When students apply for college, they often need recommendations. College admission processes have become increasingly competitive, meaning that students have to go the extra mile to stand out. Admission rates have dropped considerably over the past few years with a 10% reduction registered in the past five years overall. The college admission officials look for specific elements in letters of recommendation. In this article, we offer insights on how to write this type of text, supported by illustrative examples.
H2: What Is a Letter of Recommendation? Key Elements
In the most basic form, a letter of recommendation implies a document submitted as part of the process of applying for college, in which the author makes a statement of support for a candidate. It is preferable if the person drafting the recommendation has interacted with the applicant in an academic or professional setting.
A well-written recommendation ought to present a well-documented evaluation of the candidate’scapabilitiesand offer enough evidence and examples to allow the admission officialsto make a decision. It should be clear enough and should address the reasonfor which the paperis written — to discuss personal dispositionand academic abilities. Of course, the balance between these two may vary significantly depending on the nature of the application.
In sum, a recommendation letter is written to offer an overall picture of experience, performance, characteristics, capabilities, and strengths, as well as professional promise. It can also explain some ambiguity or perceived weakness in the student’s record. If at all, it isfitting, and after checkingwith the candidate, the writer can mention financial challenges, a family illness, or any other factor that may explain the weakness.
In an ideal situation, a recommendation letter ought to be one page in length and generally comprises three parts, including an opening or introduction, a concise body, and a closing section. Please appreciatethat how you present the text, as well as its professional appearance, will shape the candidacy of your student. Remember, top colleges only admit about 20% of applicants. As such, ensure that the letter is typed rather than handwritten. Make sure to carefully proofread the text for grammatical and typographical errors.
The bottomline is that, by drafting anendorsementletter, you are offering anauthoredreference for indicating why a candidate deserves to be included.
An exceptionalreferenceletter should have the following components:
- A sentence or paragraph where the author explains how he or she knows the applicant;
- An assessment of the individual’s accomplishments or skills;
- A summation of why the author recommends the applicantand to whatlevel.
H2: Who Is Required to Submit Recommendation Letters?
Letters of endorsement are mostly required by learners submitting an application for admission into colleges, whether undergraduate or postgraduate programs. The letters ought to explain why the candidate has the leadership aptitude needed to succeed.
Also, there are scholarship applications that require recommendations. Candidates are asked to submit the letters as a way of supporting their scholarship applications. This is most common where programs are merit-based or need volunteering experience.
Job seekers may also be requested to send reference letters that serve asa reference. The letters explain or support why the applicant is an ideal candidate for a specific position. Such letters often emphasize professional experience and skills.
H2: What to Do Before Drafting a Recommendation Letter
When tasked with drafting a college recommendation letter, please understand that this is a serious responsibility that should not be taken lightly. Before you get started on the task, ensure that you comprehend the intended purpose of the letter as well as the readers. This will make it easy to write with an audience in mind and to tailor your language and style appropriately.
Before getting started on a reference letter, also ensure that you possess accurate information expected by the admissions office. If you don’t know the candidate well, or have no information regarding his leadership potential or ability, coming up with things to say be challenging. If you doubt your capacity to relay relevant information, either because you lack writing skills or you are busy, you can ask for a custom letter from EssayEdge and attach your signature. You can also read through thecollege recommendation letter sample documents on the website.
H2: Additional Tips for Writing References
Writing a college recommendation letter is not as easy as it may sound. With the ever-growing competition for limited spaces in top colleges, submitting a top-notch paper is an effective way to help a student stand out. Last year, nearly every Ivy League college set a low record for acceptance, with some going to as low as 5.2%. Here are some tips to consider as you work on the document:
H3: Ensure You Know the Candidate Well-Enough
One way to fail in your attempts to produce a standout letter is written without concrete information and examples. You could ask the student to send you a listing of his or her accomplishments. You can then use the details provided to support your more personal narratives. That said, if you lack personal details to write about, then you should maybe consider whether you are the ideal person to draft theendorsement. It is fine to politely decline a request. You can also offer suggestions if you think another teacher will be better able to create a reference letter.