Summer Time and the Living is Easy...or not

Summer Time = Letter of Recommendation Time

Summer time … and the living is easy. Well, not exactly, especially for rising seniors. Sure, you may have just aced Regents and AP’s and want to head to the beach. That’s ok… for a few hours or even a few days. (Just don’t forget the sunscreen!)  But if you are savvy, you will seize the summer months to jump-start your application process.

I’m thrilled to have been invited to blog for PATCH readers. Watch for my future posts that will provide concrete, easy-to-implement tips to help you submit an Uncommon Application so that you can ultimately live an Uncommon Future.

Today, I want to focus on your letters of recommendation. Why is that important when deadlines are months away? Quite simple. Most of you will be asking at least one teacher for a letter and your teachers have time during the summer. Time to think, reflect, recall, plan…and then write. Give your teacher the gift of time and you’ll probably receive a gift in return: a compelling letter that will help to convince an admission counselor that you will be an asset to the class of 2017.

Think before you ask!

Your letter should not only recap information that is already revealed through your transcript and brag sheet. It is a strategic tool that should convey new information.

You mean I should not ask my Chemistry teacher for latter? After all, I get a 5 on my Chem AP, I’m president of the Chemistry Club, and won a regional award for my Chemistry project. 

That’s exactly what I mean. Those three wonderful data points are already on your application! Unless your Chemistry teacher can share additional concrete information, ask someone else.

So, whom should I ask?

Recommendation letters should highlight your positive traits and, if necessary, reframe perceived negative ones as positives. Ask yourself:

•       How well does the teacher really know you?

•       Did the teacher like you?

•       Is the teacher familiar with your: passion compassion, quirks, strengths, goals???

If you choose carefully and give your teacher generous lead-time time (and even some memory joggers about telling anecdotes) you’ll end up with a winning letter!

For more information, visit: http://www.UncommonApplication.com