Tips For Letters Of Recommendation

Question 1

What specifically do admission officers assess?

Answer 1

1) Ability to do academic work
2) Students who will join and contribute to the campus community
3) Clues about resiliency, stamina, perseverance, and maturity
4) Character traits such as being flexible, honest, open, and self-control.

Question 2

What do admissions officers need to know about context and unusual circumstances?

Answer 2

• student and school scene
• case load that explains the school counselors ability or inability to be personal with all students
• Family circumstances
• developmental growth
• Postive strengths developed as a result of adversity
• Explanation of events that affected academic performance

Question 3

What do admission officers want to know about the students impact and why?

Answer 3

• Institutions seek individuals with strong personal traits

- Explain how the student contributed and made an impact using concrete examples

Question 4

What specifically do admission officers want to know about contributions?

Answer 4

-admission officers are looking for depth and commitment, so detail activities with the most impact

Question 5

When should you use quotes in letters of recommendation?

Answer 5

Only use then when they convey thoughts more concisely and vividly than you would in your own words.

Question 6

How can you draw admission officers attention in writing?

Answer 6

First be clear about what to convey. Focus on the beginning and end for summarization and conclusion. These two places should have your most powerful statements.

Question 7

How are admission officers trained to read?

Answer 7

• they read for nuances by noticing words, phrases, and examples used
• they pay attention to your tone and how the situations your reference

Question 8

What are some general tips about being honest and transparent?

Answer 8

• try to be creative when explaining the students potential

- if there is something you can not place, leave a note to contact you.

Question 9

What are some general tips for teachers?

Answer 9

• teacher perspective is focused on academic characteristics
• have the teacher imagine if they were writing to the students for professors to describe these attributes
• focus on academic accomplishments and potential
• be specific when discussing strengths by selecting specific traits that accurately portray the student
• explain class dynamics and engagement and how extracurricular activities affect performance.