One of my teachers has asked me for guidance on writing my letter of recommendation. They want it to be in a doc format. What kind of structure and content should they include? Any advice for them would be awesome!
A strong letter of recommendation should provide an in-depth and personalized perspective on the strengths and achievements of the student. To guide your teacher, you can suggest they structure the letter as follows:
1. Introduction: Begin with a brief overview of their relationship to you (e.g., subject taught, duration, and context) and express enthusiasm about recommending you for college admission.
2. Academic performance: Highlight your performance in their class, focusing on specific instances where you demonstrated mastery of the subject, critical thinking, problem-solving, or a strong work ethic.
3. Extracurricular involvement: If your teacher has observed you in extracurricular activities (e.g., clubs, competitions, or projects) related to their subject or beyond, ask them to discuss your level of engagement, contributions, and impact in those areas.
4. Personal qualities: Encourage your teacher to share anecdotes or observations that demonstrate positive character traits such as curiosity, determination, humility, or resilience. This part should show your potential to contribute positively to a college community.
5. Comparisons and distinctions: If possible, the teacher could draw comparisons to other high-performing students they have taught, emphasizing what makes you stand out or how your achievements compare to your peers.
6. Conclusion: The letter should end with a strong endorsement of your candidacy for college admission, summarizing your most significant strengths and the reasons why the teacher believes you would excel in a higher education environment.
Remind your teacher to use specific examples in their letter, as this will provide a more genuine and compelling portrait of your strengths and character. They should also remain professional and positive throughout, avoiding any critiques or negative remarks. Hope this helps and good luck with your college applications!
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