Hi! I was wondering if anyone knows how long the counselor recommendation usually is on the Common App? Is there any specified length, or is it up to the counselor to decide? Just curious as I've seen a wide range of lengths for teacher recs as well.
Hello! The Common App does not specify a strict word count or length for counselor recommendations. However, most counselor recommendations tend to be around 1-2 pages in length. This allows the counselor to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the applicant without making it excessively long. Ultimately, it is up to the counselor to decide how much detail they want to include and the format that works best to convey their thoughts about your academic and personal qualities effectively.
Keep in mind that admissions officers typically read many letters of recommendation, so concise and well-structured letters that highlight your unique attributes will tend to be more impactful. It's essential for your counselor to provide specific examples and anecdotes that illustrate your strengths, rather than just listing generic compliments.
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