507: What Colleges Want (Part 7A): Recommendation Letter Crash Course for Students and Families
Apr 9, 2024
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Ayesha King, the Director of College Counseling at the International School of Los Angeles, brings over twelve years of admissions experience to the discussion. She reveals how recommendation letters play a crucial role in college admissions and shares tips on selecting the right recommenders. Ayesha explains the importance of 'letters of advocacy' that highlight student stories, and offers guidance on requesting personalized letters. Discover how to navigate the process and make your requests count for a standout college application.
Letters of recommendation serve as advocacy tools that can enhance an application by showcasing personal qualities and unique circumstances beyond academic records.
Choosing the right recommenders who genuinely know the student and can articulate their growth is essential for creating impactful recommendation letters.
Students should proactively engage with recommenders by providing context through questionnaires and initiating the request process early to ensure personalized letters.
Deep dives
Understanding Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are a crucial part of the college admission process, serving as a form of advocacy for students. They provide context and support to the applicant's academic profile, clarifying any extenuating circumstances that may not be evident through transcripts alone. Aisha King emphasizes that these letters do not typically make or break an application but can enhance it, especially when they reveal personal qualities and experiences that a student may not have the opportunity to share themselves. The naming of these documents as 'letters of advocacy' highlights their role in supporting the student's overall application narrative.
Relevance of Recommendation Letters in Admissions
According to recent data, recommendation letters are not among the most critical factors colleges consider in admissions decisions, with about 11.9% of schools marking counselor recommendations as considerably important. This statistic suggests that while recommendation letters are taken into account, they usually validate or add nuance to the information already presented in a student's application. Aisha points out that letters can provide clarity on unique circumstances, such as unconventional academic paths or personal challenges that would otherwise remain unknown to admissions officers. Understanding this context can alleviate some stress around the importance of these letters, reminding students that they are just one piece of a larger puzzle.
Choosing the Right Recommenders
Selecting the right teachers or counselors to write recommendation letters is vital for a strong application. Ideal recommenders are those who know the student well, can speak to their academic abilities, and have witnessed their growth over time. Teachers who act as club advisors or coaches can also provide valuable insights, showcasing the student's character beyond academics. Aisha suggests that even if a student has only known a teacher for a short period, the depth of their relationship and the teacher's ability to articulate the student's qualities are what truly matter.
Leveraging Additional Context for Stronger Letters
Students are encouraged to provide additional context to their recommenders through questionnaires that highlight their accomplishments, interests, and personal stories. This information allows teachers and counselors to craft more personalized letters, ensuring that important aspects of the student's profile are covered. Aisha stresses that by highlighting specific projects or challenges, students create a richer narrative that can make their application stand out. It’s essential for students to recognize the importance of actively engaging in this process rather than leaving their recommenders to guess what to include.
Proactive Steps in the Recommendation Process
Students should adopt a proactive approach when requesting letters of recommendation, starting the conversation early, especially towards the end of their junior year. They should ask teachers or counselors in person, followed by a formal email to confirm the request and outline deadlines. Providing a thoughtful timeline and context for when the letter is needed can greatly assist recommenders in managing their workload. By demonstrating initiative and gratitude, students can foster a positive rapport with their recommenders, enhancing the likelihood of receiving supportive and impactful letters.
This week, Tom Campbell (CEG’s Community Manager) is joined by Ayesha King (Director of College Counseling at the International School of Los Angeles) to talk about letters of recommendation. They get into:
What goes into a letter of recommendation?
How are they evaluated by colleges?
Who should students consider asking, and how do they ask?
What can students and families do to ensure that their letters are the best they can be?
What are FERPA rights and why should you waive them?
Ayesha King (she/her) has over twelve years of experience in admissions at the secondary, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels, developing her values of social justice, equity and access. She is currently the Director of College Counseling at the International School of Los Angeles (LILA), a French International school, where she is stretching her skills working with students considering post-secondary options all over the world. She holds her Bachelors degree from the University of Redlands and her Masters degree from California Lutheran University. Ayesha loves spending time with her two boys and two dogs, visiting Disneyland, and talking about pop culture.
This is the next episode in our series on What Colleges Want. Stay tuned for our upcoming episode about writing letters of recommendation for teachers and counselors. Tom will be joined by Hanah Lim (CEG’s Director of Workshops and a former high school English teacher), where they provide their tips, tricks, and hacks to help you write more efficient and effective letters for your students.
Play-by-Play
2:49 - How important are letters of recommendation to admissions officers?
5:55 - Why might it be called a “Letter of Advocacy” instead?
7:19 - When would a letter of recommendation make a big impact on a student’s application?
13:38 - Should students also share this important context if it’s already in their recommendation letter?
15:35 - How can students determine how many letters to request?
19:49 - What is being said in these letters?
26:38 - Which teachers are typically the best to ask for a recommendation letter?
29:51 - Why should students consider asking a teacher from a class they struggled in?
30:47 - What can students do to help their teachers & counselors write the best letter possible?
36:06 - What information should students share with their recommenders?
39:20 - How should students ask for a letter once they have determined who to ask?
44:41 - Do students ever see their letters of recommendation?
