What am I supposed to write in a college recommendation letter?
A kid I supervise at work asked me to write him a recommendation letter for college. I’ve known him about a year or so, but not on a personal level really. We talk at work and joke around, but other than that, I don’t know much about him. I have put off writing the letter until it’s nearly too late. I asked him what it was supposed to say and he told me just to write about him-not helpful information. I told him to write it and then I would copy it and sign it, but I don’t think he thought I was serious. Does anyone have any suggestions about what I am supposed to put? I’ve never written one before and I’m really lost!
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6 Answers
Interesting seeing this from the other side.
Usually the student/applicant helps out his recommendation-writers by providing a little extra information about himself. If there’s still time (sounds as if there isn’t), try asking him what he wants out of college, what he wants to study, why he wants to go where he’s applying to, etc. If possible, ask him for a look at the essays he wrote for the applications, and it should help you get a better sense of who he is.
Motivated, good worker, will do good things in the world, you should pick him.
I would just write it as his supervisor. He’s a hard worker, dedicated, etc…
To: Blahtitty blah blah blah
Address: Lorem Ipsum
INSERT INTRO LANGUAGE HERE ????
SO AND SO is talented young man, who unlike so many, does not coast on his abilities, but puts his talents to full use, and seeks opportunities to apply them to whatever he can. He is bright, highly analytical, well-reasoned, and intellectually curious. He’s articulate, passionate about his work and presents in an effective, engaging, professional manner.
MORE OF THE SAME
AND SO ON…
ACCEPT HIM, PRETTY PREASE.
You want to give your honest impressions of the kid. Admissions officers read hundreds, if not thousands of these – they will know if you are not being truthful. Things you will want to include in the letter are:
how long you have known him
your impressions of his character
your impressions of his work ethic
a specific example of at least one of those impressions
since you are his boss, list ways that he has been an asset to your organization and talk about how he could be an asset to the school in the same way.
As previously mentioned, you should ask the student to give you some information about his achievements/accomplishments. It will make the writing easier for you.
He should give you a print-out on the program he is applying for. That’ll help you know what the program is about and what they are looking for in candidates. You can then tailor your letter towards what they want specifically and it helps a great deal when coming up with content. He could also give you a summary of his work experience and educational experience. I always did both when asking for recommendation letters.
If you don’t have that information you simply write what you know. It seems he is easy to get along with. He is friendly. So play up the personal characteristics that you do know about him.
I think @torch81 gives a pretty good layout of the general things they are looking for in a rec. letter.
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