Tips For Effective Letters Of Recommendation

TIPS FOR WRITING EFFECTIVE LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION:

TIPS FOR WRITING EFFECTIVE LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION Tuesday, March 1, 2011 Teresa P. O. Toro

References:

References Alice Feathers, M.A. TESOL, Professional Editor and Writer Dr. Melvin Luthy, WriteExpress Chief Editor Jim Hensley, Director of the Dorrance Scholarship Programs Linda Abraham, Founder and President of Accepted.com

Tips to Give to Students :

Tips to Give to Students Give teachers, counselors, employers, etc. at least 2 weeks to write their letter of recommendation. Choose someone who can: Provide a well-written letter Knows you well enough to be credible Thinks highly of you and your abilities Holds a respected position Most applications request 2 letters of recommendation; request at least 3 or 4 in order to pick the most appropriate ones. Provide a brag sheet found in www.pueblowarriors.org in the Counseling Department Link. Provide a copy of your personal statement. Provide a copy of the scholarship application, especially if it asks that the letter writers provide specific information of you. If the letters need to be mailed, provide the adults with an envelope and stamp.

Something to Keep in Mind:

Something to Keep in Mind Each university, especially ivy league schools, require certain information to be included in letters of recommendation. Each scholarship application has a particular emphasis: Need Merit Ethnicity Unique attributes: i.e.: Braces, glasses, children of… Career interests

Tips for Writing Effective Letters of Recommendation:

Tips for Writing Effective Letters of Recommendation Refer to the handout by Jim Hensley, Director of the Dorrance Scholarship Programs Refer to the handout by Linda Abraham, Founder and President of Accepted.com

Classic Format for an Effective Letter of Recommendation By Dr. Luthy and Ms. Feathers:

Classic Format for an Effective Letter of Recommendation By Dr. Luthy and Ms. Feathers Introduction Introduce yourself as the recommender. State your professional position, how you know the applicant, the length of your relationship, and any other pertinent information to build your credibility as a knowledgeable contributor . Provide an overview of your general impressions of the applicant . Body Cover one exceptional quality of the applicant in each paragraph Use specific examples to show how you observed each quality Address qualities in order of importance Keep the body of the letter to two or three paragraphs Conclusion Confirm that the applicant would be a desirable employee, adding any other comments you feel appropriate . Encourage the reader to contact you for additional information or with any questions . Don't forget to personally sign the letter . Sincerely ( four single returns) John Doe Don't forget to personally sign the letter.

What to Consider While Writing the Body Paragraphs :

What to Consider While Writing the Body Paragraphs The majority of scholarship and college applications request the following information of the applicants: Grade Point Average (GPA) Post-secondary plans and career interests Involvement on campus: Sports and/or clubs Community Service

Further Support :

Further Support Counselors College Readiness Specialist Veteran teachers References list Internet Questions?