Things for Teachers to Keep in Mind:

• Your letter might be read by multiple audiences:  admission officers, scholarship committees, college faculty

• Your letter may be the only teacher recommendation the committee receives for the student (maybe recommendation letter #2 never arrived or is not required). 

• Some colleges ask applicants to submit recommendations from teachers in opposite disciplines. Your letter might represent the “best” of a student’s abilities in an academic area.

• Be honest with your students. If you feel that you are not the best person to write the recommendation – don’t do it. 

• If you are having trouble personalizing the letter, meet with the student. Talk about some things. 

• Every letter you compose adds to (or minimizes) your credibility. 

• Don’t take the admission decision personally.

Areas for Your Letter to Include:

• Provide details about your class that you think are noteworthy/unique: level, text used, projects, trends, unusual grade distribution.

• Mention any gaps in curriculum/sequence issues – did the student have to work considerably harder in this class since coming from the previous school? 

• Include anecdotal information & specific references. Adjectives are not enough. 

• The majority of your letter should be about academics, less so about extracurricular activities. 

Sample Questions for Students to Answer for Teachers Writing Recommendation Letters

• Why did you ask me to submit a letter on your behalf? 

• What lesson/project, etc. did you enjoy the most in my class ? Why was this your favorite? 

• In what areas do you feel this class helped you to grow? 

• How were you challenged in any areas of the class? 

• Did this class spark an interest in learning more about this subject area?  If so, how?

• What are your academic strengths? 

• What are your personal strengths? 

• What are some specific things you hope I discuss in your letter?