Recommendation Do's And Don'ts

Applying to College
1

<p>Hi there</p>

<p>I'm an international student, and the whole concept of writing recommendations for students is virtually unknown here. Therefore, some of the teachers that are going to write recommendations for me asked whether there are any formalities they have to follow or whether there are certain rules or standards. But to be honest, I don't really know, either.
So, could somebody please explain this to me? Are there any rules? Things you should or shouldn't mention? Are those letters supposed to be rather formulaic, or can the teacher write whatever she/he feels is right?</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

<p>Alex</p>

2

<p>Generally speaking, the teacher may write whatever he thinks is relevant about your academic achievement and personality. You can google some sample teacher recs if you want, or check the MIT site to see their recommendation form, it points out some aspects a good recommendation should include (you must create an account in order to download it).</p>