Hi everyone! Can anyone point me to an example of a solid college recommendation letter written by a high school teacher? I want to show my teacher some examples to give them an idea of what colleges are looking for. Thanks!
Hi there! While I can't provide a full sample letter here, I can certainly outline the key elements that colleges are looking for in a strong teacher recommendation letter. You can share these points with your teacher to help guide them in writing their letter on your behalf.
1. Introduction: The teacher should briefly introduce themselves, mention their relationship with you (subject taught, length of time they've known you), and state the purpose of the letter (to recommend you for college admissions).
2. Academic performance: The teacher should highlight your academic strengths and achievements in their class, including your performance in specific projects or assignments, as well as any improvement they've observed over time.
3. Personal qualities: The recommendation letter should shed light on your personal qualities, such as your work ethic, perseverance, and ability to collaborate with others. The teacher can use specific anecdotes to illustrate these qualities, making your letter more memorable and impactful.
4. Involvement in extracurricular activities: If the teacher has observed or been a part of your involvement in extracurricular activities (e.g., clubs, competitions, volunteer work), they should discuss your contributions and how these activities demonstrate elements of your character or interests.
5. Comparisons with other students: Colleges appreciate when a teacher can place you in context with other students they've taught, as it helps them understand your relative strengths. If possible, your teacher can include statements comparing you to their past students or to your peers.
6. Fit for the college: Finally, the teacher should discuss why they believe you would be a good fit for the college(s) you're applying to. This can include comments on your potential for growth and success in a college environment, your dedication to learning, and your positive impact on the campus community.
Remember that it's important for the recommendation letter to be genuine and specific to you, so encourage your teacher to use their own voice and anecdotes to paint a vivid picture of who you are as a person and student. Good luck with your college applications!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.