Reference letters are one of the most important parts of your college application. Students applying to American universities are usually asked for reference letters/letters of recommendation written by their instructors or advisors giving information about the academic achievement, cultural and social experiences of the person. There are a lot of questions that students can have about reference letters. What kind of information should the reference letter contain? Who should write it? In this post, we will find out the things you need to know about reference letters. Read it before you get yours.

Reference Letter: Important Things To Know

What kind of information should the reference letter contain? 

The contents of reference letters differ according to the university. While some universities only care about your information about your academic success, others may request a reference letter from the institutions/companies you have worked with before. The second situation is generally valid for students who will apply for an MBA.

There are also universities, such as Stanford University, that require specific and individual-focused reference letters. Such reference letters should be written in a way that focuses on the personal abilities of the student, such as extracurricular studies and cultural activities, rather than academic achievements.

How to write a good reference letter? 

What makes a reference letter strong is its content. Therefore, it is very important who wrote the reference letter. One of the most important criteria sought in reference letters is that they are written by people who have worked with you and know you well and have a certain idea about you. It makes the letter more realistic if the person who gave the reference letter includes his views on the student’s academic status and studies, as well as his relationship and interaction with himself.

It is very important that reference letters are written in plain and sincere language. Since very elaborate and extravagant sentences will make them unconvincing. Specific and different features should be emphasized, and specific examples should be included in the content of the letter. While the letter focuses on the knowledge and skills, characteristics, personal development, achievements and contributions of the person in the organization, documenting the mentioned situations with examples increases the credibility of the letter.

How can you contribute to your reference letter?

First of all, pay attention to the choice of the person who will write the reference letter. It doesn’t make much sense to ask for a reference letter from someone you’ve never interacted with before. If you are not acquainted academically or because of business relations, it will not help you to get references from people with high titles (such as rectors or ministers) in terms of being impressive in terms of their positions. 

Because the person writing the reference should have full knowledge of the student’s academic success, studies, plans and goals. A stereotypical letter written without sufficient information will not be of any value and may have a negative effect. Therefore, the person who will write the reference letter should know you well, and there should be a good relationship between you.

You have chosen the person you want to be your reference, so what should you do now? Make sure you provide enough information about yourself. Share your personal portfolio and CV, as well as the reasons and motivation for choosing the university and department to study, seek advice and discuss your choices. Help the reference person see the sides of you that he does not know.

If you only need the contact information of the person you want to be your reference, not a reference letter, you should definitely get permission before sharing this information with your university.

How can you help the person who will write your reference letter?

First, make sure you give your reference enough time to write a letter. Remember that the person is doing this work for you voluntarily, and is not obligated to do so. Being persistent may be out of courtesy, especially for people with a busy work schedule. To make it easier for your reference, you can share the list of schools you want to apply for and the application dates as a list, and obtain stamps and envelopes. 

If time is running out and you still haven’t written your reference letter, don’t rush. Confirm via email whether your reference has all the information needed to finish the letter.