The college application process can be a daunting process particularly for those who don’t take the requirements seriously or are easily overwhelmed by the number of steps involved. In many ways, it is like a puzzle which has more than one solution. The most important thing to remember is that each element of the process is important in its own way. For example, the letters of recommendation for college applications provide one piece of the puzzle to the College Admissions Officer who reads the application which then fits into the complete picture of the student under consideration.
As an Independent Educational Consultant with almost 30 years of experience working with students in the applications and college selection process, one of the questions that I am asked most frequently is whether Letters of Recommendation are important to the admissions process. My answer is a resounding YES! In this post I will explain the different types of letters, how to maximize the effect of the letter and how to ask the recommender to write one for you. Let’s dig into the topic and find out more!
Understanding the Letter of Recommendation
Letters of Recommendation are testimonies from guidance counselors and others about the student in an academic or extracurricular setting. The purpose of these letters is to help the Admissions Officer get a more holistic understanding of the student as a person. These letters of recommendation should show how the student fits into the context of the school, class, workplace, club, or other settings.
We must remember that students are more than their numbers. They bring more to the college than a GPA and test score. They also bring their passions, intellectual curiosity, backgrounds, and enthusiasm to the college admission process, and to their areas of study once admitted. The reason colleges, particularly the highly sought-after ones, ask for letters of recommendation is to determine how a particular student might fit in and contribute to their campus community.
There are many types of letters of recommendation:
- The counselor recommendation is a standard letter of recommendation and should be presented with each application. You won’t need to ask for this one since it goes out with the transcript and other material from a high school.
- The next is the teacher recommendation letter which some schools require, others recommend, and some won’t accept.
- Finally, there are the other recommended types of letters. These can come from an employer, coach, religious leader, or other adult who knows the candidate well and can attest to aspects of the student that may not be readily seen by school-based adults.
Do All Colleges Require Letters of Recommendation?
The short answer is No. There are colleges who will not read or even consider a letter of recommendation.
- Many of these are large public universities like: Arizona State University, Michigan State University Texas A&M University, The University of Texas at Austin, Florida State University, Pennsylvania State University, University of California – Irvine, University of South Carolina, Virginia Commonwealth University, Washington State University, and West Virginia University.
- Some are private universities like: American University, Boston University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Emerson College, Loyola University Chicago, New York University, Cooper Union, Johns Hopkins University, The University of Miami, and Lehigh University.
This is not an exhaustive list, and it is subject to change from one admissions cycle to another. I present it simply to show the wide range of colleges for whom letters of recommendation are neither encouraged, nor in some cases, accepted. Check carefully as to whether the policy has changed for your admissions year.
Those schools who typically require letters of recommendation are the more highly selective colleges, like the Ivy League and Little Ivys, as well as small private liberal arts colleges. They try to do a much more holistic read of the application and are interested in knowing all they can about the prospective student.
How Does a Strong Letter of Recommendation Impact the Application?
A strong letter of recommendation makes the Admissions Officer feel as though they know the student on a personal level. It should present the student, not necessarily as perfect, but certainly as likable and relatable. Remember, these letters are being read to get a more holistic view of the student and how that student would be an asset to the campus community.
A good letter of recommendation, whether from a counselor, teacher or other recommender includes:
- Personal anecdotes
- Plenty of enthusiasm on the part of the recommender
- Specific examples of ways in which the student has demonstrated the skills or attributes that are being written about
- Personal evidence that shows the recommender knows the student either personally or in the context of the school community
- Examples of academic achievement, personal qualities, and challenges that the student has overcome.
All of these must be specific and point to how the student will be a unique contributor to the campus community, and the student’s potential to be successful in college. If the student’s attributes align with the college’s values and mission, all the better.
What is the Impact of a Weak Letter of Recommendation?
