<p>For those applying/accepted to the really competitive ivies, what makes a standout teacher recommendation? Is there a certain length, things to be said....my teachers will generally let me see the letter, and some even allow me to make suggestions, so what should I be looking for?</p>
<p>I found this to be helpful:</p>
<p>[MIT</a> Admissions | Info For Schools & Counselors: Writing Evaluations](<a href=“http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/schools/writing_evaluations/index.shtml]MIT ”>http://www.mitadmissions.org/topics/schools/writing_evaluations/index.shtml )</p>
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Because of our highly competitive applicant pool, letters of recommendation hold substantial weight in our admissions decisions. A well-written letter for an outstanding applicant can highlight impressive characteristics beyond his/her own self-advocacy. We are looking for people who have and will make an impact - the difference between a letter that supports and a letter that raves about a special student.</p>
<p>Both guidance counselor and teacher evaluations are most helpful when they are specific and storied. They should provide us with the information and impressions we cannot glean from the rest of the application. Try to give a complete sketch of the student and the context of his/her accomplishments. Support your conclusions with facts and anecdotes whenever possible. A story or incident that conveys the character or merit of the individual is more telling than a mere statement like “Mary is mature.”</p>
<p>Try to address the following questions in your evaluation:</p>
<p>•What is the context of your relationship with the applicant? If you do not know the applicant well and are only able to write a brief summary, please acknowledge this.
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<p>Then, on that link, MIT gives specific examples of the types of recommendation letters that are the most useful to the admissions office.</p>
<p>Thank you SO much! This is extremely helpful.</p>