{"id":2164,"date":"2025-03-28T23:10:07","date_gmt":"2025-03-29T07:10:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/?p=2164"},"modified":"2026-08-31T10:12:54","modified_gmt":"2026-08-31T18:12:54","slug":"college-recommendation-letter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/college-applications-and-admissions\/college-recommendation-letter\/","title":{"rendered":"Letters of Recommendation: Choosing Your Recommenders &amp; Helping Them Write the Best Letter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/college-applications-and-admissions\/college-application-timeline\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\">College applications need great letters<\/a> of recommendation. A good letter shows colleges who you are. It highlights your strengths and abilities. Letters of recommendation can be a key piece of your application. This article will help you choose wisely. You&#8217;ll also learn how to help your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/scholarships-and-financial-aid\/scholarship-recommendations-choosing-recommenders\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\">recommenders write amazing letters<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1-7-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Recommendation Letters: Choose Wisely &amp; Help Your Recommenders\" class=\"wp-image-2489\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1-7-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1-7-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1-7-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/1-7.png 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who Should You Ask for a Recommendation Letter?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Think carefully about who you ask. Don&#8217;t just ask teachers who gave you good grades. Ask teachers who know you well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Teachers Who Know You:<\/strong> Choose teachers who know your work ethic. Pick teachers who have seen you grow.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Someone Who Can Speak to Your Strengths:<\/strong> Find someone who can talk about your skills. They should highlight your contributions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Someone Who Can Write Well:<\/strong> A well-written letter matters. Choose someone who can express themselves clearly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Someone Who Likes You:<\/strong> It helps if the recommender likes you. Their enthusiasm will show in the letter.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"ci-auto-cta\" style=\"background:#0A3D5C;color:#fff;border-radius:14px;padding:16px 22px;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:16px;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:22px 0;font-family:inherit\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"28\" height=\"28\" fill=\"#F5C563\" style=\"flex:0 0 28px\"><path d=\"M12 3 1 8l11 5 9-4.1V15h2V8L12 3z\"\/><path d=\"M5 12.7v3.3c0 1.2 3.1 3 7 3s7-1.8 7-3v-3.3l-7 3.2-7-3.2z\"\/><\/svg><div style=\"flex:1;min-width:220px\"><div style=\"font-size:19px;font-weight:800;line-height:1.2;margin:0 0 3px\">Find Your Best-Fit College<\/div><div style=\"font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.45;color:#c9d9e6\">Explore your options and find the campus that&#8217;s right for you.<\/div><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/college\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#EDAE39;color:#072A40;font-weight:800;font-size:14.5px;border-radius:999px;padding:11px 24px;text-decoration:none;white-space:nowrap\">Find Colleges<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The &#8220;Brag Sheet&#8221;: Your Secret Weapon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Help your recommenders write great letters. Give them a &#8220;brag sheet.&#8221; This is a document that highlights your accomplishments.You can use platforms like<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\"> Cirkled In<\/a> to create a dynamic portfolio to highlight your skills and achievements and share that with the recommender (<strong><em>and it\u2019s free!<\/em><\/strong>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>List Your Achievements:<\/strong> Include academic awards and extracurricular activities. Mention projects you&#8217;re proud of.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Share Your Goals:<\/strong> Explain your college and career goals. Tell them what you hope to achieve.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Highlight Relevant Skills:<\/strong> List the skills that are important for college. Writing, problem-solving, and teamwork are good examples.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Provide Examples:<\/strong> Give specific examples of your skills in action. &#8220;In my history class, I led a group project that received an A+.&#8221;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s a simple brag sheet template you can adapt:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Name:<\/strong> [Your Name]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Course\/Activity:<\/strong> [Recommender&#8217;s class or activity]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key Achievements:<\/strong> [List 3-5 achievements]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Skills Demonstrated:<\/strong> [List 3-5 skills]<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Future Goals:<\/strong> [Your college and career goals]<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"ci-auto-cta\" style=\"background:#1E90C9;color:#fff;border-radius:14px;padding:16px 22px;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:16px;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:22px 0;font-family:inherit\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"28\" height=\"28\" fill=\"#F5C563\" style=\"flex:0 0 28px\"><path d=\"M4 5h5l2 2h9a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v10a1 1 0 0 1-1 1H4a1 1 0 0 1-1-1V6a1 1 0 0 1 1-1z\"\/><\/svg><div style=\"flex:1;min-width:220px\"><div style=\"font-size:19px;font-weight:800;line-height:1.2;margin:0 0 3px\">Showcase Everything You&#8217;ve Achieved<\/div><div style=\"font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.45;color:#e8f5fd\">Build a free Cirkled In portfolio that shows who you are beyond test scores.