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There are many four year colleges and universities that require at least one letter of recommendation – and for those that don’t require a recommendation but still allow you to send one in, adding a thoughtful letter or two from an objective outsider is a great way to help yourself stand out to the college admissions crowd!

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What is a Letter of Recommendation?

Colleges want to know the facts about your character and your abilities – and to make sure that you are worthy of entering their school! A letter of recommendation or a recommendation is an easy way for college admissions to gain an better understanding about your academic successes based on a statement from someone in a position who has seen what you have accomplished – so that college admissions can make a more informed opinion a better guesstimate about your chance for college success!

Who should write your letter or recommendation?

A strong letter of recommendation is worth so much more than a weak one. Keeping that in mind, think twice before you ask just anyone to write you a recommendation. It might be tempting to use your family members or a close friend — but try to think beyond your family tree and inner circle!

Need a place to start? Think about the following questions:
Are you involved in any extracurricular activities?
Do you have a part-time job?
Are you active in community service?
What about sports teams?
Are you close to any of your intended college’s alumni?
Do you have a good relationship with any teachers or your guidance counselor?

If you have a particularly good relationship with any of the individuals in charge of any of these organizations, you may want to think about politely asking them for a recommendation! Coaches, employers, organization and club leaders, even graduates from that college are just a few of the options you may have when it comes to figuring out who you should ask to write a recommendation!

Valerie Everett / Valerie Everett

Some college applications will tell you exactly what a letter of recommendation should cover – with specific questions to answer. These include subjects that range from student character traits to telling a story about the student to illustrate an obstacle that s/he overcame. Some colleges and universities, however, will leave it up to the recommendation writer’s discretion (which is why you want to make sure you have a solid relationship with whomever you choose!).

Colleges and Recommendations

Georgetown University requires a teacher’s recommendation, but others, like the College of William and Mary, have made it optional. Tufts University, for example, requires one letter of recommendation from one of your teachers from a major academic course (like math, social science, or foreign language) as well as a recommendation from your high school guidance counselor!

Recycle that College Letter of Recommendation

Don’t think that the recommendation stops at your college application. You might even be able to re-use that college letter of recommendation for scholarship opportunities, too! There are plenty of scholarships out there – and many do require or, at least, prefer, an accompanying letter of recommendation as a part of your scholarship application package. That letter you ask for and receive once can be used over and over again!

Since not every college or university requires a letter of recommendation, you may not ever have to experience this process – but if you do, know that My College Guide is here for you and will have plenty more about the college admissions process to come!