Who should one ask for a “Personal Recommendation Letter”, a teacher, neighbor or family friend? How does one decide who to ask?
Whoever you feel knows you well enough to write a few paragraphs about you
Thank you, what if you are uncertain about which teacher knows you the best? They’re all about in the same boat!
@Stayconnected19 Current math and English teachers are probably the best choice if you don’t have a strong relationship with others. Some schools will specify who they prefer.
I would say find someone who can speak meaningfully, with examples, about your personality and personal characteristics, someone who has seen you in action, either in the classroom or in some other activity where you interacted with others. Last year, my child selected a former teacher with whom my child retained close ties.
Can it be a close family friend?
I don’t think there’s any prohibition against using a family friend, but it’s probably not something that I would suggest. I would favor someone who is likely to be seen as relatively unbiased and having enough experience with a number of other kids in the same age group to make informed comparisons. But that’s just my two cents. Others may disagree.
The gateway form itself provides some insight into the kind of information sought. That may help you make your decision.
The best recommendation letters, the best parent letters, are short on flowery superlatives (yawn) and long on specific, first hand knowledge of the applicant - with demonstrated, SUCCINCTLY STATED examples of the child’s behavior and activities that would indicate a successful match to that particular boarding community.
Thank you for the advice.
My son had a coach and his scout leader write personal recommendations. (In addition to the teacher recommendations requested by the schools.) I agree with @CaliPops that relatively unbiased and experience with other kids is important.
What do you think is your biggest strength and who can speak to it? I just had a teacher ask me if she could write my son’s recommendation. She told me she has never advocated for a student before, but he has shown more grit and determination than any student she’s ever had. As I think this is a huge strength of his, I think she will be a great choice despite the fact that he’s not doing so well academically in her class. Don’t be afraid to approach someone that might not have seen you at your best, but has seen you face a challenge and overcome it. Probably a more meaningful and rememberable character reference than the typical 'great student" letter.
@Stayconnected19 I had my Mandarin teacher to do a few, my Piano teacher do one and my swim coach do another. I chose people who I’ve known for a while and know my strengths and weeknesses