I'm applying to Dartmouth and they suggest a peer recommendation. What makes a peer recommendation stand out? Any tips on how to get the best letter from my friend?
A peer recommendation should highlight a unique viewpoint of your character and personality. Here are a few tips to get an amazing Dartmouth peer recommendation:
1. Choose the right friend: Select someone who knows you well, has positive experiences with you, and can write enthusiastically about your strengths. I'd recommend someone who isn't just a social friend, but maybe is in a club with you, the same sports team, or you've worked closely with in a class so they can talk about more personal qualities.
2. Be specific: Offer your friend a list of attributes, experiences, or anecdotes they could mention in their recommendation that showcase your strengths. This helps them focus on what truly sets you apart from others.
3. Provide examples: Encourage your friend to include specific examples or events that illustrate your character traits, such as leadership, teamwork, resilience, or creativity. Obviously, you can't control what they write, but giving them a specific idea of what you want will help guide them.
4. Proofread: Politely offer to proofread their letter to ensure no grammatical errors, but don't alter the content so that you maintain authenticity.
5. Express gratitude: Thank your friend for their help and remind them of the submission deadline.
By following these tips, you can improve the likelihood of receiving a glowing and impactful peer recommendation.
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