How To Write a Stellar Letter of Recommendation for the Common App

Getting into college is a monumental task, and a key piece of the puzzle is the letter of recommendation. The Common Application, or Common App, streamlines the application process for hundreds of colleges and universities. But understanding how to write a truly impactful letter of recommendation, one that will resonate with admissions committees, is crucial. This guide will walk you through the process, providing you with the tools and insights to craft a letter that helps your student shine.

1. Understanding the Importance of a Common App Letter of Recommendation

The Common App letter of recommendation is more than just a formality; it’s a powerful endorsement of a student’s potential. It provides admissions officers with a unique perspective, offering insights into a student’s character, skills, and abilities that go beyond grades and test scores. A well-written letter can be the deciding factor in a competitive application pool. It’s your opportunity to advocate for a student you believe in, offering a nuanced portrait of their strengths and contributions.

2. Who Should You Recommend? Choosing the Right Student

Before you even begin to draft your letter, carefully consider the student. Do you know them well? Have you had significant interaction with them in an academic or extracurricular setting? You need to be able to speak to their abilities with genuine authority. Think about your relationship with the student. Were you their teacher, mentor, coach, or advisor? Your role will influence the perspective you bring to the letter. Choose students you can genuinely and enthusiastically support.

3. Gathering Information: The Foundation of a Strong Recommendation

A successful letter is built on a foundation of information. Don’t hesitate to ask the student for a resume, a list of activities, and a personal statement. This material provides valuable context and helps you understand their goals and aspirations. Requesting this information is completely acceptable and demonstrates your commitment to writing a comprehensive recommendation.

• Request a Student Questionnaire: Many students will provide you with a questionnaire that helps them to convey information to you.
• Ask About Their College Choices: Knowing where the student is applying can help you tailor your letter to resonate with those specific institutions.
• Review Their Academic Record: Take the time to look over their transcript, especially courses you taught them in.

4. Structuring Your Common App Recommendation Letter: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Common App provides a specific format for letters of recommendation, but the core structure remains the same. Here’s a breakdown:

4.1. The Introduction: Setting the Stage

Start with a clear and concise introduction. Identify yourself, your relationship to the student, and the context of your interaction. State your enthusiastic support for the student’s application. Briefly mention the student’s name and the specific college to which they are applying.

4.2. The Body: Highlighting Key Strengths

This is the heart of your letter. Focus on the student’s most impressive qualities, skills, and accomplishments. Provide specific examples that illustrate these points. Avoid generic praise; instead, use anecdotes and stories to bring the student’s character to life.

• Academic Abilities: Discuss their performance in your class, their intellectual curiosity, and their ability to learn and apply new concepts.
• Character and Personality: Highlight their work ethic, leadership skills, resilience, and any other personal qualities that make them stand out.
• Extracurricular Involvement: Share details about their participation in clubs, sports, or volunteer activities, and how they’ve contributed.

4.3. The Conclusion: A Strong Endorsement

Reiterate your strong recommendation. Summarize the student’s key strengths and reiterate your confidence in their ability to succeed in college. End with a clear and enthusiastic statement of support, and offer to answer any further questions from the admissions committee.

5. Writing with Impact: Tips for a Memorable Letter

To make your letter truly stand out, consider these tips:

• Be Specific: Avoid general statements like “This student is a hard worker.” Instead, provide examples: “Sarah consistently came to class prepared, actively participated in discussions, and went above and beyond on her assignments.”
• Use Anecdotes: Stories are far more memorable than descriptions. Share a specific instance where the student demonstrated leadership, problem-solving skills, or a passion for learning.
• Show, Don’t Tell: Instead of simply stating that the student is creative, describe a project they worked on that showcased their creativity.
• Maintain a Positive Tone: Focus on the student’s strengths and potential.
• Proofread Carefully: Errors can detract from your credibility. Ensure your letter is free of grammatical errors and typos.

6. Common App Specifics: Navigating the Online Submission

The Common App has specific guidelines for submitting letters of recommendation. Familiarize yourself with the platform’s requirements:

• Register as a Recommender: You’ll need to register an account on the Common App to submit the letter.
• Complete the Recommender Form: Answer the questions related to your relationship with the student and your observations of their character.
• Upload Your Letter: You will typically upload your letter as a PDF file.
• Meet Deadlines: Adhere to the deadlines set by the student and the colleges they are applying to. Missing a deadline can negatively impact the student’s application.

7. Avoiding Common Mistakes in Recommendation Letters

Certain pitfalls can weaken a letter of recommendation. Be sure to avoid them:

• Generic Praise: Avoid generic statements that could apply to any student.
• Negative Comments: Focus on positive attributes.
• Lack of Specific Examples: Without specific examples, your letter will lack credibility.
• Poor Grammar and Spelling: Errors reflect poorly on your attention to detail.
• Exaggeration: Be honest and authentic in your assessment of the student.

8. Tailoring Your Letter: Addressing Specific College Requirements

Some colleges may have specific questions or prompts for recommenders. Carefully review any supplemental materials and tailor your letter accordingly. This shows that you’ve taken the time to understand the specific requirements of the institution. If the college has a particular focus (e.g., STEM, the arts), highlight the student’s relevant achievements and potential in that area.

9. Maintaining Confidentiality: Protecting the Student’s Privacy

Letters of recommendation are typically kept confidential. This means that the student will not have access to your letter. This encourages you to be honest and forthcoming in your assessment. However, always respect the student’s privacy and only share information that you are comfortable with.

10. Sample Letter Snippets: Getting Started

Here are some example phrases to get you started:

• “I am delighted to recommend [Student’s Name] for admission to [College Name].”
• “I had the pleasure of teaching [Student’s Name] in [Course Name], and I was consistently impressed by…”
• “One instance that truly stands out is when [Student’s Name]…”
• “I am confident that [Student’s Name] will be a valuable addition to your campus community.”
• “I wholeheartedly recommend [Student’s Name] without reservation.”

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much time should I allocate to writing a letter of recommendation? Plan to spend at least several hours. The more time you allocate, the better you can capture the essence of the student.
• What if I don’t know the student well enough to write a strong letter? It’s perfectly acceptable to decline. A weak letter is worse than no letter at all.
• Can I reuse a letter of recommendation for multiple students? While you can adapt certain phrases, you should write a unique letter for each student. Each student is unique, and so should the recommendation.
• What if I am asked to write a letter very close to the deadline? Do your best to accommodate the request, but be realistic about your ability to write a quality letter in a short timeframe.
• Is there anything else I should know about submitting the letter? Make sure to check the Common App portal for any specific instructions from the colleges the student is applying to.

Conclusion

Writing a letter of recommendation for the Common App is a significant responsibility, but it’s also a rewarding opportunity to support a deserving student. By understanding the importance of your role, gathering the necessary information, structuring your letter effectively, and using compelling language, you can create a recommendation that truly shines. Remember to focus on specific examples, tailor your letter when necessary, and always maintain a positive and enthusiastic tone. By following these guidelines, you can create a letter that helps the student make a lasting impression and achieve their college dreams.