Getting strong letters of recommendation?

Hey everyone, I'm starting to think about who to ask for letters of recommendation! Can you guys share some examples of what makes a good letter, or some tips on choosing the right teachers or mentors to ask?

Hi there! It's great that you're considering who to ask for letters of recommendation since they're an important component of your college application. Here are some tips and examples to help you choose the right people and ensure you receive strong letters.

1. Relationship: Select teachers or mentors who know you well and can speak to your academic abilities, work ethic, and personal qualities. Ideally, these are individuals who have taught you in recent core academic courses (English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Foreign Language) and have seen you perform well in class. They should be able to provide examples of your positive contributions to classroom discussions, projects, and extracurricular activities.

2. Subject relevance: If you have a specific major or career path in mind, try to choose recommenders who teach subjects related to your intended area of study. For example, if you're interested in engineering, a recommendation from your advanced math and physics teachers would be highly relevant.

3. Balanced perspective: Ideally, your recommenders should provide a well-rounded view of your skills and personality. Consider selecting teachers who can speak to different aspects of your life and character, such as academic strengths, extracurricular involvement, and social traits.

4. Communication: Politely and respectfully approach your potential recommenders well in advance of the application deadline. Briefly explain why you've chosen them and provide them with all the necessary information they need to write a strong letter on your behalf, such as details about the colleges you're applying to, your resume, and a summary of any special projects or achievements they might not be aware of.

5. Gratitude: Remember to express your gratitude to your recommenders for their time and effort. Send thank-you notes or emails and keep them updated about your application outcomes.

A good letter of recommendation should include:

- An introduction that states how long and in what capacity the recommender has known you.

- Specific examples of your academic achievements and personal qualities that demonstrate your suitability for the college/program you're applying to. For instance, a teacher could highlight your significant improvement in writing skills over a semester and your enthusiasm for participating in peer reviews.

- A comparison of your abilities to other students they have taught, if possible, to add context and credibility.

- An explanation of how your skills, abilities, and character make you a great fit for the college and contribute positively to the campus community.

Remember, the strongest letters of recommendation come from teachers and mentors who know you well and can provide specific, detailed examples of your accomplishments, skills, and personal qualities. Good luck with your application process!