Making the Most of Your Letters of Recommendation
Following the announcement that most universities have gone test-optional and the UC and Cal State systems have gone test-blind, many students are left to wonder how their applications are evaluated. Although we recommend that students prepare for and submit competitive SAT or ACT scores to test-optional universities, the silver lining is that students who may have been counted out of admission to a school due to lower test scores still have the chance to make a persuasive argument about why they would be an asset to the school. Without the testing requirement in place, many universities are taking a more holistic approach to applicant evaluations. There are several ways that an applicant can convey their value to the university community outside of cut-and-dry grading or scoring data, and letters of recommendation from teachers are an excellent measure to highlight a student’s strengths through what colleges consider an objective assessment of the applicant.
It is key for students to be proactive about creating and taking advantage of opportunities to show their dedication as a student. Building rapport with a teacher can be more difficult within a remote learning environment, but there are still many opportunities at a student's disposal to build positive relationships. Connecting with others in a meaningful way has certainly been more challenging for many students during the pandemic, but small yet consistent efforts throughout the school year can make the difference between a run-of-the-mill letter of recommendation and an outstanding one.
Attending office hours, being punctual about attendance and assignment submissions, and following directions closely are some ways that a student can still convey their organization and sense of personal responsibility even if they are not face-to-face with teachers. If a team project is assigned, taking a facilitative role in the group or offering to present their work to the class first can show leadership. Maintaining strong email etiquette and responding to teachers promptly can evidence a student's maturity and thoughtfulness. Sharing ideas in breakout rooms or larger group discussions can showcase a student’s ability to work well with others and promote a healthy classroom culture. With every effort a student makes, consistency is the common denominator. We encourage our students to be mindful of building relationships with teachers early on in their high school careers so they can afford themselves strong recommendations in the future.
Adapting to new circumstances can be frustrating, but making the effort to overcome challenges and taking advantage of opportunities for personal and academic development are excellent character traits to show to teachers and college admissions officers alike.