Academic / Scholarship Recommendation Request Form (Page 2 of 2) in pdf

How to Write a Strong Recommendation Letter

Effective teacher recommendations can play a critical role in the admission process. Teachers provide

insights about students such as their strengths and potential for success. A well-written teacher

recommendation can make a student come alive! As you write your letters, or provide guidance to others

who may be asked to write letters, here are a few thoughts to consider.

Show, don’t tell – Anecdotes are powerful tools. Provide concrete examples of your interactions with the

student inside or outside of the classroom that highlight the student’s character, academic abilities or stellar

qualities. Whether it’s a description of how they approached a group project or how their absence impacted

classroom discussion or how their eyes light up when talking about a topic that excites them, your stories

will convey their curiosity and engagement in a way that little else can.

Write about the student, not about yourself - A recommendation is not an opportunity for you to talk

about your achievements or strengths as a teacher. Context is certainly important, so if you’ve been teaching

for 25 years and a particular student is the best you’ve ever taught, then write that. Otherwise, the

recommendation is not a place to share your resume or C.V.

Focus on the classroom - In their zeal to be as supportive as possible, some teachers write letters that are

more expansive than necessary – detailing everything from classroom projects to extracurricular activities to

family background. As you write, focus on the attributes that you are uniquely positioned to address – the

student’s academic engagement. Before you write, take a look at a sample Teacher Evaluation form, which

asks you to rate your students in several areas. Even if you elect not to check boxes on the form, knowing

what qualities matter to colleges can help you hone your descriptions, and help you to write a letter of great

impact.

Provide an honest and fair assessment – You will want to think about the following – How does this

student contribute to the classroom experience and the learning environment? Has this student gone above

and beyond in some way? What potential do you see in this student? Is your class significantly different (in a

negative way) when this student happens to not be in class?

Don’t be afraid to say no – There will probably be some students for whom you just can’t write a positive

or effective letter. In those cases, you should say no… gently, but without apology. You might also consider

guiding the student to another teacher who might be a stronger advocate. Better to disappoint the student

than to write a weak letter that does not benefit the student or the college.

A letter of recommendation helps the selection committee members see the candidate as a person rather than

just another applicant. It is best for each letter submitted to provide a perspective of the student different

from the other recommendation letters.

Below are some guidelines that may be useful when writing a letter of recommendation. In ALL cases,

letters are most helpful when EXAMPLES of behaviors and characteristics are included.

The references below are encouraged to provide recommendations that emphasize the perspective of the

author’s relationship with the student:

 Advisors – character, leadership, service, commitment

 Coaches – commitment, leadership, work ethic, team focus and attitude

 Employers – dependability, work ethic, leadership, initiative, responsibility

 Teachers – academic ability, student achievement and other classroom-related topics.

Character

Service

Leadership

Trustworthy/Reliable

Loyalty to school or organization

Resourceful

Honesty

Helpful to school or organization

Contributes in decisions/ideas

Cooperative

Volunteers willingly

Delegates duties efficiently

Ambitious

Good team member

Dependable

Desirable personality

Responsible in duties

Strong initiative

Respectful

Concern for others

Role model

Attentive

Academic / Scholarship Recommendation Request Form Page 2

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