When you're putting together your college application, it’s easy to get caught up in what you can control—your test scores, grades, and essays. However, one major element you can’t write on your own is the letter of recommendation, and it can play a significant role in your application.
When I first found out about recommendation letters, I had a lot of questions: Why are these letters so important? What do colleges really pay attention to, and how can you help your recommenders write something that highlights your strengths?
So, let’s dive into what you need to know about letters of recommendation and how to ensure yours stands out among thousands of other applications.
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Many students see letters of recommendation as formalities filled with generic and shallow praise. However, if you think about it, they actually serve a meaningful purpose. They can showcase qualities that numbers and scores don’t capture, such as your curiosity, resilience, and capacity to face challenges.
It’s no wonder that they prefer recommendation letters from your teachers, because they want to know your journey of self-growth. Teachers are the best source to find out how a student behaves in a class setting: what they do in every lesson, whether they are attentive or easily distracted, how they behave in tough situations or in collaborative settings.
Research indicates that these letters become especially valuable for applicants who already meet the academic qualifications. Imagine two students who have similar grades and test scores. How do you think college admissions choose the best candidate? They look at recommendation letters because they reveal students' conduct in intimate settings, which numbers can't display.
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What Catches an Admissions Reader’s Attention
If you are writing your own recommendation letter or making your teacher write one, aim for these five rules:
1) Set the Stage
Begin writing the letter by establishing the recommender's connection to you. They should start by introducing themselves, explaining how long they’ve known you, and in what setting. This is necessary because it builds trust in the recommender’s judgment from admission officers.
Example: "I have been teaching Sofia AP Literature for two years, and I also coach her on the debate team."
2) Show, Don’t Just Tell
This is a very important rule. Avoid clichés or shallow phrases, like "She is the hardest-working student I know,’’ or "He excels in teamwork and leadership qualities."
Instead, paint the picture, so admission officers can actually see what you're talking about. Don’t just list accomplishments. Incorporate specific moments or stories, or projects that made them know who you are.
Example: "In a group project, Mari noticed that her partner was struggling with coding. Instead of being domineering and taking over, she trusted her partner through the problem and was very encouraging."
3) Highlight Growth and Character
Letters are most impactful when they showcase your development over time. None of us had grown into our character when we stepped into high school. Growth takes time and multiple failures.
Being seen as a perfectionist in your application is a red flag. Recommendation letters are a great way to show your story from failure to success.
Example: "Ava initially found it hard to organize her research essays. After multiple tries and her hard work, she changed her approach and ended up writing one of the best papers in the class."
4) Be Specific
Include phrases that position you among peers, such as “one of the top five students I’ve seen in a decade.” I know comparisons can seem a bit awkward and selfish, but they can help committees understand your uniqueness and where you stand in the crowd.
5) End on a Confident Note
At the end, include a powerful statement, such as "I wholeheartedly recommend and believe in this student," to signal the recommender’s confidence in you.
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Tone, Length, and What to Avoid
Colleges value honesty, and they can tell when something is not true. Therefore, avoid exaggerated claims without backing them up. When it comes to the length of the letter, aim for about one page—roughly two-thirds to a full page single-spaced is usually ideal.
It's worth noting that letters of recommendation can vary significantly depending on the school’s resources and student backgrounds. For instance, letters from more affluent schools may tend to be longer and use favored language by admissions teams. This doesn’t render those letters worthless; it highlights the importance of context. Writers should strive to create thoughtful letters for every student.
What Should Students Do?
If you are a student, select recommenders you are close to and have observed your growth. Provide them with your resume, projects, deadlines, potential majors, and specific points you'd like them to mention in your letter. Additionally, waiving your FERPA rights on the Common App can enhance the letter's credibility.
What Should Recommenders Do?
If you are a recommender, start with how you know the student and why you believe in them. Include real, specific details, like a quote, a particular assignment, or an observed behaviour. If possible, link the student’s potential to the college’s environment, explaining why you believe they would succeed there.
Remember This
While letters of recommendation can't compensate for a weak transcript, when done well, they offer a unique insight into a student’s character that grades alone cannot capture. The goal of an excellent recommendation letter is for the reader to imagine the student thriving on their campus.