Teresa Erker Bont Senior Regional Director of Admission The University of Tulsa Ivy Hutchison, M.Ed. College and Career Counselor Rockwood Summit High School Writing an Effective Letter of Recommendation

What’s the Purpose? Admission Scholarships  School Specific  Private organizations or companies Provides more information about the student to the selection committee

Will the Letter Have an Impact? Sometimes, but not always.  It could simply be providing additional information about the student. The letter can be crucial  For borderline students (for admission or scholarships)  For any highly selective process for which there are more applications than there are spots A well-written letter can make all the difference. A poorly-written letter will do nothing to help a student’s case.

NACAC Report: State of College Admissions

Counselor Letters Should … Advocate for the student Highlight a student’s strengths and limitations Provide insight into a student’s character and potential to thrive at the school Show context in which to evaluate student’s preparation for college “Flesh out” the student and bring him to life for the reader Accomplish all of this while being “brief”

Counselor Letter vs. Teacher Letter: What’s the Difference? Counselor summarizes the whole student. A counselor can focus on personal setbacks, structural impediments that impacted a student’s ability to take certain courses, the student’s aspirations, hopes and dreams. The counselor describes the students within the whole community. A counselor letter is all- encompassing. Teacher puts the lens on the learner. A teacher should explain how the student makes an impact on the teacher as well as the student’s peers in the classroom and how he/she reacts to challenges in the classroom. The teacher should focus specifically on academics. How would the class be different without the student? A teacher letter is subject- specific.

Solicit Information from the Student Interview the student. Solicit teacher comments and input from teachers who are not writing a letter for the student. Ask for a resume of activities and awards. Create an autobiographical sketch/questionnaire.

Solicit Information from the Student What, if anything, would you do differently if you had to experience high school again? If nothing, how have you made the most of your high school experience? Describe an incident in which you demonstrated strong character (loyalty, integrity, self-discipline, kindness, commitment to high ideals, caring for others, etc.)

Solicit Information from the Student What has been the most satisfying course you have taken? Why? What circumstances, if any, have interfered with your academic performance? What summer experience, work or study has been of significant importance to you and why? If you had a motto to live by, what would it be and why?

Solicit Information from the Parents Are there any unusual circumstances which have affected your student’s experiences? What makes you proud about your child? What do you consider to be the most outstanding accomplishment of your student in the last three years? Explain.

Solicit Information from the Parents What are five adjectives you would use to describe your student? Give examples of why you selected these adjectives. Is there anything else you would like me or colleges to know about your student? In what areas has your student shown the most growth and development during the past three or four years?

Helpful Prompts for Counselors What stands out about this student and/or what are his/her most definitive personal qualities? Considering this student’s interests and goals, what is your assessment of how he/she will take advantage of the opportunities in college? Describe how this student demonstrates strong character and maturity.

Helpful Prompts for Counselors How has this student taken advantage of the curriculum and/or opportunities available to him/her at your school? What stimulates this student’s enthusiasm? How does he/she spend his/her free time? What does the student choose to learn on his/her own time? Describe a time when you have seen this student “in action”.

Basic Tips Identify the applicant and your relationship Don’t repeat information found elsewhere Be specific and animate the candidate Concrete is better than abstract Don’t use two pages if it’ll fit on one Be institution specific if you can Keep a copy of the letter and record when/where it was sent

Real Examples Is the letter memorable? What did you learn about the student? Is the letter effective? Was it worth the time the writer took to write the letter? (As well as the time the committee took to read it?)

Things to be Aware of…  Just because students waive their right to view letters doesn’t mean they won’t see the letters  You can be held liable  Know your school’s/district’s policy in regard to addressing disciplinary and negative aspects of a student letters-of-recommendation

Additional Resources recommendation-letter-for-your-studenthttp://blog.prepscholar.com/for-counselors-how-to-write-a-strong- recommendation-letter-for-your-student counselors/articles/articles-college-counselors/counselor-q-writing-effective- letter-recommendation/ counselors/articles/articles-college-counselors/counselor-q-writing-effective- letter-recommendation college-letters-of-recommendationhttps:// college-letters-of-recommendation Counselor Recommendation Packet for RSHS: s.aspxCounselor Recommendation Packet for RSHS: s.aspx

Thank You! Teresa Erker Bont Senior Regional Director of Admission Ivy Hutchison College and Career Counselor Rockwood Summit High School