What to write in a letter of recommendation?

Applying to College
1

I want to request letters of recommendation from my teachers on Naviance. Is it too soon to do it, because summer hasn’t ended!? But yeah, my teachers have gotten to know me for only a year, because I’m a new student here, and I don’t think I have done anything extraordinary to write about. So I was wondering what do I write in the letter? I am asking for the letters to my Creative Design (Digital Art) teacher, Physics teacher, and GC.

Oh, and also, I have created a resume in my naviance account, do I have to send in another one through the mail too? I have some people talking about this.

2

Talk to your GC about your school’s specific policies as they vary. It should definitely not be too soon to ask for letters (my daughter did it in the spring of Junior year). Some schools also have a form for students to fill out to help the recommenders.

3

It is absolutely NOT too early for a rising senior!

And I’ve written lots of letters for kids I’ve only known for a year, no big deal. If you think it will help, create a “brag sheet” telling what activities you’ve been involved in (in both schools), what you do with your spare time, your career and educational aspirations… really anything that you think helps paint a fuller idea of who you are.

As to what your school wants on Naviance, ask your guidance counselor when school starts.

4

An example of what is on a brag sheet in our district:

For students:

  1. Which major do you intend to pursue in college?
  1. Please describe your career goals.
  2. List 5 adjectives that best describe you?
  3. What are your proudest accomplishments? Academic? Personal?
  4. What extra-curricular activities have been most meaningful to you? Why?
  5. What jobs have you held during high school? Has any one job been especially meaningful to you? Why?
  6. Are there any circumstances in your life that might have had a negative impact on your academic performances?
  7. Are there any factors about admission test scores that you would like us to address?
  8. Are there any other factors that you would like us to share with colleges?

For Parents:

  1. What do you consider to be your child’s most outstanding accomplishments during his/her high school years? Why did you select these as most important?
  2. In what areas has your child shown the most development and growth throughout high school?
  3. What do you consider to be his/her most outstanding personality traits?
  4. If you had to describe your son/daughter in five adjectives, what would they be?
  5. Are there any unusual or personal circumstances which have affected your child’s educational experience or personal experiences?

Also this is always a good read on recommendations: http://mitadmissions.org/apply/prepare/writingrecs