Mastering Letter of Recommendations for College Applications
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Importance of Letters of Recommendation
- The Recommendation Process for Teachers
3.1 Uploading the Recommendation
3.2 What to Include in the Recommendation
- The Counselor Letter
- Letters of Recommendation for Graduate Students
- Tips for Students Requesting a Letter of Recommendation
6.1 Be Respectful of Your Teacher's Time
6.2 Be Empathetic Towards Your Teachers
6.3 Help the Teachers with a Summary
6.4 Build a Strong Relationship with Your Teacher
- Conclusion
The Importance of Letters of Recommendations for College Applications
In the college application process, one crucial aspect that often gets overlooked by students is the significance of letters of recommendation, also known as LORs. Unfortunately, due to misinformation or lack of time, many students miss out on this vital component. This issue is particularly prevalent among international students, as some teachers ask them to write their own letters of recommendation, which raises ethical concerns.
The Recommendation Process for Teachers
If you are a teacher or professor, it is essential to understand the role you play in the college application process. When students apply to colleges online, they are typically required to submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher or mentor. As a teacher, you will receive a link from platforms like Common App or Coalition app, instructing you to create an account and upload the recommendation.
3.1 Uploading the Recommendation
When uploading the recommendation, there are a few key points to keep in mind. Firstly, ensure that the recommendation is in PDF format. Secondly, it should be on the school letterhead to lend it credibility and officiality. While Common App prefers teachers to have an official school email ID, some schools may not provide this. In such cases, students can request a letter signed by the school principal, stating which teachers are writing the recommendations.
3.2 What to Include in the Recommendation
When writing the recommendation, there are certain aspects you should avoid including. Class ranks, marks, and performance in different subjects are already mentioned in the student's application. The recommendation should focus more on the student's personality and unique traits. It should illustrate the student's behavior, such as communication skills and willingness to help others. It is also acceptable to mention areas where the student has room for growth.
The Counselor Letter
In addition to letters of recommendation, some colleges require a counselor letter. However, many international schools lack dedicated counselors. In such cases, a class teacher or the school principal can fulfill the responsibilities of the counselor letter. It entails filling out reports such as the school report, media report, and academic standing of the student. Opting for a class teacher is often preferred, as they have a better understanding of the student and can provide more accurate information.
Letters of Recommendation for Graduate Students
For graduate students, the recommendation process works slightly differently. Professors receive invitations from multiple colleges, depending on the number of colleges the student is applying to. Unlike undergraduate applications, graduate students need to apply individually through each college's website. This means that teachers will receive separate requests to upload letters of recommendation from each college.
Tips for Students Requesting a Letter of Recommendation
As a student, it is essential to approach the letter of recommendation process tactfully and respectfully. Here are some tips to consider:
6.1 Be Respectful of Your Teacher's Time
Avoid asking for recommendations a mere week before the deadline. Give your teachers at least a month's notice to work on your recommendation, as they have multiple things to handle simultaneously.
6.2 Be Empathetic Towards Your Teachers
Put yourself in your teacher's shoes. Understand that this process may be new to them as well. Take the time to explain the process if they are unfamiliar with it, instead of bombarding them with requests.
6.3 Help the Teachers with a Summary
Provide a summary of the various experiences you have had with the teacher to help them recall moments where you worked together and built a relationship. This will aid them in writing a more personalized and effective recommendation.
6.4 Build a Strong Relationship with Your Teacher
Proactively build a healthy relationship with your teachers throughout your academic journey. By starting early and showing genuine interest, you foster a bond that will make asking for a recommendation easier in the future.
Conclusion
Letters of recommendation play a significant role in college applications. Teachers and students should work together to create compelling and authentic recommendations. By understanding the process, respecting each other's time, and building strong relationships, both teachers and students can navigate this aspect of the college application journey successfully.
Highlights:
- The importance of letters of recommendation in college applications
- The recommendation process for teachers and uploading recommendations
- What to include and avoid in a letter of recommendation
- The counselor letter for schools without dedicated counselors
- Letters of recommendation for graduate students
- Tips for students on requesting recommendations respectfully and effectively
FAQ:
Q: How long in advance should students ask for a recommendation?
A: Students should ask for a recommendation at least a month before the application deadline to give teachers ample time to work on it.
Q: What should be included in a letter of recommendation?
A: A letter of recommendation should focus on the student's personality and unique traits, rather than repeating academic information already mentioned in the application.
Q: What if the school lacks a counselor for the counselor letter?
A: In the absence of a dedicated counselor, a class teacher or the school principal can fill out the responsibilities of the counselor letter.
Q: Can students view and write their own letters of recommendation?
A: In exceptional cases where teachers lack the resources or facilities to write or upload the recommendation, students can view and write the letter themselves with the teacher's guidance.
Q: How can students build a strong relationship with their teachers?
A: Students can build a strong relationship with their teachers by actively participating in class, seeking guidance, and showing genuine interest in the subject.
