In need of some help here - my teacher asked me to give her an idea of what I'd like in my Recommendation Letter. Any good examples or samples that I could show her to help me out?
Certainly! Before we get into specific examples, it's essential to note that a great recommendation letter clarifies the writer's relationship to the student, uses vivid detail, and draws clear connections between personal experiences and the student's character traits, abilities, and goals.
Let's say you've worked on community service projects extensively. A recommendation letter from the person who supervised these projects would be expected to highlight your commitment to benefiting your local community, your leadership abilities, your compassion, and your teamwork skills.
Example:
"Throughout the two years that [Your Name] volunteered at the local food bank, they demonstrated an outstanding commitment to helping their local community. With relentless effort and passionate dedication, they coordinated donation drives, managed food distribution, and even recruited more volunteers to support the cause. Their natural leadership abilities, combined with an eagerness to make a difference, always stood out."
If this letter was from a math teacher, it may also draw upon your practical problem-solving and critical thinking abilities:
"Whenever [Your Name] faced a challenging problem in class, they did not shy away but took it head-on. They showed an unwavering perseverance and a unique approach which not only helped them conquer the challenge but also inspired their peers."
These examples are illustrative, and remember, a letter should be personalized and tailored specifically to your experiences. Your recommender ideally brings out anecdotes and examples that showcase your unique qualities. Additionally, a great letter always emphasizes how those skills or characteristics will make you a valuable addition to a college campus, both academically and in the community.
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