How to Write an Effective Academic Letter of Recommendation
1) Talk with your student:
The only way to paint a good picture of a student is if you first know them well. While you may know the student in an academic setting it is important to speak to them about what they do outside of class, about their goals, dreams, etc.
2) Ask follow up questions:
If you need more information—ask! You don’t want to write a generic letter just because you don’t have information.
3) Have the student provide you with a resume, CV, or brag sheet:
These documents allow you to reference specific experiences, projects, etc. While a good letter describes the student’s demeanor, work ethic and personal strengths, it also includes concrete examples. Resumes, CVs, or brag sheets are all great sources of these tangible points. Plus you may learn about a new side of the student!
4) Be specific:
Whether describing personality traits, goals, or achievements, the more specific, the better. Oftentimes an anecdote, a specific achievement or award, or a mention of leadership will allow the reader to visualize and internalize the information. Anyone can say that a student is “great,” but stories and experiences are memorable and unique.
5) Be very positive and use superlatives:
You were chosen as a recommender because the student believes you will be an asset to his/her application. This is your opportunity to represent the student’s growth, talent, achievement and potential; it is not seen as unprofessional to write glowing things about your student. In fact, the difference between a mediocre letter and an excellent one may be the deciding factor for an offer of admission.
6) Emphasize initiative and impact:
Colleges are looking to accept students that will stand out and make an impact. Emphasize your student’s involvement in the community. How does he or she interact with others? What is special about this student as compared to all the others you’ve taught? What are his/her contributions to class discussions and school activities? How do you think this student will enrich their college?
7) Pay close attention to deadlines and ask for help if you need it:
Different schools have different deadlines for recommendation letters. The student should inform you, but it is always helpful to check in and make sure that things are on schedule. Furthermore, please reach out if you need help uploading letters online through the Common Application, need directions about where to mail physical copies, or if you are writing in Portuguese and need an approved translation service.