience. Here are some potential candidates:
Teachers: Approach the teachers who have taught you in classes that relate to your targeted major or can attest to your work ethic and dedication.
Counselors: A trusted school counselor can give insights into your character, growth trajectory, and involvement in extracurriculars.
Employers and supervisors: If you are/were employed, a letter from your employer or supervisor can focus on your work ethic, responsibility, and ability to lead and work within a team.
Mentors or coaches: If you have one who has had a significant impact on your growth, their letter can give a unique insight into how you think, operate, and approach your tasks; even outside of school and work.
So come up with a list of strong candidates and then approach them. Think of those who can share specific anecdotes that can shine a bright light on your strengths and achievements.
How to Request Letters of Recommendation.
When you make your requests, it's very important to approach these people with a sense of professionalism and gratitude. Here are some tips:
Plan ahead: Approach your people well in advance. Make sure that they have enough time to write a good and thoughtful letter.
Ask in person: If possible, ask for these letters in person. This makes for a far more personal connection. It also gives you the opportunity to show your gratitude in person.
Give good information: Give them the details that they need, such as your resume, personal statement, awards they might not know about, grades, and anything else that might help them.
Be sure to follow up: After they have confirmed that they sent off the letter, go out of your way to thank them for their time and effort. I suggest sending, or even delivering a hand-written note in person. this goes a long way is showing your gratitude. Just think about the last time you received a handwritten personal letter and how it made you feel.
What Makes for a Strong Letter of Recommendation?
A strong letter of recommendation should be genuine, detailed, and as transparent as possible. Here are some key items to focus on:
Authenticity: The letter should describe a genuine relationship between you and the recommender.
Specific: The more specific examples the better.
Story: It's no secret that humans love stories. If there is a way to suggest a story approach to your recommender then go ahead and ask for it.
Relevance: The letter should be relevant to the school you are applying to. As much as possible, suggest how they can highlight how your qualities are aligned with the values of the institution.
Positive tone: The more upbeat and enthusiastic the tone of the letter is, the better. Remember again that these are humans reading A LOT of letters. Hopefully, your letter will be one that they have fun reading; making it more memorable.
Conclusion
Letters of recommendation play a big role in the admission process. View this part as an opportunity to shine and create separation. Try to have fun with it, as much as possible. From who you approach, to what you suggest they write about. And remember to keep in mind that humans are reading these letters, and the more story-based these letters are the more memorable they will be to the reader(s).