Sample recommendation letter for college admission

Hey, can anyone share what a strong recommendation letter for college admissions generally looks like? I want to give my teachers some guidance on what schools might be looking for, but don't know where to start.

A strong recommendation letter for college admissions typically contains the following components:

1. Introduction: The recommender should start by introducing themselves, their position, and their relationship to the student (how long they've known them and in what capacity). They might also mention the specific subject they teach and the level of the class or classes in which they instructed the student.

2. Context: Provide some context on the size of the class, the school environment, and how the student stands out in comparison to their peers. This helps colleges understand the student's standing relative to the applicant pool.

3. Academic performance and intellectual curiosity: The recommender should discuss the student's performance in their class and any notable accomplishments or achievements. This includes grades, projects they excelled in, and any instances of intellectual curiosity or passion for the subject matter displayed.

4. Personal qualities and character: Highlight the student's personal traits that make them a strong candidate for college admissions. These can include leadership, responsibility, work ethic, dedication, humility, resilience, and genuine care for others. It's important to give specific examples or anecdotes that showcase these qualities.

5. Extracurricular involvement: If applicable, the recommender can mention the student's involvement in extracurricular activities and how it relates to their classroom experience, the student's growth, or their potential to contribute to the college community.

6. Areas of growth: Mention any areas where the student has shown growth or improvement over time, providing tangible evidence of their progress. This demonstrates the student's ability to adapt and excel even in the face of challenges.

7. Conclusion: In wrapping up the recommendation, the recommender should reiterate their support for the student and express confidence in their ability to succeed in college. If possible, they could also draw a connection between the student's abilities and the qualities a college may be looking for in their students.

Keep in mind that each recommender's writing style and familiarity with the student might differ, but the key is for the letter to be authentic, specific, and focused on the individual student. You can also suggest that your teachers ask for examples or anecdotes from you to help them write a more personalized letter. Good luck!