There is nothing worse than a lukewarm or boilerplate letter of recommendation. A lukewarm or unenthusiastic letter of recommendation or one that is not well written can have a negative effect on the student’s acceptance. The Admissions Officer will question why this person was asked to make a recommendation rather than someone who might know the student better or someone who seemed to care about the outcome.
If you don’t think someone can write a strong letter on your behalf, ask someone else.
How do I Choose the Right Recommender?
The rule of thumb is to choose two teachers who have taught you in 11th or 12th grade.
- One from Math or Science and the other from the Humanities – English or Social Science.
- If either or both have had you in class previously as well and can attest to your growth both academically and personally, all the better.
- If the teacher has also coached a team you were on or sponsored a club in which you were active, that’s great!
The key is that they must have a more personal connection to you than simply having taught you in one class. Your relationship with the recommender is important because it will increase the likelihood of receiving a more enthusiastic and personal letter of recommendation.
Creating that relationship is up to you, not up to the teacher. You are one of many students that the teacher has, you want to distinguish yourself from the pack.
- If each of your recommenders can showcase a different aspect of you, that is fabulous.
You need to provide them with information and anecdotes. We will talk more about this next.
How Should I Ask for a Letter of Recommendation?
I suggest that you ask your chosen recommenders toward the end of Junior year and tell them that you will meet with them early in Senior year to further discuss it. You can do this in person, which is my preference, or by email. Then, in the 2nd or 3rd week of Senior year, make an appointment with the teachers.
At that appointment, bring:
- your activities resume
- list of colleges to which you are applying
- some anecdotes about what happened in the class when you had that teacher.
These stories should reflect on:
- what you learned
- how you contributed to the class
- the times you struggled but worked with the teacher to learn the material by going for extra help
- the times where you helped others in the class to better grasp the subject matter.
The goal here is to give the teacher material to make the letter more personal.
You may want to have each teacher focus on a different aspect of you as a student and as a person. Let each know who else is writing for you so they can talk to each other if they wish to do so.
Counselors and teachers will often ask you to complete a questionnaire or brag sheet which asks for the same kinds of information mentioned above.
- Don’t rush through that document
- Think carefully about what you write down because the teacher or counselor may simply lift your comments from it and put them as written into their letter of recommendation.
The teachers who write for you are now invested in your success. Do them the courtesy of letting them know the outcomes of your applications.
What are the Common Mistakes to Avoid?
- The most common error is that students just wait too long to ask.
Many teachers, particularly the more popular and personable ones, cap the number of letters they will write. If the teacher only writes ten letters a year and you are the 11th student to ask, you are out of luck. That is why I suggest asking at the end of Junior year so that the teacher holds a spot for you.
If you asked in person, then follow that up with an email, thanking the teacher for agreeing to write for you the next semester. This serves as a reminder for the teacher and proof of agreement for you.
- The next biggest issue is not sharing information that the teacher can use in the letter or recommendation.
To make it personal, they need some help.
- Finally, don’t ask someone who barely knows you to write on your behalf. Nothing good can come of this.
If you don’t stand out in the teacher’s mind, how can they write enthusiastically about you?
The Bottom Line With Regards To Letters Of Recommendation
To get a meaningful and genuine letter of recommendation you must remember these points:
- Select your recommenders carefully and ask in person
- Provide them with specific material to include in the letter of recommendation
- Don’t wait too long to ask
- If you ask someone who seems hesitant to write, move on to someone else
- Follow Up by sending a thank you note and a gentle reminder as the deadline approaches
Take the letter of recommendation as seriously as you do all of the other pieces of the college application. Each element, GPA, test scores, essays, demonstrated interest, and letters of recommendation, is a single data point in the college’s assessment of you as a candidate.
Don’t overly stress on any one element but put equal emphasis on all.
What if I still have questions about the college admissions process?
I am happy to answer your questions! For further advice on this or any other aspect of the college process, please contact me by email at charlotte@cklaar.com or by phone at 803-487-9777 and take advantage of my almost 30 years of experience!
