What Should a Recommendation Letter Include?

Are you looking at applying to the master of education in learning, cognition, and development degree program at Rutgers Online and want to be sure you get in? The program has a number of requirements and pre-requisites, one of which is to have two letters of recommendation. This is a fabulous opportunity for you to show what an asset you’d be to the program, but your letter must be written right.
When it comes to a top-quality recommendation letter there are a few things it should include. Let’s examine it a little closer.

What is a Letter of Recommendation?

In order to submit a stellar letter of recommendation, it's important to understand what it is. A letter of recommendation is a letter that outlines your attributes and skills that would make you an ideal student in that particular school. Typically, these letters of recommendation should come from a guidance counselor, a teacher, a principal, etc.
It doesn’t have to be a long letter. In fact you want it to be brief, but it needs to be straight to the point. It’s very common for a college/university to ask for a couple of different letters of recommendation.

What to Include?

When it comes to the specifics there are a few things to keep in mind. The letter should always discuss what that person's experiences have been with you. If it is coming from your teacher, it needs to state that and then go on to explain what your teacher’s experiences were with you as a student. You want the letter to be specific and personal, not a standard generic letter.
The letter should discuss any volunteering and placements that can relate to their university degree program, it should discuss your character, what kind of student you are, your attitude in school, and anything else that will reflect positively on you.
An exceptional recommendation letter should also take things further and explain why you would be perfect for that particular university/college. You want the admissions office to see your potential and feel as though they are missing out if you aren't admitted.
The letter should always end on a positive note with the person giving you a resounding endorsement.

Some Don'ts to Keep in Mind

As you work on getting your recommendation letters there are a couple of things you will want to avoid doing. First off, make sure you start asking well in advance. Just because you have two people in mind that you want to ask, doesn't mean they will both say yes. You need to leave time to find a back-up if necessary. You also want to be sure you don't get too pushy about what the letter should include. It should be very natural to read and if you're telling the person what to write, it will come across that way. Lastly, make sure you don’t become a pest about getting the letter. Once someone says yes, give them a firm deadline, and then give them space.

Recommendation Letters Don’t Need to be a Stressful Task

By making sure you include the appropriate information and asking the right people to put the letter together, you are sure to end up with something spectacular that will help you get admitted into the online MELCD program.