<\/div><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#EDAE39;color:#072A40;font-weight:800;font-size:14.5px;border-radius:999px;padding:11px 24px;text-decoration:none;white-space:nowrap\">Start My Profile<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Asking for the Letter: Timing and Etiquette<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Don&#8217;t wait until the last minute. Ask for letters well in advance. Six to eight weeks is a good timeframe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Ask in Person (If Possible):<\/strong> This shows respect. It also allows you to explain your request.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Be Polite and Respectful:<\/strong> Thank them for their time. Acknowledge that they&#8217;re doing you a favor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Provide All Necessary Materials:<\/strong> Give them your brag sheet, transcript, and application deadlines.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Waive Your Right to See the Letter:<\/strong> This shows colleges that you trust your recommender.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Makes a Strong Recommendation Letter?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/college-applications-and-admissions\/how-to-secure-strong-letters-of-recommendation-for-college\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\">strong letter goes beyond just<\/a> saying you&#8217;re a good student. It highlights specific qualities and achievements. It tells a story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Personal Anecdotes:<\/strong> The letter should include stories that show your personality.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Specific Examples:<\/strong> The letter should give examples of your skills and achievements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Enthusiasm:<\/strong> The letter should express genuine enthusiasm for your potential.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Focus on Your Strengths:<\/strong> The letter should highlight your best qualities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Addresses Your Weaknesses (Constructively):<\/strong> A good letter may address weaknesses in a positive way, framing them as areas for growth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Thank You Notes: Showing Appreciation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After your recommenders submit their letters, send them thank-you notes. This shows that you appreciate their time and effort. A handwritten note is a nice touch. It is courteous and professional. It strengthens the relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/college-applications-and-admissions\/recommendation-letter-request-timeline-etiquette\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\">Writing great recommendation letters takes<\/a> time. Thank your recommenders for their help. It is good etiquette. Good luck with your college applications!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion: Recommendation Letters: Choose Wisely &amp; Help Your Recommenders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Letters of recommendation play a crucial role in your college applications. They provide insights about you that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/college-applications-and-admissions\/applying-college-low-gpa-test-optional-strengths\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\">grades and test scores can&#8217;t<\/a> show. Remember to choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your strengths. Create a detailed brag sheet to help them highlight your achievements and qualities. Ask for letters well in advance, with proper etiquette and respect for their time. Understand what makes a strong recommendation letter, and always express your gratitude with a thoughtful thank-you note. <strong>To keep all your achievements and experiences organized and easily accessible for your recommenders, consider utilizing a platform like <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cirkled in<\/a>. This can streamline the process and ensure your recommenders have all the necessary information at their fingertips.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By following these steps, you&#8217;ll help your recommenders craft letters that truly showcase your potential and character. These letters can make a significant difference in the admissions process, helping colleges see you as more than just numbers on a page. With careful planning and thoughtful communication with your recommenders, you can ensure that this important piece of your application works in your favor. Good luck with your college journey!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Need more tips on&nbsp;<strong>college applications<\/strong>,&nbsp;<strong>scholarships<\/strong>, or just how to survive this whole process?&nbsp;<strong>Cirkled In<\/strong>&nbsp;has your back\u2014check out&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline\">Cirkled In resources<\/a>&nbsp;to help you through every step of your college journey!