Sample Recommendation Letter For Student Athlete Scholarship: Fill & Download for Free

I think I would put it this way, for MIT (I’m sure Stanford is very similar):In terms of admits, MIT students are extremely good students (97% of admits come from the top 10% of their public high schools and 100% in the top quartile[1]) also evidenced by extremely good SAT scores (bottom 25th percentile of admits = 730 EBRW and 770 Math[2]). They also challenged themselves in high school with tough courseloads and still did excellently in STEM and in humanities.[3] Every applicant that I’ve interviewed has self-studied something. They were driven. They took initiative. Let me mention again, they love the challenge, even the toughest classes.[4]Moreover, they were passionate and dedicated in their extracurriculars. These extracurriculars are extremely varied, ranging from cheerleading to athletics to robotics competitions to drama to musicals to musical instruments. They were world class at something.[5] Accepted students were a great fit for MIT as especially evidenced in their recommendations.[6] Meaning, they fit MIT’s mission[7] and values and culture. Not only are they excellent students as above, they are excellent people.[8]Accepted students tend to be very advanced in terms of STEM (namely Math+Calculus). For instance, from this 2007 article[9] in the student newspaper (which is the last I’ve seen), 51%-53% (Classes of 2010, 2011) got credit for Single-Variable Calculus. MIT also has its own Advanced Standing Examinations — if a student believes that he or she has mastered the material for any subject, he or she may write an ASE for that subject and many have passed these ASE’s.[10] So many freshman at MIT start at a higher level as compared to people in state universities. MIT’s system also allows for students to start at their natural point.Being a nerd, I would also talk about the distribution, especially on the upper tail. MIT has many of the top students in STEM, whether we’re talking about the number of Intel/ISEF finalists or whether we’re talking about the International Science Olympiads. (Yes, it is known by students and administration that MIT has the most number of ISO alumni/participants and medalists.) This is also very humbling. There are students who are going to be way better at any particular subject than I am (and I need to learn from them).MIT is extremely industrious, resourceful, and collaborative[11] and (I would probably contend second to Caltech) a very meritocratic environment. In the name of STEM and also educating to solve some of the world’s toughest challenges, we tend to look past nationalities, race, country of origin, citizenship, gender, religious affiliation, etc. — this is truly special.In this environment, not only do a lot of students start at a higher point, they also go faster. All of Single-Variable Calculus at MIT (18.01) is taught in a 14–15 week semester. The equivalent taught at state universities like Ohio State and Toledo and even good Canadian schools like UBC takes one year/two semesters. Similarly, Multi-Variable Calculus is taught in a 14–15 week semester. A lot of state university third year subjects are second year subjects at MIT.[12] As I have said before, “[MIT starts] with higher caliber students. They are very strong in math and sciences. They go through a more rigorous program (faster paced, advancing more quickly, more materials covered).”It was appealing to me, for instance: I was verbally offered full+ scholarships at UBC (“President’s Entrance Scholarship,” now replaced by the Major Entrance Scholarship). However, MIT’s programs were faster-paced and I would have done 6-years (Bachelor’s, Master’s) at UBC in four years at MIT (Bachelor’s, which includes at least one major research project and thesis). Yes, one should read into this that it is also more work (MIT does not award honorary degrees).[13]The professors, lecturers, and graduate students (the last group do a lot of the recitations) are also very important. The faculty contain a ton of industry leaders. Graduate students: well, let me mention this as an anecdotal story. I was trying to do the insane thing and double-major in 6–1 and 16. For 6.003, I totally credit my T.A. for being amazing: Zia would go to the exams and finals for the last five years and mine every applicable question for that week. He would organize them in order of ascending difficulty and time. We would spend one hour a week (“tutorial”) and start every question and talk it through. This was fantastic prep. I was doing pretty well in 6.003 and we were warned about the tough final. It was tough. When the grades were posted, I learned I had scored 69%. I was bummed. I saw Zia and he knew my grade and said to me, “69%! That’s actually fantastic! Notice there are only 3 higher grades out of a total of 6x 25–30 person sections. The class average was 46% and the head T.A. (i.e., the guy who should know the materials the best) took just over 5 hours to complete the entire test, and we only gave you 3 hours.” I walked away with an A.What’s Zia doing now? He’s the Chief Innovation Officer for MetLife Asia and leads LumenLab.