If you read sample college admission essays, you’ll see that the most effective ones are those that provide detailed and illustrative background information on the applicant. This information becomes even more effective in making you stand out if it’s backed by letters of recommendation from credible individuals. Because admissions essays are an important part of college admissions processes, applicants should be wary about including information and insights about themselves that they won’t be able to demonstrate during the interview, or prove through letters of recommendation.
Next to admissions essays, letters of recommendation are tools used by committee members to gauge an applicant’s personality and suitability for inclusion in their academic community. These letters are important because they provide the application reviewers a sort of insider perspective on how the applicant demonstrated her or his skills in high school. Some colleges require recommendation letters from specific personnel, such as an academic professor, counselor, or head coach (if applying for athletic programs). Before choosing reference persons to write your recommendation letter, ask yourself the following questions:
* Do they have the time to make the letter and submit it on time?
* Do they know you well enough to describe your academic competency? Have you performed well in this person’s class? Have you turned in excellent papers?
* Do they have a good enough relationship with you for them to give you a glowing recommendation? Have you worked closely with this person in the course of your high school education? Can he or she vouch for your talents and potential?
* Are they credible and respected academic figures in your high school?
Asking these questions will help you decide whether your chosen persons are ideal writers of your recommendation letters. If you look at sample college admission essays, there’s a part there that tackles personal background. This is the part that should be supported by recommendation letters. We recommend browsing through sample college admission essays found online so you can get a better idea of how recommendation letters and admissions essays work hand in hand to provide credible and convincing information about college applicants.
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