Recommendation Letters

So what is this letter?

Grades and standardized test scores are important parts of your college application, but other things matter, too. No matter what your grades are, chances are that there will be other people with similar scores applying to the same university as you. If admissions officers have to decide between you and another student with similar scores, they will have to look at other factors such as those represented in your essay, extra-curricular activities, and letters of recommendation.

Many universities are concerned about the type of person they are admitting to their school. They want someone who will be a positive addition to the university and will contribute to the university community. Generally, universities ask for 2-3 recommendations from people who know you both inside and outside the class. The objective of asking teachers to give their opinion of you is so they know you personally and academically.

Helpful Tips

Pick someone who knows you well (like an English or math teacher). Remember to choose a person who can talk about your strengths. Do not go to the person who has only given you high grades but to the person whom you think has a lot to say about you, or pick someone who is related to the field of study you want to pursue.

Start early and ask your recommender at least two months in advance to prepare and send the recommendation letter. Teachers are usually busy correcting exams and preparing recommendation letters for other students.

Talk to your recommender. Remind him/her of your accomplishments and let him/her know of your future plans. It is preferable to prepare a resume about your activities and your goals. The best letters include specific examples and stories rather than vague praise. You can also prepare a file about yourself. The teachers need enough information to write this letter. The recommendation letter will be incomplete if the person knows you only from your school grades. The file could include the following:

• School grades.
• A resume that mentions both paid and voluntary work.
• Your scores on the required tests (TOEFL, SAT, etc)
• Your personal and career goals - Teachers usually prefer ambitious students. If you lack clear career goals you might leave a bad impression.
   

Don’t be shy: ask your recommender to write you a (good) recommendation letter. If they tell you they don’t feel comfortable writing a strong recommendation letter, then thank them for their honesty and let them know you’ll ask someone else instead.

Follow up with him/her after a few weeks to remind him of the deadline for application submission.

Send him a thank you note.