<p>My son is applying for a scholarship through my company’s industry association, and the application requires a letter of recommendation from the person who works at the company, who they may be related to. That’s me, his mom. How do I write a letter of recommendation that doesn’t just sound like I’m bragging about my kid? Any suggestions on content or format?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>I suggest you brag!</p>
<p>Here are my tips for your recommendation letter. </p>
<p>Be honest.
Use adjectives that describe him best.
Highlight his accomplishments.
Talk about why you recommended him other then just because he is your son. Like why does he deserve it?</p>
<p>Would it be appropriate to include a short story about something that he did that really showed character? It is something the school dean called me about to say how much he appreciated what he did to help someone in school.</p>
<p>Yes, that short story is a good way to do it. You can also use the space to report on what other people say about your son. It’s a little less directly ‘braggy.’ A little humor would also go a long way to avoid sounding like a smitten parent.</p>
<p>Can you include other people’s comments in your letter? You could ask teachers, community members, friends, family for brief comments and use them as a springboard of sorts perhaps.</p>
<p>I would be as factual as possible. Saying something like “S is a good student” doesn’t mean much (what does good mean?). Saything something like “S is an A- student with a 3.75 GPA” instead shows that he is a good student and is less braggy.</p>
<p>I used to have to write LOR for my daughter for a couple of scholarships/mission trips with limited enrollment.</p>
<p>I followed the same protocol as I did for other kids in my church (I am the pastor) and listed both strengths and weaknesses (which one LOR form required). Her weakness that I provided was her stubbornness, which can work both for and against her.</p>