Tips for Me - Writing Peer Rec

Colleges and Universities A-Z Dartmouth College
1

<p>Hey there really smart kids applying to Dartmouth, and hello all other readers of the Dartmouth forum!</p>

<p>My friend has given me the honor of writing his peer recommendation for this wonderful Ivy League institution. I have so many ideas on what to say about him, and I essentially know what points I'd like to make about him as a student, community member, and friend. I also consider myself to be a pretty good and experienced writer for my age. But I'm not familiar with writing recommendations in the slightest, so I'm asking for some general tips.</p>

<p>Any tips on diction, like in trying not to sound like a braggart?</p>

<p>What do the admissions officers truly expect from me, given that I'm not a teacher? Can I get away with some informalities in my writing that may give them a clearer picture of my friend?</p>

<p>Should it be structured like an essay with one clear "thesis" that is supported by topic sentences and whatnot, or can I just make some points about him in separate, unrelated paragraphs?</p>

<p>Any other tips that come to mind?</p>

2

<p>Not an ADCOM, so I don’t know for sure. But I would imagine that what they are primarily looking for is a better understanding of who your friend is from a perspective they haven’t yet seen. That being said, a well-written essay will likely cement the quality of your friend as an applicant better than a weaker one (which you shouldn’t have a problem with). Basically I’d try to hit on what makes you’re friend a great person, ideally mentioning things not dicussed in his personal statement or teacher recs. A central thesis could be nice, although its probably not necessary, other than the fact that they are a great person/well-qualified applicant. Try to include persoanl antecdotnes to make the statements seem more real. Good Luck!</p>

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<p>thank you for the response!</p>