What Makes an Effective Letter of Recommendation?
Often overlooked until the last-minute, letters of recommendation (“LORs”) are an opportunity to boost your profile that is easily squandered. Of course, not all LORs are effective, and students don’t always know how to ask for them. Ivy Link has helped hundreds of students strategize on whom to ask for effective LORs and how to do it. While we won’t publicly divulge all our strategies, here are some useful points that all students should know.
Ultimately, colleges care the most about two things: the likelihood of you succeeding in your academic career and beyond, and what you can offer to the college community. A good LOR will, at the very least, convey those two points.
So, what makes a great letter? Or, what does NOT make a great letter?
Shows personal qualities: When were you enthusiastic, engaging, responsible? The letter should include what it’s like to interact with you, and why you’ll likely be successful in college and beyond.
Doesn’t repeat: Admissions officers won’t have a clue of who you are as an individual if your LOR rehashes your CV or other parts of your application.
Has powerful structure and words: The ideal blend includes academic accomplishments with specific examples (e.g., most important award and extra-curricular activities), personal qualities and interactions, and an outlook of your career based on those two. Colleges also look for specific key words from your LORs.
How to obtain an effective LOR:
Establish rapport early: Approach your teachers of choice well before the summer of your junior year. The real task, however, is choosing that teacher in the first place. Form connections and network with them long before your senior year. The most genuine letters come from teachers who truly know their students. Also, colleges consider LORs from certain classes/subjects as more desirable than others.
Take charge: Rather than just handing the resume to your recommender and hoping for the best, include in your request what you want them to reference in the letter. Include the values, accomplishments and goals that are most important to you. You could also draft a letter for them to build upon.
Include details: Mention deadlines and important logistics (where to submit, etc.).
An early start paired with Ivy Link’s expert guidance will help you excel in your classes and other activities so that a great LOR follows naturally! To get started on admissions advising and application assistance, schedule a consultation with an Ivy Link advisor. Our programs are tailored to fit the needs of every student starting as early as 7th grade.