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"ci-auto-cta\" style=\"background:#EDAE39;color:#082033;border-radius:14px;padding:16px 22px;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:16px;flex-wrap:wrap;margin:22px 0;font-family:inherit\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"28\" height=\"28\" fill=\"#082033\" style=\"flex:0 0 28px\"><path d=\"M18 4h2a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v2a4 4 0 0 1-4 4h-.4A6 6 0 0 1 13 14.9V17h3v2H8v-2h3v-2.1A6 6 0 0 1 7.4 11H7a4 4 0 0 1-4-4V5a1 1 0 0 1 1-1h2V3h12v1zM6 6H5v1a2 2 0 0 0 1 1.7V6zm13 0v2.7A2 2 0 0 0 20 7V6h-1z\"\/><\/svg><div style=\"flex:1;min-width:220px\"><div style=\"font-size:19px;font-weight:800;line-height:1.2;margin:0 0 3px\">$2,500 No-Sweat Scholarship<\/div><div style=\"font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.45;color:#5a3a10\">Real students win our $2,500 scholarship every quarter \u2014 yours could be next.<\/div><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/scholarships\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#0A3D5C;color:#fff;font-weight:800;font-size:14.5px;border-radius:999px;padding:11px 24px;text-decoration:none;white-space:nowrap\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"ci-related\" style=\"background:#e7f1fb;border-radius:16px;padding:20px 24px;margin:30px 0 16px;font-family:inherit\"><div style=\"color:#2b6f9c;font-size:12px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:1.2px;text-transform:uppercase;margin:0 0 4px\">Keep Reading<\/div><div style=\"font-size:20px;font-weight:800;color:#0A3D5C;margin:0 0 10px\">Related Articles<\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/resume-and-portfolio-building\/brag-sheet-tips-resume-recommendations\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;padding:8px 2px;text-decoration:none;color:#0A3D5C;font-weight:600;font-size:15px\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"14\" height=\"14\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#2b6f9c\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" style=\"flex:0 0 14px\"><path d=\"M9 6l6 6-6 6\"\/><\/svg><span style=\"text-decoration:underline\">The &#8220;Brag Sheet&#8221; Revisited: Using It to Power Your Resume AND Recommendations<\/span><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/resume-and-portfolio-building\/portfolio-recommendations-student\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;padding:8px 2px;text-decoration:none;color:#0A3D5C;font-weight:600;font-size:15px\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"14\" height=\"14\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#2b6f9c\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" style=\"flex:0 0 14px\"><path d=\"M9 6l6 6-6 6\"\/><\/svg><span style=\"text-decoration:underline\">The Power of Recommendations: How to Request &amp;amp; Showcase Glowing Letters in Your Portfolio<\/span><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/resume-and-portfolio-building\/power-of-cover-letter-student\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;padding:8px 2px;text-decoration:none;color:#0A3D5C;font-weight:600;font-size:15px\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"14\" height=\"14\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#2b6f9c\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" style=\"flex:0 0 14px\"><path d=\"M9 6l6 6-6 6\"\/><\/svg><span style=\"text-decoration:underline\">Beyond the Resume: The Power of a Cover Letter (and How to Write One That Gets Read)<\/span><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/scholarships-and-financial-aid\/scholarship-thank-you-letter-example-etiquette\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;padding:8px 2px;text-decoration:none;color:#0A3D5C;font-weight:600;font-size:15px\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"14\" height=\"14\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#2b6f9c\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" style=\"flex:0 0 14px\"><path d=\"M9 6l6 6-6 6\"\/><\/svg><span style=\"text-decoration:underline\">The Scholarship Thank You Letter: Why It Matters &amp;amp; How to Write a Great One<\/span><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/resume-and-portfolio-building\/no-experience-cover-letter-student\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;padding:8px 2px;text-decoration:none;color:#0A3D5C;font-weight:600;font-size:15px\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"14\" height=\"14\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#2b6f9c\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" style=\"flex:0 0 14px\"><path d=\"M9 6l6 6-6 6\"\/><\/svg><span style=\"text-decoration:underline\">The \u201cNo Experience\u201d Cover Letter: How to Write a Compelling Letter When You\u2019re Just Starting Out<\/span><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/library\/resume-and-portfolio-building\/what-college-admissions-officers-actually-look-for-and-how-to-stand-out\/\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;padding:8px 2px;text-decoration:none;color:#0A3D5C;font-weight:600;font-size:15px\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"14\" height=\"14\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#2b6f9c\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" style=\"flex:0 0 14px\"><path d=\"M9 6l6 6-6 6\"\/><\/svg><span style=\"text-decoration:underline\">What College Admissions Officers Actually Look for (and How to Stand Out)<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<style>.ci-why-tiles{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:11px}.ci-why-tiles .ci-wide{grid-column:span 2}@media(max-width:600px){.ci-why-tiles{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}.ci-why-tiles .ci-wide{grid-column:span 2}}<\/style><div class=\"ci-auto-footer\" style=\"border-radius:16px;padding:26px 26px 24px;margin:16px 0 6px;background:linear-gradient(150deg,#0A3D5C 0%,#0c3350 55%,#072A40 100%);color:#fff;font-family:inherit\"><div style=\"color:#F5C563;font-size:12px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:1.4px;text-transform:uppercase;margin:0 0 6px\">Why Cirkled In?