Purpose Of A Recommendation

Students will often need recommendation letters for college admission and scholarship applications. Many colleges and organizations evaluate applicants through a holistic approach, meaning they seek to understand the whole person and not rely solely on evaluating a student on grades and test scores alone. To accomplish this colleges and organizations may require a recommendation letter to accompany a student's application. A recommendation letter should not be taken lightly. It is an important part of a student's application. What it states, how it is written, and who it is written by makes a statement and adds to the applicant's story.

Colleges and scholarship organizations receive an abundance of qualified applicants a year. The market is competitive, so what will set a student apart from the rest? That is one thing a recommendation letter aims to establish. A well written recommendation letter will speak to an applicant's personality, motivations, values, and goals. The letter must highlight academic strengths and interest, the role a student played on their high school campus, and their potential direction and future trajectory.

A Recommendation letter will allow admissions officers to learn more about the applicant, as well as offer a great deal of insight into who the student is and how he/she will fit in and work with others on campus. So yes, a recommendation letter it is a big deal.

Who Should Write A Recommendation

Students should seek recommendation letters from teachers, counselors, school administrators, coaches, community leaders, and bosses. A student should not just ask any one in these positions, they must ask someone who knows them well and is able to accurately and earnestly speak to their academics, character, and role on campus or in the community. If the writer is a teacher, it is preferable that he/she is a current teacher. The information in the recommendation letter must be relevant. The work a student did in freshman English does not carry much wight in their senior year. If the writer is a counselor or administrator, a student must ensure their role on campus is visible enough that the author's words are validated. Same goes if the writer is a coach or community leader, a student must make sure the letter will be relevant.

How To Request A Recommendation

Students should request a recommendation 2-4 weeks before the letter is due. The adults you will request a letter from are busy and will receive multiple request. Be considerate of their time and other obligations. Do not ask for a letter with less than two weeks before the due date. This will give the author adequate time to write the letter. The letter should be requested verbally and in writing. The letter of recommendation is personal, which is why it should be requested in a personable way. Make time to meet one-on-one with each adult you are requesting a letter of recommendation from. During this meeting a student should identify what the letter is for, the timeline for the letter, and details of the letter. If the request is accepted then the student should follow their verbal request with a written request or confirmation. An email is acceptable.

The written request should include:

• The information of the college/organization requesting the letter.
• The exact name of the college/organization the letter should be addressed to.
• A copy of an educational resume and application essay or personal insight questions
• A copy of a current unofficial transcript
• Waive your right to see the letter if request by the college and or writer. (what does this mean?)
• The date the letter is due and how to submit the letter (electronically or printed and returned to you).

***Note 1: the letter cannot be properly written without this information. Get it to your writer immediately.***

***Note 2: place the items in a large envelope (do not fold) or attach within your email request.***

***Note 3. Send a friendly reminder to the writer about 3-4 days prior to the due date.***

After A Recommendation Is Received

Students are strongly encouraged to send a thank you note to your writer. This shows your appreciation and enriches the relationship. There is a high probability you will request additional letters or need other assistance throughout the school year. If the letter is returned to you sealed in an envelope, immediately mail it to the college you are applying to. If the letter is returned to you unseal, make a copy for your records then seal it in an envelop and mail it promptly.