As the school year approaches and you and your rising senior start thinking about college applications, one component can be confusing: recommendation letters. Do you they need them? How do you help ensure they have good ones? What is the point of them? This blog post will guide you through everything you need to know about recommendation letters, providing you with valuable tips to support your teenager.
Why Do Colleges Ask for Recommendation Letters and What Are They Looking For?
These letters provide insights beyond grades and test scores, offering a more holistic view of the applicant. A strong letter of recommendation includes:
1. Academic and Personal Qualities:
Intellectual Curiosity: Colleges look for students who demonstrate a love of learning and intellectual curiosity. Teachers can highlight moments when your student went above and beyond in their studies.
Character and Integrity: Recommendations should reflect the student's character, including honesty, responsibility, and empathy.
Contributions to the Community: Colleges value students who contribute positively to their school and community. Examples of leadership, volunteering, or involvement in extracurricular activities are important.
2. Specific Examples:
Detailed Observations: Letters should include specific examples and anecdotes illustrating the student's strengths and character. Vague or generic statements are less impactful.
Context and Growth: Recommenders should provide context about the student's growth and development over time, highlighting how they've overcome challenges or improved academically and personally.
When Are Recommendation Letters Necessary?
1. Differences between colleges:
Selective Colleges: Most highly selective colleges require one to three recommendation letters.
Less Selective Colleges: Some colleges may not require recommendation letters or only require them if your student is not submitting a test score.
Always Check Specific Requirements: Always check the specific requirements of each college your teenager applies to. This information is usually available on the admissions section of the college's website or through application platforms like Common Application or Coalition Application.
Best Practices for Students When Asking for Recommendation Letters
1. Start Early:
Plan Ahead: Encourage your teenager to start thinking about who they want to ask for recommendation letters well before the application deadlines. Ideally, they should ask recommenders by the end of their junior year or at the beginning of their senior year.
Avoid Last-Minute Requests: As deadlines approach, teachers and counselors are swamped with requests. Early requests ensure they have enough time to write a thoughtful and detailed letter.
Follow the High School's Procedures: Each high school will have its own process for how your child should request a letter of recommendation from their teachers or counselors. Ensure your child follows the process, meets deadlines, and provides all required information to anyone they request a letter from.
2. Choose the Right Recommenders:
Academic Teachers: Colleges typically prefer letters from teachers who have taught the student in core academic subjects like English, math, science, or history, especially those who taught them in junior or senior year. I always recommend students pick a teacher who knows them well and not just the one they think will look "good" to the college they are applying to (see #3 below).
Extracurricular Advisors: If the college allows additional letters, coaches, club advisors, or supervisors from volunteer work can provide valuable perspectives on the student's character and extracurricular involvement.
Counselors: Many colleges also require a letter from the student's school counselor, who can offer a broader view of their academic and personal growth.
3. Build Strong Relationships:
Engagement in Class: Encourage your teenager to participate in class actively, seek help when needed, and build rapport with their teachers. Teachers who know the student well can write more personalized and impactful letters.
Consistent Communication: Encourage your child to check in with potential recommenders regularly. It's a good idea for your child to discuss their college goals and share any relevant achievements or updates.
How Can You Assist Your Child in Securing a Strong Recommendation Letter?
1. Provide Relevant Information:
Resume and Achievements: Have your teenager provide a resume or a list of achievements, activities, and any specific points they'd like the teacher to highlight. This sheet can help the recommender write a more detailed and specific letter.
Brag Sheet: Some schools use a "brag sheet" where students can outline their strengths, interests, and significant experiences. The brag sheet can be a valuable tool for teachers and counselors.
2. Personal Insights:
Personal Story: Encourage your teenager to share personal anecdotes or experiences that might not be evident from their grades alone. These examples help the recommender paint a fuller picture of the student's personality and character.
Specific Traits: Ask your teenager to mention particular traits or qualities they would like highlighted, such as leadership skills, resilience, or teamwork.
In Summary
Recommendation letters are a vital component of the college admissions process, offering a personal and nuanced view of your teenager beyond grades and test scores. Understanding the requirements, choosing the right recommenders, and providing them with relevant information will help ensure your teenager receives strong, impactful letters. Start early, build strong relationships with potential recommenders, and encourage your child to share their unique stories and qualities. With thoughtful preparation and support, recommendation letters can become a powerful tool in your teenager's college application arsenal.
As always, I look forward to your conversations with your students, teens, and young adults. Let's make this journey joyful and transformative for them!
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