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8/13/2019 Letters of Recommendation RZM 2011
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/letters-of-recommendation-rzm-2011 1/9
Writing Effective Letters of
Recommendation for University
ApplicationsOctober 18, 2013
Faith Biko
EducationUSA Adviser - Kenya
8/13/2019 Letters of Recommendation RZM 2011
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• There are more than 4000 accredited colleges and universitiesin the US.
• There are more research dollars expended at US universitiesthan in any other country.
• Students can earn academic, sport and arts need-based andmerit-based scholarships to study in the US.
• US liberal arts curriculum encourages academic explorationand breadth as well as depth of study and students do nothave to decide on a field of study for until after two years ofstudy.
• US College education is a 24/7 affair with active residential lifeprograms and an expectation of involvement in co-curricular
life.• Diversity - The US is the only country in the world with no
majority ethnicity.
Background –Why Study in the USA
8/13/2019 Letters of Recommendation RZM 2011
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•
Holistic Admissions: – Academic and Non-
academic
– Transcript, Exam Results
– Activities andInvolvement (Arts, Sport,
Culture, Community
Service, Leadership, etc)
–
Letters ofRecommendation
– Personal Essays
•
Admissions officers aretrying to determine the
extent to which the
student will take
positive advantage ofthe opportunities
available in and out of
the classroom on their
campus.
The role of the letter of rec in the admissions process
8/13/2019 Letters of Recommendation RZM 2011
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• 3 letters required for Common Application:
– 2 High School academic subject teachers – 1 careers counselor: School Report Form
• Not just English teachers!!!
• Teachers who know student well
• Teachers who have something positive to write about the
student
• Preferably teachers who have witnessed the student both in
and out of the classroom
• Sports/Arts Supplements and Extra Letters: Can involve letters
from coaches or dance/music/art teachers or club advisors
Who should write rec letters?
8/13/2019 Letters of Recommendation RZM 2011
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• Online
– Give student email
address;
– Receive prompt
– Complete letter form
online or upload pre-
written letter online;
– Or school counselor
uploads all letters
– Applications either have
to be submitted online
or via Mail
• Written
– On school letterhead
– Typed and signed
– In sealed envelope with
signature across seal;
– If copied, signatures
should be original and
school stamp on copies;
– One page is sufficient
Method – How to Submit Letters
8/13/2019 Letters of Recommendation RZM 2011
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• How long and how well you know the student
• Student’s strengths in the classroom
– Intellectual/academic ability
– Determination and extent of effort
– Work habits – Intellectual curiosity
– Team player? Effectiveness in groups
– Communication skills – written, speaking
• Student’s assets outside of the classroom whenknown (clubs, leadership, as a boarder.)
Content of Effective Letter
8/13/2019 Letters of Recommendation RZM 2011
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• Authoritative but does not have to be too formal
• Personal, confidential
• Impeccable English – spell check and edit
•
Specific to that student – generic letters don’thelp. Mention student by name
• Use Active Voice
• Use effective adjectives (not nice, sweet, good)
• Don’t prescribe future career/field of study
Style of Effective Rec Letter
8/13/2019 Letters of Recommendation RZM 2011
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• USE specific, concrete examples (i.e., a research paper
she wrote; a great presentation she made; an assertionshe made in class against the tide, specific leadershipexample, etc)
• Quantify successes and qualify statements (i.e.,
“consistently the top History student in her class of 25”or “got the top mock Physics exam result this year” vs.“an amazing student”)
• After you write your letter, put yourself in admission
shoes – Would this letter help persuade you to admitthe student?
More Tips
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In conclusion….
Your goal is to advocate for yourstudent and his/her potential
honestly so that your letter is an
asset to her application.