Letters of Recommendation

When you apply to Syracuse University you will need three letters of recommendation, one from your guidance counselor and two academic letters of recommendation. The Syracuse University application provides you with three forms. The Counselor’s Letter The counselor form provides the university with your ACT and SAT scores, your high school GPA and class rank. New York State counselors are asked to check a box indicating eligibility for participation in the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), if you believe you are eligible (see HEOP page) make certain that the counselor checks “yes.” The counselor is also asked to describe your academic ability/performance, your character and to make any additional comments regarding your application. The Academic Letters Syracuse requests two letters of academic recommendation. We suggest that you request these from teachers who know your goals as well as your abilities. These letters first ask that the writer rate you on a scale ranging from “not observed” to “exceptional, one of the top few in my career.” These ratings cover areas of creativity, independence, and intellectual ability, written expression of ideas, effective class discussion, potential for growth, discipline and character. The academic letters of recommendation request that the writers describe how long and in what capacity they know the applicant, what words come to mind to describe the applicant and to comment on the quality of the applicant’s academic work. Who should write the Academic Letters English teachers are, by the nature of their profession, good writers so it makes sense to utilize them in this way (if you have a good relationship with your English teacher). You might also consider identifying a writer who can speak to your potential in the academic area to which you are applying. For example, if you are applying to the College of Arts and Science as a Biology major your high school Biology teacher would be a good person to have write a letter. Should I waive my right of access to these letters? Obviously you should seek writers who will have positive things to say about you. Your decision to not waive your right to access these letters may be based on you wanting to protect yourself. Your decision to waive your right of access may be grounded in your trust of the people you have chosen to right strong positive letters. In either case you might ask the writers to make a copy of the letter specifically for your review. Letters of Support You may include additional letters of recommendation if you like. These do not have to be on the forms supplied by Syracuse but can simply be letters of support. You might consider asking a coach, a mentor or employer to write one of these letters. Ask these folks to keep their letters short and to comment on their relationship to you, your strengths, and how they believe you will do in the university environment. by Christopher Weiss, , M.A., M.Ed., Academic Counselor Top