In addition to grades, many American universities rank letters of recommendation as important, even very important, when considering applicants.
This is disclosed by some schools in their general admissions data. For example, the University of Michigan considers letters of recommendation “important,” Northwestern University places letters of recommendation at “very important,” while leaving SAT/ACT score criteria at “consideration.”
The University of Michigan's general admissions data sheet shows letters of recommendation are rated as "important." Screenshot
Explained by Do Dinh Thuan, a professor at the University of Mount Union, Ohio, for example, being enthusiastically recommended in the letter proves that the candidate has made a positive impression and maintained a good relationship with teachers. If the candidate achieved outstanding results in high school, it is predicted that he or she will be able to work well with friends and professors in college as well as contribute to the school.
Many schools typically require applicants to have at least two letters of recommendation from teachers and a counselor.
Here are some notes from Mr. Thuan for candidates when preparing a letter of recommendation in their application to an American university:
Choose a recommendation writer
If you are asking for a teacher recommendation, choose a teacher who taught you a subject in which you scored well. This person should know your abilities, passions, and interests. Typically, you will need to submit at least one letter from a teacher who taught a core subject such as Calculus, Computer Science, English, Physics, or History.
You should also get a letter from a teacher who works in the field you plan to major in. For example, if you got an A in an AP computer science class and plan to major in that field, getting a letter of recommendation from a teacher in that subject will strengthen your application.
If you don’t have a close teacher, make sure the person you ask knows you well in some specific activity. Be careful about asking a principal, department chair, or celebrity to write a recommendation, as this will not impress the admissions committee. If the reader is skeptical about the content, the recommendation becomes meaningless.
Illustration: Career
What makes a strong letter of recommendation?
Recommendation letters are written about different students, but they all have some basic characteristics in common: They must show excitement and enthusiasm. Teachers clearly convey that they are impressed with the student and want to help him or her get into college.
The writer needs to comprehensively evaluate the candidate's personality, match the criteria that the recruiters are looking for, and express strong belief in their future success.
In addition to talking about students' intellectual abilities and attitudes toward learning, teachers should also mention personal qualities, as well as other special characteristics such as empathy, creativity or leadership skills.
Specific examples and stories are important to help admissions officers evaluate students, while also making the letter more interesting and memorable.
For example, the writer should not just say things like this student likes to learn about technology, is good at logical thinking, is good at math... because these are general terms. Instead, teachers should describe specific cases and stories in which the candidate has demonstrated his or her strengths.
A letter of recommendation also impresses the candidate if the teacher ranks the student higher than other students. For example, a letter that includes the phrase "one of the three best students I have ever taught in my career" would be a strong affirmation from the teacher, especially if it comes from a teacher who has taught at the school for 20 years.
Finally, the language in the letter should be strong and tactful, showing that the recommender has taken the time and thought to make a recommendation.
5 Information to Share with Your Referrer
When asking someone to write a letter of recommendation, candidates should share with them their ideas and some information about the school and major they are applying to:
- List of schools to apply to, order of priority, how to submit and deadline for each school.
- Major in university.
- The strengths, passions, and qualities you want the teacher to highlight in the letter.
- Special class projects or memories that are important to you.
- Resume.
Do Dinh Thuan
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