How to Get a Letter of Recommendation That Stands Out
We’ve all heard the reports of how many students with perfect SAT scores and grades get rejected from colleges. The fact is that for selective schools there are more academically qualified applicants than spots. This means that components of the application that don’t deal with grades and test scores become even more important in differentiating applicants. One of these components, the teacher recommendation, seems like something a student doesn’t have much control over, but there’s actually a lot a student can do to get a letter of recommendation (LOR) that stands out.
What makes a good letter of recommendation?
A good LOR is personal and specific. NYU states an LOR should serve as a “character and academic reference” and The College Board adds that it should “bring a student to life for the admission committee” and appraise a student’s “intellectual promise.”
Who to ask for a letter of recommendation
It’s clearly important to identify teachers who know your child well enough to give specific anecdotes that inform their character, intellect, and other qualities that make them more than just a set of numbers. In our book Stairway to College Heaven, we advised students to not only ask teachers who know them well, but also 1) were their teacher in a challenging (honors or AP) class, 2) were their teacher in a core subject (English, history, math, science, foreign language), and 3) were their teacher in a class that relates to their area of interest. Most likely the teacher will be from their junior year since the student will have had the teacher for a full year and the class will have been their most advanced to date. It’s also important to consider how much effort your child put in the class because a teacher isn’t going to write a good LOR for a slacker. Also keep in mind that teachers are asked to rate the student they’re recommending as below average, average, above average, top 10%, top 5%, and one of the top few encountered in their career. Choose an enthusiastic teacher who will rank your child highly. One of my high school teachers even offered to write me an LOR. That’s a good sign! If a teacher shows any hesitation when asked for an LOR, I would ask someone else.
Provide teachers with as much information as possible
In our book Stairway to College Heaven, we advised students to write out complete, thoughtful responses to teacher questionnaires or brag packets that ask for accomplishments, interests, and values. The important thing here is to include details such as anecdotes and specific moments from class or activities that were meaningful, and why. The more great material a student gives his or her teachers, the easier it is for them to write great letters that don’t sound generic. Help recommenders write specific, personal LORs by giving them as much information as possible.
Supplemental information to give to teachers
If a teacher doesn’t give out a questionnaire, a student should include the following information after requesting an LOR. Actually, even if the teacher does give out a questionnaire, it’s probably a good idea to include the following:
An email explaining why the student is asking the recommender. This email should also include specific memories and interactions from the class that were significant and any specific instructions and deadlines. Here’s a sample from Khan Academy.
Papers, projects, and assignments (or descriptions of them) that were meaningful.
A resume and/or an activity sheet. The College Board also has a “Recommendations - Student Self-Assessment” form that can be filled out and included.
A concise highlight of the student’s goals and interests.
A list of words that describe the student’s personality, character, and values. Teachers are actually asked to provide this and it’s not easy to do! Think about what sorts of qualities colleges want in their students. If I were on an admissions committee I’d want to see students who exhibited qualities such as curiosity, leadership, contribution, and a willingness to express their opinions.
If you have a sophomore or junior, they have even more ways to get fantastic LORs. Once the school year starts they can begin to cultivate interactions with their teachers that will lead to great LORs. I’m reminded of the scene in the movie Hitch in which Hitch, a consultant, is coaching his client, Albert, on how to catch someone’s attention. The strategy, Hitch says, is “Shock and awe.” Standing out takes courage and risk. Students should look for opportunities to catch their teacher’s attention by genuinely being interested in the subject, being prepared each day to contribute to discussions, asking questions, and challenging ideas they disagree with. In Stairway to College Heaven we also suggest doing extra reading at home and talking to teachers outside of class or getting involved with a school club that the teacher sponsors.
Finally, a word on logistics. Seniors should request LORs at the end of junior year. If you didn’t get a chance to ask before summer vacation, ask first thing once school starts in the fall. Ask in person and not over email, and wait for a time when the teacher isn’t rushing to another appointment (eg wait for the teacher’s free period). Ideally, your child should have all the supplemental information ready to give the teacher when he or she asks, but if it’s not ready then submit it as soon as possible. The sooner teachers get all the info they need the better. Good recommendations take time to write and teachers get busy in the fall just like students do. Students should also make sure to tactfully follow up with teachers and send out hand-written thank you notes or small gifts as a token of appreciation.
In summary, choose your recommender wisely and give them as much information as possible. If you’re a rising sophomore or junior, step up in class and try to make an impression. Shock and awe!