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The College Essay Guy Podcast: A Practical Guide to College Admissions

508: What Colleges Want (Part 7B): Recommendation Letter Crash Course for Counselors and Teachers

Apr 30, 2024
Hanah Lim, a former high school English teacher and current Director of Workshops at College Essay Guy, shares valuable insights on writing recommendation letters. She discusses the ideal length and format, and how letters vary between counselors and teachers. Hanah emphasizes the importance of personal anecdotes and background context to effectively advocate for students. Additionally, the conversation explores innovative tools, including AI, to streamline the writing process while maintaining a personal touch.
01:08:56

Episode guests

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Quick takeaways

  • Recommendation letters play a crucial role in holistic college admissions by reflecting a student's character and fit beyond mere grades.
  • Effective recommendation letters should be concise, personalized, and structured to showcase key traits and achievements clearly for admissions officers.

Deep dives

Understanding Recommendation Letters

The importance of recommendation letters in college admissions is highlighted, with a focus on how they are evaluated by admissions officers. These letters serve as a component of a holistic review process, offering insights into a student's character and potential fit for a college environment beyond numerical metrics. It is emphasized that the weight these letters carry can vary significantly, often depending on the selectivity of institutions and the context of the school the student comes from. Counselors and teachers are encouraged to understand their role in shaping these letters, aiming to authentically represent the breadth of their students’ experiences.

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