That being said, your GPA and test results alone will not be enough to gain admission to a selective college. There are letters of recommendation that can help with that. These letters let admissions officers know more about you than just your numbers. As a college admissions advisor, I can say that good letters of recommendation can often make the difference when the competition is high.
Even though you don’t write this paper, there are still many things you can do to make sure it’s strong, detailed, and really shows off your skills. So, I will share some of the best tips for writing a letter of recommendation for college along the way.
If you know what makes a great letter, you can help your recommender write one. 😉
What Is a Letter of Recommendation for College Admissions?
A letter of recommendation is an official statement made by someone who knows the student, like a teacher, tutor, or guide. You send it with your college application. While grades show how well you did in school, recommendation letters indicate what kind of person you are, how you get along with others, and how you deal with problems. These letters help colleges figure out what kind of student and community person you could be.
A well-written recommendation for a student should include the following:
- How the writer knows you and where they know you (school, extracurricular activities, guidance)
- Give specific examples of your skills and personal qualities, like being a leader, being creative, or being persistent.
- Your progress over time, especially if you overcame problems or got better.
- A clear recommendation that tells the reader why they think you’d do well in college.
In short, this letter tells you something that your GPA doesn’t. That’s why it is so important to pick your recommenders carefully and help them write the best rec letter possible.
What Are Some Tips for Writing a Compelling Letter of Recommendation?
From my experience reviewing countless letters, the most effective ones help admissions offices understand who the student is beyond test scores and academic record.
Below are some tips for writing a strong letter of recommendation, especially for students applying to college or graduate school.
Help Your Recommender Understand Your Goals and Strengths
In my experience, the most well-written letters come from recommenders who clearly understand the student’s application and what sets the applicant apart. Before asking for a recommendation, explain your college application plans — the schools you are applying to, your intended major, and the strengths you want them to highlight. Also, tell about your academic performance, class participation, and even some of the challenges you had overcome.
Sharing these details will help your recommender accurately describe both your academic record and personal qualities. This is one of the most important tips for writing a good letter of recommendation.
So, if you want a strong recommendation for college application, you can also add:
- A short list of your academic strengths and favorite subjects.
- Top achievements and leadership roles.
- Notes on your work ethic, especially during group projects or deadlines.
- An anecdote showing how you handled adversity.
- A few lines about why you’d be a good fit for each program.
This background makes it easier for the recommender to accurately describe the student and avoid generic or overly vague praise.
Ask Them to Include Specific Examples
From what I’ve seen in sample letters, phrases like “She’s a good student” or “He is a hard worker” aren’t enough, even if they’re true. Admissions officers are reading hundreds of letters, and what makes one stand out is the specific examples.
Just ask politely in a recommendation request if they could include a moment or project that demonstrates how you showed leadership, overcame a challenge, or helped your classmates. These skills and abilities tell a much stronger story than vague compliments ever could.
Also, please don’t shy away from asking your recommender to avoid clichés and focus on what they personally saw in you.
Make Sure the Letter Matches the School or Program
Every college has different expectations, and your letter should reflect that. When you ask someone to write letters of recommendation, don’t forget to share about each school’s values. Just describe in bullet points whether they emphasized community involvement, independent research, or creative thinking
For example, if you’re applying to grad school, your recommender should speak to your aptitude for advanced work. One of the most helpful tips for writing a letter of recommendation for graduate school is to highlight your ability to think critically, manage complex material, and add valuable insights to academic discussions.
A recommendation for a student applying to a Ph.D. program should sound very different than one applying to an art school — and that’s something worth discussing with your recommender ahead of time.
Keep It Focused and Respect Their Time
I made it clear from the start that a concise, one-page letter was outstanding. It’s about the quality of content. A focused school counselor recommendation that covers a few main themes is much more effective than one packed with unrelated details.
A recommender didn’t have to rehash everything on your résumé. Instead, ask them to write about two or three moments that captured their character and academic potential. That gave the letter a strong structure and helped it stand out in the college application process.
Only Ask Those Who Can Write a Strong Rec
Not every teacher or school counselor is the right person to write the letter for admission representatives. So, it’s better to ask, “Would you feel comfortable writing a strong recommendation for me?” That way, if they didn’t feel they had enough experience with you, they could decline gracefully.
A weak or vague letter can actually do more harm than good. But when someone knows your academic abilities, cares about your goals, and has seen you grow, their letter can make a huge difference in the admission process.
They’ll be able to explain why you’re a good student, why you’re a strong candidate, and how your passion and commitment make you stand out.
Final Tips for Writing a Letter of Recommendation for College
If you’re applying through the Common App or thinking about Early Decision, your letters of recommendation matter more than you might think. They help admissions teams see the full picture. I mean not just your grades, but who you are as a person and how you show up in class.
The best time to start thinking about this? Toward the end of junior year. That gives your teachers or counselor plenty of time to write something solid before the senior year rush hits. Don’t wait until the last minute, and definitely don’t hesitate to contact them if you think they might need more information or a reminder.
Also, make it easy for them to write a strong letter for a student like you. Give them a quick summary of what you want to include (maybe a challenge you’ve overcome, a project you’re proud of, or how you’ve grown academically). If the student has experienced anything meaningful, it’s worth sharing.
And if you’re not sure how to ask or what to say, look up advice from some of the Best College Admission Consultants — they really help students figure this stuff out and get noticed.