This teacher MUST be able to include:
• Good stories that make you stand out from the rest of the applicant pool
• Examples of your potential to succeed in college
Choose someone who can answer the following questions:
• How did the student engage the intellectual material of the class?
• Discuss the student’s motivation, participation, interests, and accomplishments in the
class. (These are not the grades or accomplishments already listed on the student’s
college application.)
• How has the student maximized her/his opportunities in your class and/or at school?
• What other intellectual/academic qualities have you observed?
• What was this student’s impact on the learning community? What kind of impact
will this student have on the university?
• Is this student a good member of the community?
• Why would one want to interact with this student?
Highly competitive colleges and “concentration schools” (e.g. Caltech) recommend
the following structure:
• Opening paragraph
o Describe school setting (public/private; school size; % students going to 4-
year schools).
o Describe length/conditions of acquaintance with student.
o How does this student compare to other students you have taught?
• Academic achievement
o Describe your course’s level of difficulty.
o Evaluate student’s performance & student’s skills in relation to other students
in the class.
• Personal traits; other key points you need to say about the student
(2003 NACAC Conference Workshop)
Student Checklist
• Make your request at least two weeks in advance.
• Attach the recommendation form from each school to this sheet.
• Give the teacher a stamped envelope addressed to each school.
• Include additional materials requested by the teacher (personal statement, resume).
• Follow up with the teacher as the deadline for your application nears.
• Write a thank-you note to the teacher after the letter has been sent.