<\/div><div style=\"font-size:22px;font-weight:800;margin:0 0 9px\">You\u2019re more than a test score \u2014 get discovered.<\/div><p style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;color:#d6e4ef;margin:0 0 18px\">You have a story, and Cirkled In helps you tell it \u2014 shining a light on who you are so the right colleges find you. Find your dream college, gain real experience, and win scholarships, all at one hub.<\/p><div class=\"ci-why-tiles\"><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#2EA9E0;color:#fff;border-radius:12px;padding:14px 14px;text-decoration:none;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:11px;min-height:58px;font-weight:800;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.2;box-shadow:0 6px 16px -8px rgba(0,0,0,.5)\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"23\" height=\"23\" fill=\"#F5C563\" style=\"flex:0 0 23px\"><path d=\"M4 5h5l2 2h9a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v10a1 1 0 0 1-1 1H4a1 1 0 0 1-1-1V6a1 1 0 0 1 1-1z\"\/><\/svg>Create My Portfolio<\/a><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/college\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#147097;color:#fff;border-radius:12px;padding:14px 14px;text-decoration:none;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:11px;min-height:58px;font-weight:800;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.2;box-shadow:0 6px 16px -8px rgba(0,0,0,.5)\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"23\" height=\"23\" fill=\"#fff\" style=\"flex:0 0 23px\"><path d=\"M12 3 1 8l11 5 9-4.1V15h2V8L12 3z\"\/><path d=\"M5 12.7v3.3c0 1.2 3.1 3 7 3s7-1.8 7-3v-3.3l-7 3.2-7-3.2z\"\/><\/svg>Research 7,000+ Colleges<\/a><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/scholarships\/search\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#F3D08A;color:#082033;border-radius:12px;padding:14px 14px;text-decoration:none;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:11px;min-height:58px;font-weight:800;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.2;box-shadow:0 6px 16px -8px rgba(0,0,0,.5)\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"23\" height=\"23\" fill=\"#082033\" style=\"flex:0 0 23px\"><path d=\"M12 2a10 10 0 1 0 0 20 10 10 0 0 0 0-20zm.9 15.4v1.2h-1.6v-1.2c-1.5-.2-2.5-1-2.7-2.4h1.7c.1.7.7 1.1 1.8 1.1 1 0 1.6-.4 1.6-1s-.4-.9-1.9-1.2c-1.8-.4-2.9-1-2.9-2.5 0-1.2.9-2.1 2.4-2.3V6.4h1.6v1.4c1.3.2 2.2 1 2.4 2.2h-1.7c-.1-.6-.6-1-1.5-1s-1.5.4-1.5 1c0 .5.5.8 1.9 1.1 1.9.4 2.9 1 2.9 2.6 0 1.3-.9 2.2-2.4 2.3z\"\/><\/svg>Find 6,500+ Scholarships<\/a><a class=\"ci-wide\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/internship-and-jobs\/search\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#1F5F8B;color:#fff;border-radius:12px;padding:14px 14px;text-decoration:none;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:11px;min-height:58px;font-weight:800;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.2;box-shadow:0 6px 16px -8px rgba(0,0,0,.5)\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"23\" height=\"23\" fill=\"#fff\" style=\"flex:0 0 23px\"><rect x=\"10.3\" y=\"2.4\" width=\"3.4\" height=\"2.2\" rx=\"1.1\"\/><rect x=\"5\" y=\"4.6\" width=\"14\" height=\"16.8\" rx=\"2.4\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#fff\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"\/><rect x=\"7.4\" y=\"7.4\" width=\"9.2\" height=\"3.4\" rx=\"1\"\/><rect x=\"8\" y=\"13\" width=\"8\" height=\"1.5\"\/><rect x=\"8\" y=\"16\" width=\"8\" height=\"1.5\"\/><rect x=\"8\" y=\"19\" width=\"5\" height=\"1.5\"\/><\/svg>Explore 24,000+ Internships, Jobs &amp; Volunteering<\/a><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cirkledin.com\/scholarships\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" style=\"text-decoration:underline;background:#EDAE39;color:#082033;border-radius:12px;padding:14px 14px;text-decoration:none;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:11px;min-height:58px;font-weight:800;font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.2;box-shadow:0 6px 16px -8px rgba(0,0,0,.5)\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"23\" height=\"23\" fill=\"#082033\" style=\"flex:0 0 23px\"><path d=\"M18 4h2a1 1 0 0 1 1 1v2a4 4 0 0 1-4 4h-.4A6 6 0 0 1 13 14.9V17h3v2H8v-2h3v-2.1A6 6 0 0 1 7.4 11H7a4 4 0 0 1-4-4V5a1 1 0 0 1 1-1h2V3h12v1zM6 6H5v1a2 2 0 0 0 1 1.7V6zm13 0v2.7A2 2 0 0 0 20 7V6h-1z\"\/><\/svg>Win the $2,500 Scholarship<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>College applications need great letters of recommendation. A good letter shows colleges who you are. It highlights your strengths and abilities. Letters of recommendation can be a key piece of your application. This article will help you choose wisely. You&#8217;ll also learn how to help your recommenders write amazing letters. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":2488,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[49],"tags":[18,66,98,1911,1912,1913,1914,1915,1916,1917,1918,1919,1920,1921],"class_list":["post-2164","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-college-applications-and-admissions","tag-college-admissions","tag-college-application-tips","tag-college-essays","tag-letters-of-recommendation","tag-recommendation-letter-tips","tag-college-application-process","tag-brag-sheet","tag-college-recommenders","tag-asking-for-a-recommendation","tag-strong-recommendation-letter","tag-thank-you-notes","tag-recommender-etiquette","tag-college-admission-letters","tag-academic-references"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Letters of Recommendation: Choosing Your Recommenders &amp; Helping Them Write the Best Letter - Cirkled In<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Ace your college applications! 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