What makes a recommendation letter stand out?

Hey guys! I'm going to be asking for recommendation letters from my teachers soon, but I wanted to know what makes a letter of recommendation truly excellent. Any insights or examples of what teachers should include to make it really stand out?

A standout recommendation letter is one that provides a detailed, authentic, and memorable portrayal of the student. It should reveal aspects of your personality, achievements, and work ethic that might not be visible through your transcript and extracurricular activities alone. Here are some elements that can make a recommendation letter stand out:

1. A strong, specific relationship: Teachers who know you well and have worked with you closely are more likely to write a compelling letter. They can provide anecdotes and examples to illustrate their points, which will make your qualities more tangible and believable to an admissions officer.

2. Personal examples and anecdotes: A great letter shares specific stories that highlight your strengths, character, and ability to overcome challenges. These anecdotes make the letter more engaging and help the admissions committee visualize you in various situations.

3. Context and comparison: An outstanding recommendation puts the student's achievements, qualities, and abilities into context. If a teacher can compare you to your peers or even to students from previous years, that can give the admissions committee a better understanding of your relative strengths and accomplishments.

4. Focus on growth and potential: A good letter showcases not just your successes but also your growth as a student and individual. Teachers can address moments when you faced a challenge and learned from it, to demonstrate that you're capable of growth and development.

5. Consistency with the rest of the application: A strong recommendation letter aligns with and reinforces the overall narrative of your application. It should emphasize the qualities and accomplishments that you have already established in your essays and extracurricular descriptions.

6. Passionate endorsement: A great letter exudes enthusiasm and shows that the teacher genuinely believes in your potential. This level of passion can actually make a difference to an admissions officer who's looking for potential matches with their college's values and atmosphere, and distinguish the applicant from others who have similar strengths and accolades.

When asking for recommendation letters, consider sharing a brief overview of your college goals and aspirations, your potential major, and some key points you'd like your recommenders to emphasize. Providing this information can help guide them as they write a letter that best portrays your strengths and achievements. Good luck!