{"id":4634,"date":"2023-07-05T13:39:00","date_gmt":"2023-07-05T13:39:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/solomonadmissions.com\/?p=4634"},"modified":"2026-01-22T08:01:35","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T13:01:35","slug":"recommendation-letters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.solomonadmissions.com\/in\/post\/recommendation-letters\/","title":{"rendered":"A Guide to Recommendation Letters for College Admissions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u201cBe nice to your college counselor \u2013 we write your letter of recommendation.\u201d These words stood out in bold white letters on a bright red coffee mug that sat on my office desk for years. The cup\u2019s blunt advice always received a chuckle from students and parents, likely because the suggestion was a gentle reminder of the role I played in the student\u2019s college admission process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Value of Recommendation Letters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Like the college essay, letters of recommendation hold significant value in a holistic admission review. Colleges evaluate these letters to gain a deeper understanding of a student\u2019s potential to be successful within their school community. Success is evaluated far beyond the numbers. A student\u2019s character, leadership, intellectual curiosity, and drive to make a positive impact are all sought-after qualities. These attributes are often highlighted in a counselor\u2019s letter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Behind the Scenes of Recommendation Writing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Throughout my eight years on the \u201cother side of the desk\u201d as a college counselor, I wrote 300+ letters advocating for students, highlighting their unique qualities within 1,000 words. Each personalized letter took significant time to draft \u2013 no two letters were the same and cutting-and-pasting from one letter to another was simply not an option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, in reality, I didn\u2019t know every student to the depth in which my letters expressed. Any college counselor can attest to how challenging this aspect of the job is. Some students spend hours with their counselor discussing their passions, political issues that sparked a reaction, research projects, sports, arts, and more. Others do the required 50-minute meeting and then are seldom heard from again. Nevertheless, the letter must be drafted. Counselors go to incredible lengths to acquire student information from those who know them best. They turn to teachers, advisors, coaches, and others within the school community for insight. Students are observed on countless platforms, including on stage, in the studio, and on the athletic field. Regardless of any situation, counselors reflect on their student\u2019s potential as observed on their very best days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Power of the Recommendation Letter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For many students and parents, the thought of a school professional holding this level of power through their written letter is daunting. Students are required to sign the FERPA <\/u><\/a>agreement, granting permission for school administrators to share supporting documents with colleges (transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.). This is necessary in order for college application files to be complete. As part of this agreement, students and parents are also waiving permission to access the letters written on their behalf. Colleges are only interested in letters that grant recommenders full autonomy for an honest reflection. This can be nerve-wracking for those who are especially anxious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Student and Parent Input in Recommendation Letters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

However, although students and guardians are not permitted to submit their own letter of recommendation to colleges, they have more say in what goes into their letter than they realize. Of the many community members counselors turn to for insight, counselors often provide a platform for students and parents to also share their perspective. The information provided, if thoughtful and thorough, can have an incredible impact on the strength of the letter. For counselors responsible for supporting hundreds of students, it\u2019s nearly impossible to draft such personalized letters, and colleges are aware of this reality. For the counselors who are fortunate to work within a manageable caseload (30-70 students), drafting detailed letters is more realistic. If your school\u2019s college counseling office requests a Student Questionnaire and Parent Questionnaire, take full advantage of this opportunity. Counselors welcome and encourage each questionnaire to be thoughtfully completed, providing insight they may not otherwise receive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common Questions in Student and Parent Questionnaires<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Questions often asked in a student questionnaire:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n