How long does a recommendation letter have to be?

marvin100
Wed, 10 Dec 2014 02:48:07 +0000

@collegedreams11 - yes, they do. One big thing about rec letters that is sometimes overlooked is that they can make other accomplishments look better or worse. For example, if the letter says the student is shy and somewhat passive (spun positively, of course), then it will cast doubt on resume claims to leadership. If the letter says the student is serious, then a personal statement essay full of humor might raise an eyebrow (or, worse, get tossed in the “daddy did it” pile–or “consultant did it” for international students–for rejection). But if rec letters reinforce and add to ideas present in other areas of the app, then they are good corroborating evidence that will lend credibility to everything else.