What makes a strong recommendation letter?

So, I'm not totally clear on what a winning rec letter looks like. I mean, what kind of stuff should my teachers definitely include in the letter? And how personal is too personal? If you have an outstanding letter that made a difference, what can you tell me about it (without breaking confidentiality rules, of course)?

A compelling recommendation letter should provide a unique perspective on a student's character, claimed accomplishments, and potential for future success while also providing specific examples to support these claims. This is key. It's great to have a teacher lavishly praise a student, but without concrete instances, it can mean little to admissions officers.

One factor that gives depth to a recommendationletter is the context in which the recommenders know the student. Head of the science department writing about your lab work? Excellent. Your Math teacher vouching for your teamwork in group assignments? That's great! The more specific they can be about your performance, based on their professional perspective, the more meaningful the recommendation will be.

Now, on the personal side, while there's no strict boundary on how personal is "too personal," it's typically considered inappropriate to delve into extremely personal or sensitive topics unless they are directly related to your academic journey and capabilities. Remember, these letters are used to gauge your suitability for an academic environment and potentially for a specific course or program.

In terms of an outstanding recommendation letter, it often highlights a student’s dedication to learning, willingness to push intellectual boundaries, collaboration with peers, and impact on the classroom, among other personal and academic qualities. For instance, highlighting a time when you went above and beyond on a project, or led your group effectively to solve a complex problem, creates a vivid picture of your capabilities.

Lastly, a strong recommendation often shares an anecdote or specific example that embodies why you would be a good fit for universities. For example, a teacher might share how your insightful questions sparked engaging classroom discussions, or how your resilience in tackling difficult concepts inspired other students.

Remember, this is your chance to show colleges a part of you that isn't represented elsewhere in your application. It's all about portraying you as a three-dimensional person with unique interests, contributions, and potential.