Writing Letters of Recommendation
Here are a few tips to help make the process a little easier
Writing a recommendation letter for one of your students doesn’t have to
be a daunting task. If the student is organized and provides you with all
the information you need, you should have no trouble composing the perfect
letter. Here are a few tips to help make the process a little easier.
- Make sure the student provides you with the proper forms and information
to complete the recommendation. You may want to set up a brief interview with
the student to go over any questions or concerns you might have.
- Give yourself plenty of time. Plan out a schedule of when you can sit down
and write the recommendation. Keep in mind the deadlines the student has given
you and make sure you finish and send the recommendation on time.
- Discuss your relationship with the student. Tell how long you’ve known him
or her and in what capacity. Talk about how the student has contributed to
your class, activity or business. Your direct connection to the student will
provide the most useful insight to the college or university.
- Be specific. Back up anything you say with detailed, concrete examples.
Keep your anecdotes concise and to the point.
- Don’t be afraid to give a little criticism. It’s easy to talk about a
student’s strengths, but you should also include some insight on the student’s
areas of improvement. This gives admissions officers a more rounded picture of
the student.
- State how and why you think the student will contribute to the school or
program to which he or she is applying. You might also give your opinion as to
why that student’s plans and goals fit him or her. Again, be specific and use
concrete examples.
- It is best to type, not handwrite, the letter on your school’s official
letterhead. Check your school’s policy about recommendations to see if there
are any other procedures you should follow.
