Skip to content
Are you a high school senior preparing for the college application process? If so, you know that one of the most important components of your application is the letters of recommendation. These letters provide colleges with a glimpse into your character, work ethic, and academic abilities from the perspective of people who know you well. In this guide, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about writing letters accompanying college apps, from choosing the right people to ask to writing a strong letter that will make a lasting impression.
When choosing who to ask for letters of recommendation, it’s important to select individuals who can speak to your academic abilities, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities. This could include teachers, counselors, coaches, or employers. Once you’ve chosen your recommenders, be sure to give them plenty of time to write their letters. Letters that arrive late will not be considered by college admissions committees.
Now that you know who to ask for letters of recommendation and how to give them enough time to write them, it’s time to start thinking about what you want to say in your letters. In the next section, we’ll provide you with some tips for writing strong letters of recommendation that will highlight your best qualities and make you stand out from the competition.
FAQ
Have questions about letters accompanying college apps? We’ve got answers! Check out our FAQ section below for helpful information.
Question 1: How many letters of recommendation should I submit?
Answer 1: Most colleges require 2-3 letters of recommendation. However, some colleges may require more or less. Be sure to check the specific requirements for each college you’re applying to.
Question 2: Who should I ask for letters of recommendation?
Answer 2: You should ask individuals who know you well and can speak to your academic abilities, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities. This could include teachers, counselors, coaches, or employers.
Question 3: How do I ask someone for a letter of recommendation?
Answer 3: When asking someone for a letter of recommendation, be polite and professional. Explain why you’re asking them and what you hope they’ll include in the letter. You should also give them a deadline for submitting the letter.
Question 4: What should I include in my letters of recommendation?
Answer 4: Your letters of recommendation should highlight your best qualities and make you stand out from the competition. Be sure to include information about your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities.
Question 5: How long should my letters of recommendation be?
Answer 5: Letters of recommendation should be concise and to the point. Aim for a length of 1-2 pages.
Question 6: What are some tips for writing strong letters of recommendation?
Answer 6: When writing letters of recommendation, be specific and provide concrete examples of the applicant’s qualities. Avoid using clichés or generic statements.
Question 7: What should I do if I don’t have anyone to write me letters of recommendation?
Answer 7: If you don’t have anyone to write you letters of recommendation, you can reach out to your school counselor or another trusted adult for advice. They may be able to help you find someone who can write you a letter.
We hope this FAQ section has been helpful. If you have any other questions, be sure to reach out to your school counselor or the admissions office of the college you’re applying to.
Now that you know the basics of writing letters accompanying college apps, you can start brainstorming and drafting your letters. In the next section, we’ll provide you with some additional tips for writing strong letters that will make a lasting impression.
Tips
Here are a few additional tips for writing strong letters accompanying college apps:
Tip 1: Brag about yourself (a little bit). It’s okay to highlight your accomplishments and qualities in your letters of recommendation. Just be sure to do so in a humble and genuine way. Avoid sounding arrogant or boastful.
Tip 2: Proofread carefully. Before you submit your letters of recommendation, be sure to proofread them carefully for any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation. Letters that are full of errors will not make a good impression on admissions committees.
Tip 3: Send thank-you notes. Once you’ve received your letters of recommendation, be sure to send thank-you notes to the people who wrote them. This is a simple but meaningful way to show your appreciation for their time and effort.
Tip 4: Keep a copy for your records. It’s a good idea to keep a copy of your letters of recommendation for your records. This way, you’ll have them if you need them for future applications or scholarships.
By following these tips, you can write strong letters accompanying college apps that will highlight your best qualities and make you stand out from the competition. Good luck!
Now that you know how to write strong letters accompanying college apps, you’re ready to start drafting your letters. Be sure to take your time and put your best effort into them. Your letters of recommendation are an important part of your college application, so it’s worth investing the time to get them right.
Conclusion
In this guide, we’ve covered everything you need to know about writing letters accompanying college apps. We’ve discussed who to ask for letters of recommendation, what to include in your letters, and how to write strong letters that will make a lasting impression. We’ve also provided you with some additional tips for writing and submitting your letters.
Remember, letters of recommendation are an important part of your college application. They provide colleges with a glimpse into your character, work ethic, and academic abilities from the perspective of people who know you well. By following the tips in this guide, you can write strong letters that will highlight your best qualities and make you stand out from the competition.
So take your time, put your best effort into your letters, and proofread them carefully before you submit them. Your letters of recommendation are an opportunity to show colleges who you are and why you’re a great candidate for their school. Make the most of this opportunity and write letters that will help you get into the college of your dreams.
Good luck!
