Key Takeaways
- A letter of recommendation is a positive letter written by someone who knows you well, highlighting who you are as a person and why you’d be a strong fit for a college.
- These letters matter because they give colleges a deeper look beyond your grades, serve as a potential tie breaker in competitive admissions, and offer an outside perspective on your character and achievements.
- When requesting a letter of recommendation, make sure to guide your writer by asking them to include key elements like your relationship, academic performance, strengths, and personal stories that showcase who you are.
You’re applying for colleges when you spot it: the request for a letter of recommendation. You might be thinking: How much does this really matter? Well, more than you probably think. A letter of recommendation can actually provide a huge boost to your acceptance odds. Below, we’ll cover what a letter of recommendation for students is, why it matters, and what should be included so that you stand out among the rest.
What is a letter of recommendation?
A letter of recommendation is written on your behalf by a teacher, mentor, coach, or employer. This letter introduces you, speaks on your achievements, and highlights your strengths and accomplishments in a positive light. Ultimately, it’s someone you trust telling the school you want to attend why you would be a great fit.
Why does a letter of recommendation matter?
A strong letter of recommendation can boost your chances of receiving an acceptance letter from your dream school. Here are a few reasons why having one matters.
It gives colleges a closer look beyond your grades.
Earning an A in a course looks great, but a letter of recommendation from a teacher in a particular subject is even better. This is because a teacher can talk about your passion for a class or how you approach problems differently than other students. These letters can show a college admissions department what sets you apart from the rest. Not to mention, if you’re already showing passion and interest in a subject, the admissions department can see that you are serious about trying to get into a specific program.
It could be a tie-breaker in a competitive college.
Did you know a letter of recommendation can serve as a tie breaker against another student? If you both have similar extracurricular activities, ACT or SAT grades, and GPAs, a letter from someone you know could be the deciding factor.
It expands on your achievements from an outside perspective.
You should absolutely showcase your personality in your college essay and application. However, you can often only show so much. Submitting a letter of recommendation gives college admissions a different perspective of you. For example, the teacher or leader who writes your letter may provide a more well-rounded picture of who you are—both in and out of the classroom. Remember, colleges are looking for exceptional students, but they’re also looking for exceptional people.
What should be included in your letter of recommendation?
Asking for a letter of recommendation is one thing. Being able to help the recommender write a strong one is another. Most teachers and mentors are happy to support you, but identifying what you need in your letter can help make it more compelling.
Instead of saying, “Hey, can you write me a recommendation for X college?” give them a specific list of things you’d love for them to highlight. This will help you avoid a generic recommendation. Here are some of the key elements that can make your letter stand out—and what you can specifically ask for:
1. Relationship
Who is the writer to you? They should state the capacity in which they know you and for how long.
2. Academic performance
If a teacher is writing your letter, what is your standing in their classroom? What is your performance like?
3. Class participation
Ask them to go beyond your grades. What is your curiosity, initiative, and engagement in the classroom like? If you contribute to classroom discussions or ask questions, ask them to describe that in the letter.
4. Notable projects
Were there specific projects, assignments, or accomplishments that you excelled in? Ask them to provide evidence of those.
5. Extracurriculars or leadership roles
If you were in a club or sports team that happened outside of school, ask them to speak to your contribution and impact.
6. Strengths
Have the writer point out two or three defining personal traits that speak to who you are.
7. Personal anecdotes
What specific and positive story can they share about you that makes the letter memorable and shows your character?
8. Overcoming challenges
If applicable, they can discuss a time they witnessed you learn from a setback or navigate through a difficult time.
9. Potential for success
Ask them to speak to your potential to succeed in the college program you are applying to.
10. Strong closing endorsement
As they end the letter, their endorsement of you should be clear. E.g., “I highly recommend her for your school.”
Is a letter of recommendation for students required?
Letters of recommendation for college admissions are almost always required. Leaving them out could severely hurt your acceptance chances or even get you disqualified. Always ask your teachers or other leaders in your life for them early, so you can be sure you’re not sending in your admission packet without them.
Make sure your letter counts
Every part of your application matters when it comes to college, and a letter of recommendation is no exception. A strong letter of recommendation can boost your college acceptance chances, even if you’re not trying to get into a very competitive school. They offer your future school a clearer picture of who you are as a student and as a person beyond academics.
Your recommendation letter matters—but so does choosing the right school. College Raptor’s College Match tool helps you find your best-fit schools, compare costs, and see your acceptance odds for FREE.
