Peer recommendation in college apps?

Hey everyone! So I've heard about some colleges accepting peer recommendations. What exactly is a peer recommendation, and under what circumstances should I consider asking a friend to write one for me?

A peer recommendation is a letter written by someone who knows you well on a personal level, typically a close friend or classmate. This type of recommendation mainly aims to present a different, more personal perspective on your character, personality, and strengths compared with traditional recommendation letters from teachers or counselors, which tend to focus on your academic achievements and classroom performance.

Peer recommendations are only requested or considered by a small number of colleges, often to gain a deeper understanding of an applicant's interpersonal and social skills. The letter should highlight traits that make you unique, demonstrate your ability to work well in group settings, and provide insight into your relationships with your peers.

You should consider asking a friend to write a peer recommendation for you if the following conditions are met:

1. The college you're applying to specifically accepts or requests peer recommendations. It's essential to check the application guidelines for every institution, as not all universities consider these letters in their admissions process.

2. You have a strong personal connection with a friend who can genuinely attest to your character, personal growth, and social skills. Ideally, this person should be able to share specific examples and anecdotes to support their claims, to create a compelling portrait of you as an individual.

3. Your friend is a strong writer. Clear, concise, and well-written recommendations tend to leave a better impression on the admissions committee, and also indirectly reflect well on you by showing that you surround yourself with intelligent people.

In summary, if the college you're applying to accepts peer recommendations, and you have a friend who knows you well and can provide a unique perspective with compelling examples, it may be worthwhile to consider asking them to write a letter on your behalf. However, always make sure to prioritize your required recommendation letters from teachers and counselors, as those are essential components of the application process at all colleges.

For more detailed information on the purpose of peer rec letters and guidance on how to ensure yours enhances your application, you can check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/peer-letter-of-recommendation/. Good luck with your college process!