I'm asking for letters of recommendation soon, and I wanted to know what qualities admission officers are seeking in these letters. What should I tell my teachers to highlight when they write their recommendations? Thanks for any advice!
It's great that you're thinking ahead about your letters of recommendation! Generally, colleges are looking for letters that showcase your character, work ethic, and how well you'll contribute to the college community. As such, it's helpful if the recommender can discuss specific examples of your achievements within and outside the classroom, your ability to overcome challenges, and how you've taken the initiative to grow and learn over time.
When asking your teachers, encourage them to share anecdotes demonstrating your dedication, leadership skills, and intellectual curiosity. They can also touch on personal qualities like kindness, empathy, resilience, and teamwork that can't be easily deduced from other parts of your application.
In the end, the more specific and authentic the letter, the more it will help the admissions officers get a well-rounded picture of who you are as a person and a student. Best of luck with your applications!
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