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Overview
In the competitive landscape of college admissions, letters of recommendation play a pivotal role in differentiating candidates. "MIT's Guide to Letters of Recommendation" doesn't just tell you what a good letter looks like—it guides you through the process of becoming the kind of student who inspires those letters. Through this module, you'll not only prepare yourself to request outstanding letters of recommendation but also develop skills and insights that will serve you well beyond the college application process.
While "MIT's Guide to Letters of Recommendation" is primarily crafted for educators and individuals tasked with writing letters of recommendation, its insights and guidance are invaluable for students as well. Understanding the perspective of those writing the letters offers students a unique advantage in shaping their high school journey to cultivate the very experiences and qualities that make a recommendation letter resonate with admissions committees.
By familiarizing themselves with what educators are encouraged to highlight—such as intellectual curiosity, resilience in the face of challenges, and contributions to the classroom and community—students can proactively engage in activities and behaviors that foster these anecdotes. This awareness enables students to not only aim for excellence but also to do so in ways that align with the narratives their recommenders will be encouraged to share.
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