How to write an effective recommendation for almost any student The Basics Introduction Academic context Context of the student in the community Conclusion and endorsement Information gathering ID: 528960
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Slide1
The Good, The Bad, and the Boring:
How to write an effective recommendation for (almost) any studentSlide2
The Basics
Introduction
Academic context
Context of the student in the community
Conclusion and endorsementSlide3
Information gathering
Ask for a student resume
Have the student answer specific questions or a questionnaire
Collect comments from progress reports or teachers
Ask for parental feedback or a questionnaire
Interview studentSlide4
The Good
Often the easiest letter to write because the student is so outstanding, the letter practically writes itself.
Explain the background or situation and why you think s/he is outstanding. Your student doesn’t have to be one of the best in the nation to be one of the best in your community.
Give specific details and examples. Help the college understand school and community context and why this particular student stands out.
Explain achievements if necessary, give details and descriptions.
Avoid hyperbole, even for the most extraordinary. It will only weaken your credibility and thus your ability to advocate. Slide5
And as much as you love them, keep it to a page. (With legible font size!) Slide6
The Bad
Often the trickiest letters to write
Know your administration – would a letter with negative feedback cause you future problems?
Create a “non-recommendation” with faint or no praise, simply facts
Make it shorter than your usual letter
Ask the college to call you to speak further about the student, and leave your concerns for that call
Be tactful, but honest. Protect your ethics, and the relationship with the college. Slide7
(Substitute “fired” for expelled, and you get the drift…) Slide8
The Boring
AKA: The kid who gives you no feedback, the enigma, or the kid you have never seen before
Fall back on the data you have without the student’s input
Focus on the positive information you do have, even if it is only one point
Avoid creative writing
Your letter can still read as very supportive even if the student is not a star
Rely on the basics mentioned earlierSlide9
Tips and Tricks
Make the format of the letter interesting to read. For example, title the paragraphs for the reader, or use alliteration, (Sarah as a “scholar, senator, student of service.”)
Use
quotes, lines from poetry or songs.
(Be careful not to be corny or sappy.)
Think
about how
your community views
the student, and if any relevant image comes to mind, make an analogy to paint a picture of the student. "Timmy is the Bill Gates/Tim
Tebow
/Conan O'Brien of our high
school." Explain
why. It can make the student stand out vividly in an admission officer's mind.
Be creative, passionate, or persuasive.Slide10
Do’s and Don’ts
Be clear in your
description
Be concise
Don't give laundry list of
activities
Don't use strings of
adjectives
Don't include information about
you
“Show” don’t “tell” - use good descriptive writing
Don’t
ever
“recycle” a letter, specific paragraphs, or even catchy phrases or common adjectives
Be
honest
Simply stated, write what you would like to readSlide11
Do the best with what you have, and GOOD LUCK!