Do You Need Extra Letters of Recommendation?
Do You Need Extra Letters of Recommendation?
By now you’ve asked your teachers and your guidance counselor for letters of recommendation. Hopefully they said yes without any hesitation!
As you send off your first early applications to those dream schools on your list, you may be thinking “Have I done enough? Is there anything else I should have said or included?”
This is a normal feeling for this point in the process. In most cases, all that is left to do is continue to thrive in the classroom and in your extracurricular pursuits while you wait for news. But for some students it may be worth soliciting an additional letter of recommendation, illuminating some of the ways you’ve excelled that haven’t been already covered in your application.
To be clear, sending additional material to admissions officers isn’t inherently helpful. The person who reads your file will have more than enough on his or her plate to occupy their bandwidth without adding redundancies. Think carefully before sending in an extra letter of recommendation, avoiding any unintended harm to your admissions chances.
That said, it can be beneficial if your recommender can add something new and impressive to your file – especially if you’ve experienced some kind of notable disruption in your schedule or activities during the pandemic. The following are a few examples of when an extra letter is more likely to be an asset than a liability:
You’ve Really Impressed Your Boss
Are you an exemplary intern? Have you earned praise for your work ethic as an employee? If so, a letter from your supervisor may prove helpful to your case. Admissions officers are always interested in students who demonstrate fortitude and take pride in their work.
Having a supervisor who can vouch for your professionalism and ability to contribute meaningfully to a serious environment speaks to the likelihood that you’ll do the same at the college of your choice.
That said, just because you have a job doesn’t mean you need a letter of recommendation from your boss. It’s likely best that you tell the story of the experience you’ve gained and the improvements you’ve inspired in your own words – through an essay or interview. Only if the nature of your job or internship is relevant to your future aspirations or if your service went above and beyond what is expected should you seek a letter from your boss.
Your Recommender is Connected Both to You and Your School of Interest
Many students are one degree of separation away from some influential person – whether it be a colleague of their parents, an employer, a neighbor, or some other connection they’ve worked to build. Creating a powerful professional network is an important and commendable element of your success.
If you’ve spent meaningful time with such a person, their letter of recommendation may boost your chances of admission. This is especially true if they are an important alumnus (read: donor) of the school to which you’re applying.
For these letters to have value, the writer must be able to speak to their personal experience with you in a context relevant to the rest of your application. Their letter should answer the following:
· Have they observed your intellectual curiosity firsthand?
· Have you done work with them or for a cause important to them?
· Given their experience with the rigors of their alma mater, how can they picture you thriving in that environment?
Your Recommender is a College Professor (at That College)
As your interests get more and more specific, you may find yourself compelled to pursue research opportunities that shed light on the subjects at hand. Many students in this situation find themselves connecting with college professors who’ve already begun similar research. In the best-case scenario, these questions will lead to opportunities to partner in that research.
If you are fortunate enough to work with a professor in this way, they may provide a valuable letter of recommendation for you. In it, they can elaborate on your contributions and potential in a way that directly indicates to admissions officers how college ready you are.
Some of the most compelling things that professor will hopefully be able to say about you in their letter include:
· You are one of few if any other high school students entrusted to assist their work.
· You followed instructions and safety protocols to a tee, but also sought opportunities to expand your knowledge and responsibility.
· You contributed to the success of the project beyond expectation.
Remember, you are the best author of your own story. Be sure to use your personal statement, supplements, activity list, interview, and possibly the Additional Info section to demonstrate the depth of your involvement as best as possible. Then, the letters of recommendation you receive from your teachers and outside sources will confirm to admissions officers why you are an ideal fit for their campus. For more help crafting your story, choosing recommenders, and improving your chances of success at your colleges of interest, working with an educational consultant can make a tremendous difference.
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.
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