How I Got PERFECT Ivy League Rec Letters (FULL GUIDE)

Summary

This video script offers a comprehensive guide for high school students on securing impactful recommendation letters for college applications. It emphasizes the importance of building genuine relationships with teachers, excelling academically, and demonstrating personal qualities outside the classroom. The speaker shares personal strategies for standing out, such as engaging in class, volunteering for tasks, and excelling in extracurricular activities, all while fostering mutual respect and gratitude towards educators.

Takeaways

• 🎓 **Importance of Rec Letters**: Recommendation letters are crucial for college applications, often required in sets of three from a counselor and two teachers.
• 🔍 **Choosing the Right Teachers**: For STEM students, having at least one STEM teacher is mandatory, and for others, one teacher from the field of interest and one from a different field is recommended.
• 🏫 **Impact of Rec Letters**: A bad recommendation letter can negatively impact a student's application, showing a lack of teacher engagement or care.
• 🤔 **Building Teacher Relationships**: Fostering genuine relationships with teachers can lead to better rec letters, as teachers are more likely to write positively about students they know and like.
• 🏆 **Academic Performance**: Consistently achieving high grades in classes is essential to demonstrate intelligence and work ethic, which are key qualities in rec letters.
• 📚 **Standing Out in Class**: Going above and beyond in assignments, especially ungraded ones, can catch a teacher's attention and lead to a memorable impression.
• 🤝 **Social Skills Matter**: Developing likable social skills and being personable can make a student more memorable to teachers, improving the chances of a strong rec letter.
• 🙋‍♂️ **Volunteering in Class**: Being the first to volunteer for tasks or to answer questions can demonstrate leadership and reliability, qualities valued in rec letters.
• 👥 **Clubs and Extracurriculars**: Participating in and excelling at extracurricular activities, especially those led by teachers, can provide additional opportunities to stand out.
• 🌟 **Recognition Outside School**: Achieving recognition for projects or activities outside of school can impress teachers and make a student more notable, enhancing the rec letter.
• 💬 **Expressing Gratitude**: Genuinely thanking teachers for their support and expressing how they've positively impacted a student's life can create a lasting, positive impression.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of recommendation letters in the college application process?

The primary purpose of recommendation letters is to provide colleges with an additional perspective on the student's character, academic credentials, leadership abilities, and personality from the viewpoint of a teacher who has interacted with the student.

How many recommendation letters are typically required for competitive college applications?

The overwhelming majority of competitive college applications require at least three recommendation letters, usually from a counselor and two different teachers.

What is the recommended approach for students interested in STEM fields when choosing teachers for recommendation letters?

For STEM students, it is recommended to have at least one teacher from a STEM field, such as math or science, and one non-STEM teacher, like an English or history teacher, who can speak on the student's other characteristics.

Why is it important to build a relationship with teachers early on in high school?

Building a relationship with teachers early on helps students stand out and be remembered by their teachers, which can be crucial when seeking recommendation letters that reflect positively on the student's abilities and character.

What are some non-academic activities that can help a student stand out to their teachers?

Participating in clubs, sports, or community service, especially if the student takes on a leadership role or achieves recognition for their work, can help them stand out to teachers and strengthen their recommendation letters.

How can a student demonstrate their work ethic and determination to their teachers?

A student can demonstrate their work ethic and determination by consistently achieving high grades, going above and beyond on assignments, especially those that are not graded, and showing genuine curiosity and interest in the subject matter.

What is the significance of participating in ungraded assignments to stand out academically?

Participating in ungraded assignments allows a student to stand out because many classmates may not put effort into them, and teachers are more likely to notice and appreciate the extra effort put forth by the student.

How can a student's social skills in the classroom contribute to a positive recommendation letter?

A student's social skills, such as being personable, responding positively to praise, and engaging in class discussions, can contribute to a positive recommendation letter by creating a likable image and fostering a good rapport with the teacher.

What is the 'Trifecta' strategy mentioned in the script for getting good recommendation letters?

The 'Trifecta' strategy includes: 1) being the go-to person for the teacher in class, 2) having out-of-classroom experiences with the teacher, such as being part of a club they advise, and 3) showing personal qualities and achievements outside of school that gain recognition and make the teacher proud.

Why is it important for students to express gratitude to their teachers for their support and guidance?

Expressing gratitude helps to establish a deeper connection with the teacher, shows appreciation for their efforts, and can make a lasting impression that may be reflected positively in a recommendation letter.

What is the final strategy mentioned in the script for elevating a student's chances of getting good recommendation letters?

The final strategy is to gain recognition for extracurricular activities that showcase the student's personal qualities and achievements, which can lead to teachers respecting and remembering the student more positively.