1. WRITING A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION For yourself!

2. TO START: Make a written list of 10 positive things about you that the people who know you best and your teachers would agree with. Think about personal characteristics, classroom and on the job attributes (good things about you!) It could include: attendance, attitude, willingness to go the extra mile, etc.

3. GROUP THINK! Brainstorm! Work in 3 groups to:  1. List possible accomplishments in activities, volunteering, employment, etc.  2. List desirable characteristics and accomplishments in the classroom  3. List personal characteristics a school would want in a potential student Work in groups for 15 minutes (5 minutes per topic) before reporting back to the large group.

4. ACTIVITIES, VOLUNTEERING, EMPLOYMENT National Honors Society Athletic awards, Captain, lettering, MVP, hustle, scholarships Student of the month Link Crew ASB Clubs: BSU, Key Club, Anime Volunteering, schools, PAWS, hospitals Jazz Band, extra music Youth groups, Young Life Employee of the Month Promotions: independent work Presidential volunteering award

5. CLASSROOM ACCOMPLISHMENTS High grades Attendance Shows leadership Teamwork Interest and actively engaged Honors/AP classes Helpful Generous of spirit Consistency

6. PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS Well-rounded Hard-working Improvement Intelligent Involved Motivated Determined Impactful in community

7. What do you think an admittance counselor would think about you, as a person and as a potential candidate for their school after he/she reads a letter with these positive comments? You are going to write the letter yourself, looking at your own strengths and the truth! Use the list you just made.

8. FORMATTING THE LETTER

9. DATE AND SALUTATION Start with today’s date written out completely: September 23, 2014 Then include a greeting with a specific addressee: To the admissions committee at Western Washington University, To whom it may concern, Reminder: all paragraphs start far left (no indention)

10. FIRST PARAGRAPH OF LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION  Start with an opener (choose one of the below options):  It is with pleasure I write this letter of recommendation for__________.  I am happy to write this letter of recommendation for ____________.  As a teacher for ________ at Lynnwood High School, it is my pleasure to write this letter of recommendation for _________________.  As an English teacher, I work closely with many students. I consider ______________ to be one of the most studious and responsible members of my class.

11. FIRST PARAGRAPH OF LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION Then follow the opener with how long and in what capacity you have known the person. Consider the following examples and make your own based on  “ I have known ______________ for three years as his teacher and Varsity Wrestling coach.  “I have had the pleasure of working with ____________ as her English teacher in both her Honors English 10 class and English 12.”

12. SECOND & THIRD PARAGRAPHS: SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES INSIDE THE CLASSROOM: (Body paragraph #2) Great attendance Positive attitude Going above and beyond expectations Work is done in a timely, neat manner OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM (JOB OR ACTIVITIES body paragraph #3) Always willing to step up to a leadership role Team player Can always be counted on Volunteers for extra projects Commendable integrity/honesty Great reviews from his/her supervisors

13. FOURTH PARAGRAPH The fourth paragraph is reiterating the recommendation and how to contact the teacher in case of questions. For example, Again, I want to say how much I believe __________________ would be an asset to your university. Feel free to contact me with any questions about this exceptional student.

14. SIGN OFF WITH: Sincerely, (Leave space for signature) Name of Teacher Name of organization Position or title

15. ~WRITE IN 3 RD PERSON! ~USE ELEVATED VOCABULARY ~WRITE AS THOUGH YOU ARE A TEACHER WRITING ABOUT A STUDENT ~ BE TRUTHFUL! IF ACADEMICS AREN’T YOUR STRONG POINT, THEN TALK ABOUT WHAT IS! SOCIALLY GIFTED, VOLUNTEER MINDED, ETC.

16. IF YOU NEED ADDITIONAL IDEAS OR HELP… Go to this web site for additional ideas. http://www.thecollegehelper.com/college-recommendation-letter- sampleshttp://www.thecollegehelper.com/college-recommendation-letter- samples