How do you write a recommendation letter?

stackerquad
Sun, 26 Feb 2012 19:05:12 +0000

Hi all,

I’m a teacher at a secondary school overseas, where students don’t require recommendations from their teachers (admission is based on test scores). However, a student recently asked me to write a recommendation for their Common Application to the US.

I’m not sure how I’m supposed to go about this. Are those who read it looking for general descriptions, or do they want specific events where my student showed certain qualities? Does my quality of writing matter, or just the content? Should I be flowery and sappy, or is that looked upon negatively?

If anybody can give me any direction as to the above questions, or can point me to a guide with the same, or has any examples of good recommendation letters, I’d greatly appreciate it.

Thanks in advance!