In order to get into many selective American colleges and universities as a first-year student, a college applicant often needs to get two strong letters of recommendation from two different teachers he or she has had in academic courses during high school and these letters of recommendation must be submitted to colleges on the student’s behalf by each college’s application deadline.
Such letters of recommendation provide admissions committees with insight into a student’s academic performance, work ethic, and classroom behavior. They give context to the grades and test scores on a student’s application by offering a teacher’s perspective on the student’s abilities and potential for success in college.
Recommendations can also shed light on a student’s character, leadership qualities, and interpersonal skills. Teachers often comment on a student’s personal qualities, such as their integrity, motivation, curiosity, and resilience, which can be valuable in assessing an applicant’s fit for the college community.
Letters of recommendation also allow students to showcase different aspects of their personality and abilities that may not be evident from their academic record or extracurricular activities alone. They provide a more holistic view of the applicant beyond just their grades and test scores. Meanwhile, recommendations serve as a form of verification for the information provided in the application, such as academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal statements. They help confirm the authenticity of the student’s self-reported accomplishments and experiences.
Finally, as admissions committees often receive a large number of applications from highly qualified candidates, teacher recommendations can help differentiate between applicants by providing comparative evaluations of students from the same school or similar academic backgrounds. So, teacher recommendations play a crucial role in the college admissions process by providing valuable insights into a student’s academic abilities, personal qualities, and potential for success in college. They help admissions committees make informed decisions about which students are the best fit for their institution.
The four videos below provide more insight into the ways in which you can secure strong letters of recommendation from teachers best positioned to advocate for you – and do so in a way that is courteous and appreciative of how much the two teachers you choose will be helping you achieve your post-secondary goals.
Good luck!
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When to ask for Teacher Recommendations:
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Who to ask for Teacher Recommendations:
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How to ask for Teacher Recommendations:
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What to give your Teacher Recommendation writers:
