# Letters of Recommendation Tools and Tips for Recommenders

**Source**: https://admissions.berkeley.edu/letters-of-recommendation-tools-and-tips-for-recommenders/
**Parent**: https://admissions.berkeley.edu/apply-to-berkeley/first-year-applicants-uc-berkeley/first-year-policy-changes/

## Frequently Asked Questions

**If a student is not selected to submit letters of recommendation, can they still submit them?**

No other supplemental information will be included in the application unless it is requested.

**Are these letters required?**

These letters are optional. Students without a letter will not be at a disadvantage, but we do highly encourage invited students to use this opportunity as it can provide additional academic and personal context.

**Who should write the letter(s)?**

One letter should be written by an academic teacher or instructor. The second letter can be written by anyone the student selects, ideally someone who knows them well. Examples include a second teacher, college adviser or counselor, a coach, employer, clergy, etc.

**What is the deadline?**

All letters must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (PST) on January 10. After this date, it is not guaranteed that the letter can be read as part of the application review.

### Timeline:

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| **Activity** | **Date** |
| UC application opens | August 1 |
| Berkeley supplement available | Only after a UC Application is submitted |
| UC application submission period | October 1 – November 30 |
| Request for letters sent to students | October through early December |
| Letters of recommendation due | January 10 |

### How to submit letters:

- Selected students will receive an email with instructions on requesting letters of recommendation.
- Once students complete and submit this request form, the recommender(s) will receive an email with a link to a submission form where they can submit letters.

### Advice for writing letters:

- Help us understand who the human being is behind the numbers. Letters are most helpful when they provide specific examples of a student’s accomplishments and character.
- Go beyond a student’s grades, academic performance, or providing a laundry list of their extracurricular activities. Try to personalize each letter as much as possible.
- Letters should provide us with information that we cannot already obtain from the student’s application.
- Be candid and honest.
- Avoid vague, general statements without any concrete examples of the student’s ability, curiosity, or intellect.

### Questions letters should try to address:

- What is the context and nature of your relationship with the applicant? If you know the student but due to workload constraints can only provide a brief summary, please let us know.
- Has the student demonstrated a willingness to take intellectual risks and go beyond the normal classroom experience?
- Does the student have any unusual talents, abilities, or interests?
- What motivates and excites the student?
- How does the student interact with teachers? Peers? If possible, describe the applicant’s personality and social skills.
- How did the student react to setbacks, failure, or disappointments?
- Are there any unusual personal, family, or community circumstances of which we should be aware?

### Other helpful prompts:

- If you are familiar with UC Berkeley, please let us know how and why you feel this student would be a good fit for our community. How might they fit into the Berkeley community and grow from their experience here?
- If the student is absent, how is the class, school, etc. different?
- How would peers describe the student?
- Does the student possess a genuine love of learning?
- What has surprised you about this student?