Letter of rec or character reference?

gibby
Sun, 16 Jun 2013 20:53:21 +0000

“I asked a teacher to write me a letter of rec…”

Did you have this teacher for an academic subject in your junior year? Did you have them for Math, History, English or a Science class?

Colleges are academic institutions and are looking for your teachers to comment on your potential as a scholar IN THE CLASSROOM. I agree with T26E4 that a character reference is of no use to colleges. And Sikorsky may be right; your teacher may be nicely suggesting that you should approach someone else that will write you a more academic recommendation.

One of my son’s teachers gave him a copy of his letter of recommendation. You want your teachers to write something like this, but you really can’t tell them what to write. You can only supply them with the details of your life, and the answers to questions they may ask you, so they can write in their own style.

FWIW: My son applied to Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Dartmouth, Brown, Williams, Middlebury, Pomona, Vanderbilt, and Binghamton. He was accepted to every school except Harvard (where his sister attends). We’re not sure what that was all about, but suffice it to say that I doubt the recommendation letter was the issue.

Dear Officers of Admissions,

This is certainly a privilege and an honor for me to write a letter of recommendation in support of XXXX’s application for admission to Yale. XXXX and I have enjoyed a number of one on one conversations beyond the restraints of a regular class period. XXXX is smart, articulate and personable. He is wise beyond his years. His growth in poise, independence, and maturity at BBBBB High School has been phenomenal. XXXX’s academic record speaks for itself, and his extra curricular activities set a standard for others to admire. XXXX is well prepared to meet the demands and challenges of higher education.

XXXX was at the top of the class in my CCCCCC course. He demonstrated scholarly understanding and appreciation for the literary works we studied. He is clear in his thinking and has a keen knowledge of an author’s use of literary elements and techniques. XXXX is always willing to tackle the difficult questions and encourages his peers to do the same. Needless to say, XXXX works well in groups and offers leadership that allows participants to reach their full potential.

XXXX’s writing is a triumph of creativity, analysis and sophisticated language that offers pleasure, insight and a sense of discovery in every paragraph that also transcends the strictures of the assignment.

XXXX is the youngest of two children. His dad is a YYYYY and his mother is a ZZZZZ His role model is his older sister who attends Harvard. XXXX works hard to achieve academic excellence and has a real sense of purpose for his academic pursuits and career endeavors. XXXX is leaning towards computer science, but is leaving his options open. Whatever he decides, he will excel well above the average expectations.

One of XXXX’s main interests is sports. He has been a member of BBBBBBB’s Varsity Baseball team for the past two years and was on the JV team during his freshman year. He also enjoys skiing, volleyball and soccer. XXXX immersed himself in a martial arts program two years ago, and took multiple classes in kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Premier Martial Arts. He earned a yellow belt in under a month. He delights in watching younger kids study the martial arts, and helps them see the connection of discipline and personal respect to the sport. This is the kind of dedication and commitment that has made XXXX such a special young man to be admired by both faculty and students.

XXXX has become a celebrity of sorts, if you will. He enjoys creating and editing videos, some of which are posted on YouTube. His love for video game design has led him to create a relatively complex fighting game with eleven different opponents. Now that is quite an accomplishment.

Teachers should be responsible for the teaching of the heart as well as the mind. This will make the difference in shaping the character and integrity of a new generation of young people. XXXX has been an example of academic excellence and moral responsibility. He has high standards for himself and others, and is a young man who is destined to make a significant contribution to our world – home and abroad. It has been my pleasure to have this young man, whose light will always set a path for others to follow.

XXXX has made us all so very proud of him. He is a marvelous human being, with a great mind and a delightful sense of humor. He can achieve anything he sets his mind to. XXXX certainly has the makings of a dedicated scholar. XXXX deserves every consideration for admission to Yale. I recommend him with enthusiasm.

Sincerely,