I was talking to another counselor the other day, and he stated, "Colleges do not look at recommendations, why should I write one?" I was taken back by this, because if a college asks for a letter recommendation they read it. However, often students ask for these recommendations but do not provide any direction to the recommender. Recommendations work when the teacher or counselor has unique information to provide about the student that gives more context to what their circumstances, goals, and academic and personal goals are.
Example #1
I know for a fact that I had a student get deferred to the Spring semester for her #1 school. There were some medical issues that were not discussed in her application (not enough space or students often wonder where and how to put it!), so I sent in a letter of recommendation explaining the situation, what the student overcame, and why she would be a great match for that particular school. Two weeks after I sent it, she received a letter that she got in for the Fall term. Now this college did NOT require a recommendation, but without it, the student would have been in a very different situation.
Example #2
I will give you another example. I was working with a student who needed a letter of recommendation for a highly selective school so I asking some personal questions to be able to understand and encapsulate who she was at a student. The mother called the next day irate about some of the questions I asked (things like financial aid, why did she work, why did she not do as many school activities, etc.). However, I was still the only one that could write that recommendation. So I scrapped all the information the student had told me, and wrote what I knew before that meeting. Needless to say, she did not get in.
So can the recommendation help you?!? Absolutely! Can it affect your admissions? Absolutely!
So how do you receive a GREAT recommendation? Follow these steps:
Many universities and scholarships you apply to will ask for 2 academic references (a teacher or professor), school counselor, and sometimes someone that can tell of your character (coach, pastor, boss, internship/ volunteer adults)
For Teachers & Counselor
– Ask them first- they have the right to say no if it’s not a good fit. Do NOT just send them random links without asking.
– Be sure to know if there is a specific school protocol.
– They are writing about your academic achievements and you as a “student”. If there is any information you think they should know to write a better recommendation, provide that for them. Reminding them of a story, or something you believe makes you stand out, let them know this. It is up to them if they wish to use it.
– For a counselor- they are providing a “holistic” picture. So be sure to let them know any personal barriers you may have had to give more context to your college application.
– Give them your the Teacher Recommendation Form or the Counselor Recommendation Form & Resume.
– If using Common App, you may send them a direct link to their email. However, be sure to ask them for a copy of the recommendation so you can use it for other schools besides Common App.
– Follow-up with a nice thank you note & small token of appreciation.
For Outside Recommenders
– You may ask for others that know you well.
– They are writing about your extra-curricular achievements and character, you as a “person”. Similar to a teacher recommendation, let them know anything specific you think they might use. Give them your Request for Recommendation Form & Resume.
– If using Common App, you may send them a direct link to their email. However, be sure to ask them for a copy of the recommendation so you can use it for other schools besides Common App.
– Follow-up with a nice thank you note & small token of appreciation.