6 Awesome Things Your Teachers Should be Able to Write About You
6 Awesome Things Your Teachers Should be Able to Write About You
Each year, teachers write tons of letters of recommendations for promising students. In some cases, these letters can be the glue that binds the rest of a student’s application materials together. In other cases, they can be the shining gem that helps elevate an average application into one that is outstanding.These letters are one of many important pieces of your application that give admissions officers a window into who you are. They reveal how you conduct yourself in class and how well you work with other people. They reveal what you—apart from the many other applicants—can uniquely offer.The teachers who write your letters should be among your biggest champions. Nothing would make them happier than giving you a strong recommendation that helps you get into your dream school. What can you do in the classroom that will inspire your teachers to share the strongest words of praise on your behalf when you apply to colleges? Read below for six awesome things your teachers should be able to write about you for your recommendation letters.
That You’re a Top Student
The teachers who write your letters of recommendation want to be able to say that you are one of their strongest students. It can help if they’ve taught you in more than one class but, generally, teachers from core subjects in your junior year are ideal.The most important thing is that the teachers you choose have many specific memories of what you contributed to their classroom.In the best-case scenario, the people writing your letters will have had several years of teaching experience. This way, they will be able to say that not only are you one of their top students now, but that in their long history of teaching, you are among the top students they have ever taught.But saying you’re one of the best isn’t enough. That’s where evidence comes in.
That You Nailed a Particular Project
Picture it from an admissions officer’s point of view: how many times would you have to hear “so-and-so is one of my best students” before the phrase begins to seem vague beyond meaning? In letters of recommendation, it’s examples that count.Teachers want to be able to describe you in overall positive ways, like saying you’re “hardworking” or “outstanding” or that you “always succeed.” But it’s the evidence of how each student uniquely demonstrates these qualities that brings them to life. This is what helps admissions officers see past the faceless “hardworking and outstanding students” (who are a dime a dozen) and see you for who you are.Teachers should be able to write about a particular assignment or project at which you performed exceptionally well. They want to be able to name a specific task that admissions officers can visualize, and then demonstrate with details how you interpreted that assignment in an above-average way, how you did well at it, and what the class gained from it. It’s not only your grades that stand out. Teachers notice your process as well. When it comes to coursework, are you thorough and on time? Do you ask good questions and seek extra help, so you can turn in your best work?Be vocal with instructors about your progress on big assignments. Teachers notice, and they would love to sing praises for your exceptional hard work.
That It Isn’t Just About the Grades
There’s more to being a top student than grades and test scores. Often, students reveal some of their best qualities without even realizing it. During discussions, do you withdraw or take initiative to share your opinions? When you disagree with other students, do you show respect for their views? Consider the ways you show your teachers that you are invested in their classes. Some students approach their teachers after class to double-check that they understand their assignments. Others make a point to ask teachers for further reading recommendations that complement the ones from class, or to ask deeper questions about the course material.Your teachers should be able to write about how well you work with others. They want to be able to say that you are not passive in the learning process, and that you actively seek out information, are proactive and passionate about your ideas, and that your presence makes the classroom experience better for everyone.
That They’ve Worked with You Outside of Class
Some of the most valuable letters are written by teachers who have worked with you in multiple ways at school. Do you have a teacher who supervises a club you’re involved in? A teacher who is also your coach, or your volunteer coordinator, or has worked with you on a big project? Teachers who have observed your behavior in a variety of settings will have colorful and well-rounded views of you to share with admissions officers, and they will be able to speak about your abilities in diverse ways. Knowing you in multiple capacities allows these teachers to describe how well you get along with other students, how you exhibit leadership skills, and how you pursue your passions with enthusiasm. They want to be able to share this fully with the admissions office, and students who pour themselves into their activities make it easy for their teachers to write strong letters of recommendation.
That You Aren’t Perfect
Many students shy away from admitting their weaknesses on applications, because they think it will call attention to their flaws and away from their many assets. They want to highlight their positive traits and omit the areas where they’ve struggled or felt challenged. But letters of recommendation are the perfect place to admit weaknesses, as long as they’re connected to growth. When a teacher can identify your starting point, they can measure just how far you’ve come, and prove it to admissions officers with facts and examples. Teachers want to be able to say that not only do you have natural strengths and talents, but also that when faced with a challenge, you know how to rise above the obstacles and build new skills. Furthermore, letters of recommendation that pinpoint only the utmost positive traits of a given applicant all sound alike; each student’s journey toward success is different. Teachers want to be able to share your journey with your dream colleges. Not only will this help colleges see you for who you are, but it will also help your letters of recommendation feel authentic and relatable to readers. This isn’t just the case for students with less-than-perfect grades. A-students have areas where they can grow as well. Communicate with your teachers to see if you can determine specific growth opportunities together.
That Your Work Isn’t Done
Painting students as perfect doesn’t give admissions officers much of a reason to admit them. If the student has already reached the pinnacle of success and met all expectations, then where does he or she go from here? Your teachers want to be able to say that you’ve done exceptionally well in their classes, but also that you are hungry for bigger and newer challenges, and that you have what it takes to thrive under higher standards. They want to say that you have ambitions to pursue, and if given the opportunity, you will bring something valuable into the campus, as well. They want to be able to say that you’ve succeeded in high school, but that you’re just getting started. That you have goals and plans, and that they have faith in your potential as a result of their observations of you during class.
How to Get Strong Letters of Recommendation
The easiest way to assure your teachers can write strong letters of recommendation is by being the kind of student worth recommending. Take advantage of the opportunities for growth within the classroom and commit yourself to bringing a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and hunger for learning. If you do, you’ll be a joy for your teachers to recommend.Choosing the right teachers to write for you is a big step in the application process.
The expert admissions consultants at Wise World Prep have helped hundreds of students maximize their potential of being admitted to their top choice colleges and universities. Over 20 years, we have successfully guided students through each stage of the application process – from choosing competitive high school courses to building an appropriate college list to drafting winning essays to writing persuasive update and appeals letters. We would be happy to answer your questions and partner with you to create a successful admissions roadmap.
Ready to get started? Schedule a complimentary 20-minute conversation today!
Want to stay informed? Subscribe to our newsletter.