A Letter of Recommendation

Dear Sirs;
I am writing to recommend (your child's name) for your consideration. I have known (your child's name) for the last four years as (his/her) Latin teacher, as well as (his/her) JCL, Ecology Club, National Honor Society, and SADD sponsor. This close association with (your child's name) has given me an accurate assessment of (his/her) ability, character, and potential for success on the collegiate level.
(Your child's name) has been an excellent student. (He/she) has taken a college preparatory curriculum that has included such courses as AP Calculus, AP Chemistry, AP English Language and Composition, AP Literature and Composition, AP Latin Literature, and AP U.S. History. (He/she) does not merely complete the required classwork, but consistently seeks knowledge above that offered in class. (He/she) has excellent insight into the machinations and motivations of both historical and literary characters and has keen analytical skills.
In addition, (your child's name) has taken full advantage of every educational opportunity available during (his/her) high school career through participation in the Cornell University summer program in medicine and the University of Dallas three week tour of Italy. This year (your child's name) is taking concurrent enrollment at Connor's State College.
(Your child's name) is a four year member of the Oklahoma Honor Society and National Latin Honor Society, and a three year member of the National Honor Society. (He/she) was also named AP Scholar during (his/her) junior year. There is no doubt that (your child's name) is well prepared for matriculation into (OU... ok, whatever university you choose) where his intellectual potential will reach fruition.
In addition to being an excellent student, (your child's name) is also involved in several extracurricular organizations. (He/she) has served as president of the Class of (insert graduation year) during all four years of high school. (He/she) has also served as president of Junior Classical League and holds an office in the Oklahoma Junior Classical League. (Your child's name) has attended two OJCL Conventions, where (he/she) won the Academic Sweepstakes Award. (He/she) has also served as vice president of National Honor Society and secretary of the Ecology Club. (He/she) is a four year member of the varsity (whatever sport) team. I feel (your child's name) will continue to be involved in extracurricular and community activities throughout (his/her) lifetime and will make many positive contributions to (his/her) community.
Finally, (your child's name) is not only an excellent student, but an excellent person. (He/she) has been instilled with a determination far exceeding (his/her) peers. (Your child's name) lives (his/her) life with a dedication to excellence in all things, a compassion for all people, and a sense of giving back to society what has been given to (him/her). (He/she) would make an excellent addition to your student body and would represent your university very well. (He/she) is truly worthy of your consideration.


I can't tell you how many letters I have written like the one above with only slight variation, because I have been blessed to teach some truly remarkable people who are now doctors, lawyers, teachers, Nike executives, architects, professional athletes, and just plain wonderful people. Most people, parents and teens alike, never stop to think about their vested interest in the educational process until this time of year when letters of recommendation are needed for college admissions and scholarship applications. As a teacher, it is an absolutely awful feeling to be sitting at the computer stumped about what to say about a student who is desperate for a letter of recommendation, but who shied away from all but the barest of academic courses and did not challenge him/herself to participate in school activities.

I am reminded of Stephen Covey's advice to begin with the end in mind. The letter above represents the end. If you are the parent of a high school freshman or sophomore, you can begin to gently suggest that your child join school clubs and activities that pique his curiosity about new subjects or fulfill his love of already developed interests. In this way, you can mindfully help create a letter of recommendation for your child that can put him on the path to exploring, understanding and fulfilling some of his/her life goals.