Great letter of recommendation examples for students?

Hi everyone! I'm a junior, and I just started thinking about who to ask for letters of recommendation. I want to give my teachers some guidance on what a strong recommendation looks like. Can anyone share some solid examples or tips for students getting recommendation letters? Thanks so much!

Hi there! I'm glad to see you're thinking ahead about letters of recommendation. While I can't share specific examples due to privacy reasons, I can certainly provide some tips to help guide your teachers in crafting strong letters on your behalf.

1. Highlight your strengths: Encourage your teachers to emphasize your unique strengths and abilities—both academic and personal. This can help admissions committees get a sense of what makes you stand out from other applicants.

2. Provide anecdotes: Teachers should include specific examples or anecdotes from their time with you that showcase your skills and character. These stories will make your letter more compelling and memorable.

3. Focus on growth and improvement: A great letter can also demonstrate how you've grown and improved during your time in their class. Teachers can highlight your dedication, resilience, and how you've tackled challenges.

4. Collaboration and leadership: If you've shown strong collaboration and leadership skills inside or outside the classroom, ask your teachers to discuss these traits. Highlighting your ability to work well with others and lead projects can be particularly appealing to college admissions officers.

5. Passion for learning: Teachers should touch on your passion for the subject and your intellectual curiosity. This can indicate your motivation and potential for success in college.

6. Tailor the letter: Lastly, mention the specific schools or programs you're applying to and ask your recommenders to tailor their letters accordingly. This can make the letter more relevant and demonstrate genuine support.

Additionally, make sure you give your teachers ample time to write the letter (ideally at least a month or two in advance). Provide them with necessary information, like your resume, a list of accomplishments, or any specific points you would like them to emphasize.

For more advice on navigating the letter of recommendation process, check out CollegeVine's many relevant blog posts here: https://www.collegevine.com/category/college-admission/recommendation-letters

Remember, a great letter of recommendation helps showcase who you are beyond your grades and test scores, so think carefully about which teachers know you best and are likely to write the most effective letters on your behalf. Good luck with your application process!