Letters of Recommendation RZM 2011

8/13/2019 Letters of Recommendation RZM 2011

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Writing Effective Letters of

Recommendation for University

ApplicationsOctober 18, 2013

Faith Biko

EducationUSA Adviser - Kenya



• There are more than 4000 accredited colleges and universitiesin the US.

• There are more research dollars expended at US universitiesthan in any other country.

• Students can earn academic, sport and arts need-based andmerit-based scholarships to study in the US.

• US liberal arts curriculum encourages academic explorationand breadth as well as depth of study and students do nothave to decide on a field of study for until after two years ofstudy.

• US College education is a 24/7 affair with active residential lifeprograms and an expectation of involvement in co-curricular

life.• Diversity - The US is the only country in the world with no

majority ethnicity.

Background –Why Study in the USA



•

Holistic Admissions: – Academic and Non-

academic

– Transcript, Exam Results

– Activities andInvolvement (Arts, Sport,

Culture, Community

Service, Leadership, etc)

–

Letters ofRecommendation

– Personal Essays

•

Admissions officers aretrying to determine the

extent to which the

student will take

positive advantage ofthe opportunities

available in and out of

the classroom on their

campus.

The role of the letter of rec in the admissions process



• 3 letters required for Common Application:

– 2 High School academic subject teachers – 1 careers counselor: School Report Form

• Not just English teachers!!!

• Teachers who know student well

• Teachers who have something positive to write about the

student

• Preferably teachers who have witnessed the student both in

and out of the classroom

• Sports/Arts Supplements and Extra Letters: Can involve letters

from coaches or dance/music/art teachers or club advisors

Who should write rec letters?



• Online

– Give student email

address;

– Receive prompt

– Complete letter form

online or upload pre-

written letter online;

– Or school counselor

uploads all letters

– Applications either have

to be submitted online

or via Mail

• Written

– On school letterhead

– Typed and signed

– In sealed envelope with

signature across seal;

– If copied, signatures

should be original and

school stamp on copies;

– One page is sufficient

Method – How to Submit Letters



• How long and how well you know the student

• Student’s strengths in the classroom

– Intellectual/academic ability

– Determination and extent of effort

– Work habits – Intellectual curiosity

– Team player? Effectiveness in groups

– Communication skills – written, speaking

• Student’s assets outside of the classroom whenknown (clubs, leadership, as a boarder.)

Content of Effective Letter



• Authoritative but does not have to be too formal

• Personal, confidential

• Impeccable English – spell check and edit

•

Specific to that student – generic letters don’thelp. Mention student by name

• Use Active Voice

• Use effective adjectives (not nice, sweet, good)

• Don’t prescribe future career/field of study

Style of Effective Rec Letter



• USE specific, concrete examples (i.e., a research paper

she wrote; a great presentation she made; an assertionshe made in class against the tide, specific leadershipexample, etc)

• Quantify successes and qualify statements (i.e.,

“consistently the top History student in her class of 25”or “got the top mock Physics exam result this year” vs.“an amazing student”)

• After you write your letter, put yourself in admission

shoes – Would this letter help persuade you to admitthe student?

More Tips



In conclusion….

Your goal is to advocate for yourstudent and his/her potential

honestly so that your letter is an

asset to her application.

Documents

Letters of Recommendation RZM 2011