Letters of Recommendation

[joescollegiate]

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What exactly is a "strong" letter of recommendation? Does that mean its from someone important or that it speaks highly of the recipient? If the latter why would anyone get a weak letter that doesn't say really good things about herself/himself?

 

[NeuralNetwork]

What exactly is a "strong" letter of recommendation? Does that mean its from someone important or that it speaks highly of the recipient? If the latter why would anyone get a weak letter that doesn't say really good things about herself/himself?

Some strong qualities:
- Comes from someone who has had a lot of exposure to the applicant over a long period of time, thus providing a greater depth and detail to the writing
- Letters from senior faculty who have a lot of experience and say that you are one of the best
- Writers who are well known
- Letter generally composed in a very positive and enthused manner, essentially suggesting what an asset you are

If a letter isn't strong, then its most likely average (not bad):
- Writer doesn't know you that well but can talk about some positive things about you still
- Letter composed in a neutral/slightly positive manner


Just imagine if you had to write a letter for some nice person you met and got to know for the past month, or for your best friend. You would put a lot of energy into the one for your best friend so that committees would know what a great person he or she is, and that is exactly what a strong letter is.

 

[jevo]

"Strong" is definitely relative. Just as many on SDN claim their LORs are "strong", those same folk claim their ECs are "unique"...whatever that means lol.

In reality, you should be ok as long as the letter isn't negative. Obviously, the more/better you know your LOR writer, the better off you are.

 

[circulus vitios]

I'm not sure why people make it a point of asking for a strong letter of recommendation. I mean how many times has a professor declined because his recommendation isn't "strong?" How do you define strong? Really, he either recommends you or he doesn't.

 

[NeuralNetwork]

I'm not sure why people make it a point of asking for a strong letter of recommendation. I mean how many times has a professor declined because his recommendation isn't "strong?" How do you define strong? Really, he either recommends you or he doesn't.

A lot of my friends have asked this way and have received responses along the lines of "well, I've known you for x amount of time and I can comment on y attribute, but I won't be able to provide such and such" or "I can definitely talk about how you were in class, and with other students". A professor can let you know if the letter is going to be generic or excellent, but in general you should already know this by the time you ask just from your own personal experience with that person.