What makes a great counselor recommendation letter?

I'm asking my school counselor for a recommendation letter for college applications and I want to give her some pointers. Do you guys have any examples or advice on what should be included in a counselor recommendation letter? Your input would be super helpful!

A great counselor recommendation letter provides a comprehensive picture of the student, highlighting their strengths, personal qualities, and academic achievements. Here's a general overview of what a strong recommendation letter should include:

1. An engaging introduction: A strong opening sets the tone for the letter, as it should immediately grab the reader's attention and demonstrate the counselor's enthusiasm for recommending the student.

2. Context and personal connection: A meaningful assessment of the student's character and abilities is made possible by the relationship built between the student and counselor. The letter should briefly explain the context in which the counselor knows the student (how long they've worked together and in what capacity, for example) to establish credibility.

3. Academic achievements and strengths: Highlight the student's academic performance, emphasizing any significant improvements or particular areas of excellence. Acknowledge the rigor of their coursework and how the student has risen to meet the challenge - a big reason why colleges ask for a counselor rec letter is to get a better sense of the overall context of a student's academic achievements, so they should discuss how your achievements stack up within your high school as a whole.

4. Extracurricular involvement and leadership: Mention the student's extracurricular activities, focusing on those with leadership roles or significant impact. Discuss the qualities that these activities demonstrate, such as commitment, teamwork, or initiative. Like with academics, they can also provide additional context for the activities you've been involved with through your school.

5. Personal qualities and growth: A vital aspect of the recommendation letter is conveying the student's personal qualities that will contribute to their success in college and beyond. These qualities may include resilience, empathy, creativity, or dedication to their community. Any instances of personal growth or overcoming challenges should also be noted.

6. Specific anecdotes: Including concrete examples or personal anecdotes that showcase the student's qualities makes the letter more engaging and memorable. These stories should be chosen to illustrate the student's character and achievements.

7. Comparison to peers: To provide perspective on the student's accomplishments, the counselor can compare the applicant to their peers or past students, highlighting what sets the student apart from others.

8. Conclusion and endorsement: A strong closing statement should reaffirm the counselor's confidence in the student's potential and express their belief that the student will thrive at the college level.

To ensure your counselor has ample information to create a well-rounded recommendation letter, consider providing them with a comprehensive resume outlining your achievements, activities, and any personal experiences that have shaped your character. Open communication on your goals and aspirations can also be helpful in aiding your counselor to portray you in the best possible light.

Best of luck with your college applications!