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Writing a letter of recommendation
8
Writing a letter of recommendation
Step 5
Step 4
Do's & don't's & other helpful info
Do
FERPA
Let the writing begin!
Upload to Naviance!
Be specific!
Paint a picture of student as a learner & person!
Tell anecdotes from in/out class!
Quote students!
Click "edoc"
"Add document"
Click "colleges"
Change status to "completed"
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act allows students and their families to review the student records. This would include reading their recommendations.
(FYI: We encourage students to waive their rights)
Don't
Resources
Length matters!
Repeat transcript or resume!
Write a negative letter!
Cut & paste from previously-used letters!
http://sites.google.com (tips for writing college letters of recommendation
http://professionals.collegeboard.com
http://www.purdue.edu
One page is sufficient, but too short says: "I don't know a lot about this student" or "There isn't much to say about this student."
Letter format
Step 3
Example:
section 1- Relationship & length
Section 2- Discuss student's work in your class- be specific & detailed!
Section 3- Student characteristics
Section 4- Summarize qualities or accomplishments you wish to emphasize. You may include invitation to contact you for further info. (The power of "endings")
Praise should be supported by specific examples
- How does student relate to peers?
- Offer quantitative measure of their work (caution! Don't repeat their resume or transcript)
- Discuss a specific piece of work
- How does student contribute as part of team or in a lab setting?
Gather information
Step 2
Why ask you?
Should I write a letter of recommendation?
- Did they particularly enjoy your class?
- Do very good work for you?
- Need a letter in your subject area?
- Did student work through a challenging time with you?
Ask for: resume, senior brag sheet & earliest deadline
Step 1
Agree!
Decline?
- Professional responsibility
- Support student opportunities!
Purpose
- Don't know the student that well
- Taught freshmen year
- Not sure you could write a positive letter
- Less than 2 week notice
What am I trying to accomplish?
Bring the student to life by adding context to grades and activities!
Honest appraisal of student's academic performance & intellectual promise