This month our blog was written by Bryan Walker, GEAR UP Education Programs Professional with the Nevada Department of Education.
A Guide to Securing Impactful Letters of Recommendations
Crafting an impactful letter of recommendation is a distinct art form. While a well-written letter can often tip the scales for a candidate whose academic metrics are on the borderline, it serves a much broader purpose for every applicant: it provides a human voice to a collection of data. Whether you are a straight-A student or someone who has overcome significant hurdles, a strong recommendation is your opportunity to shine.
The most critical factor for a student advocate is having sufficient time to prepare. Writers need time to reflect on the specific stories and experiences that best encapsulate a student’s potential. When I worked closely with students, I requested notice by the end of the academic year; this provided the necessary time to consider the unique traits that made each student stand out. For our rising Nevada GEAR UP seniors, I strongly encourage you to identify and approach your potential advocates before the current school year ends to ensure they have the time necessary to fully articulate your strengths and potential.
To ensure you receive a letter that truly advocates for your character, I recommend following this structured approach:
- Identify the Right Advocates: Create a list of counselors, teachers, and mentors to determine who can provide the most favorable and specific insights into your growth.
- Establish a Timeline: Build a clear schedule with internal due dates to avoid last-minute pressure on your writers.
- Provide a “Toolkit”: Supply each advocate with a checklist and a student profile listing future goals, accomplishments, and extracurricular activities. This ensures the writer has the evidence they need to support their claims.
- Handle the Logistics: In the rare case a letter is sent via mail, provide pre-addressed stamped envelopes. For all writers, ensure a thank-you note is sent promptly after the letter is submitted.
- Communicate the “Why”: Engage in an open dialogue so the advocate understands exactly why they were chosen. It isn’t a random selection; it is a partnership based on displayed characteristics and shared experiences.
Finally, having a transparent and trusting relationship with an advocate allows the student to confidently waive their right to read the letter via the FERPA waiver. This transparency demonstrates a level of maturity and confidence that invariably impresses admissions committees.
