Next week I'll travel to one of my favorite high schools of all time to give a workshop to their teachers on writing letters of recommendation. I haven't been back to the high school in almost 20 years.
A lot has changed in that period of time. Demands on teachers have increased exponentially, yet college acceptance rates have plummeted. It puts a lot of pressure on teachers to deliver a very special letter of recommendation for every student they write for.Knowing that a teacher is often writing dozens of letters of recommendation each year, students can provide key information to them before the letter is even drafted. Here are some details to send (in writing) to teachers that will result in better letters of recommendation:
1. Explain why you chose this teacher to write your letter of recommendation.
Don't rely on simple reasons like, "It was my favorite class." Explain why it was your favorite class with specific examples. Don't say, "You saw how hardworking I was." The term "hardworking" is an empty adjective that most students could say about themselves. Avoid all adjectives! Instead, tell them how you felt in their class, what made an impact on you, or what you have learned about yourself because of this teacher.2. Mention units or topics that you learned during the year that impacted you or made you love the class.
This can be a revolutionary statement to a teacher. It shows them that a particular lesson stuck with you, and that you became interested in their subject matter. Again, get specific. Don't just say, "I enjoyed reading Hamlet." Say, "I will never forget when you acted out the 'Mousetrap Scene' in Act 3 to teach us about how to look for the turning point in literature."
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3. Bring up a project, assignment, debate, discussion, or paper that exemplified your best work in that class.
Teachers often have multiple classes and hundreds of students to teach each year. They might forget that special project you submitted or that speech you gave that made your classmates give you a standing ovation. Describe your approach on that project, speech, or other assignment. Tell them what you learned about the subject matter and yourself. Share with them why this assignment meant so much to you.4. Remind them of the little things you did throughout the year.
Staying after class to put away chairs or clean up other students' messes without complaint. Providing the voice of reason during class discussions. Answering questions when no one else wanted to. These moments are beautiful anecdotes for your teacher to share in the letter of recommendation.5. Thank them for showing up.
If the teacher came to one of your soccer games, musical performances, or complimented you for doing something outside of their class, thank them. Although their letter focuses on your role as a student in their class, reminding them of that time they saw you outside of class can add another layer to your letter.READ MORE: The Worst College Admissions Advice I’ve Seen on Instagram
Teachers have a lot on their plate. They don't get paid extra money for writing letters of recommendation. They write letters on their own time—over the summer, at night, or on weekends. Give your teachers what they need to write your letter of recommendation. You don't have to be the teacher's best student for them to write you the best letter of recommendation.