[14]Footnotes:[1] = MIT Office of the Provost, Institutional Research[2] = Admissions Statistics | MIT Admissions, which also means it is the top 1% of a Nationally Representative Sample as well as of SAT test takers[3] = What To Do In High School | MIT Admissions, Enrichment Opportunities | MIT Admissions, Advanced Classes & Credit | MIT Admissions, Summer Programs | MIT Admissions[4] = What Though the Odds | MIT Admissions.[5] = Marilee Jones's answer to How can I get admitted to MIT?[6] = The Match Between You And MIT | MIT Admissions[7] = MIT - About[8] = Stu Schmill endorses report on consideration of character in college admissions[9] = AP Credit Received by Freshman Class * MIT now requires a 5 on the AP Calculus BC examination as per Advanced Placement[10] = Diptarka Hait's answer to Why is MIT so stingy with awarding AP credits? The only classes you can earn Advanced Placement credit for are 18.01 and 8.01 by earning a 5 on AP Calculus BC and 5's on both parts of AP Physics C respectively., Frosh Advanced Standing Statistics: Few Changes (October 2009), ASE pass rates up for most GIRs, especially biology (October 2014), More students pass chem & bio ASEs this year (October 2015)[11] = What Though the Odds | MIT Admissions. Note “To put it bluntly, I studied harder for that test than I ever had in my life. I used every resource I had or could find on the Web. I took previous semesters' exams, I worked through problems I had missed on old problem sets and tests, I read and re-read the book. When exam day came, I sat down to take the test knowing I had prepared as best I could. For the next three hours - yes, final exams at MIT are three hours long! - I worked as quickly, almost feverishly, as I could to get down as much 8.012 knowledge as I knew. The final was...difficult, to say the least. But strangely enough, during the exam, something...rather extraordinary happened. For the first time all semester, I actually felt like a physicist. I was making connections that I had never before thought possible, solving problems in ways I wouldn't have believed I was capable. Ultimately, this story has a happy ending. I survived 8.012. I still have that Add/Drop Form I mentioned, and I plan on keeping it until the day I graduate...a memento, of sorts. Due to the Pass/No Record policy for first-semester freshmen, I won't know by what margin I passed until I return to MIT, at which point my advisor will personally reveal my secret grade. Whatever my final grade, though, my official transcript will always bear the simple, modest letter "P." And that's good enough for me.Ultimately, though, this entry isn't just about me. It's about all of us freshmen here at the Institute: my comrades, my peers, my friends, who struggled with me and alongside me - not just in 8.012, but in all the classes MIT has to offer. I also want to take this opportunity to thank Caroline, Laurie, Stunes, Michael, Mark, Jenny, Jedediah, Itaru, Maddie, Rob, Beebe, Bob, Tanya, Josiah, Clara, and all the others who helped me along the way. Even if you never read this, I want you to know that you guys are my heroes - the real heroes of 8.012. Without you, I know I would never have passed.”[12] = Chris Lee's answer to Why is an engineering program at the University of Toledo less rigorous than the same program at Stanford or MIT?[13] = No honorary degrees is an MIT tradition going back to ... Thomas Jefferson[14] = Zia Zaman |, 'Innovation in the life insurance industry,' Zia Zaman, Chief Innovation Officer, MetLife Asia | FST Media

Q. Is it possible to receive scholarship from SAT score?Scholarships for SAT and ACT Scores (Princeton Review)Scholarships By SAT Score (Scholarships.com)Guaranteed Scholarships Based on SAT/ACT Scores (PrepScholar)Guaranteed Scholarships and Financial Aid134 College Scholarships Awarded SOLELY for High Grades and SAT/ACT Scores - The College Matchmaker111 Ridiculously Awesome Full Tuition Scholarships - The College MatchmakerUnigo ScholarshipsTuan Nguyen's answer to What are some scholarships that are worth looking at?Merit Scholarships for SAT and ACT ScoresAs more and more colleges go test optional, you might be wondering if you need to sit for the SAT or ACT at all. Schools that are test optional do not require standardized test scores as part of a complete application. Instead, you have the chance to decide for yourself if your scores accurately reflect your abilities and potential to excel in college.Test Optional? You Should Still Take the SAT/ACT.Even if every school on your college list is test optional, it’s still a smart idea to take—and prep for!—at least one standardized test.For one, “optional” doesn’t mean that that colleges won't consider your test scores if you submit them. Without them, greater weight is given to other aspects of your application such as your transcript, essay, extracurricular and letters of recommendation. If you’re happy with your scores, go ahead and include with them your application.Beyond getting in, your test scores could qualify you for merit-based scholarships (often a separate application process). Higher test scores can lead to more scholarship dollars, which mean more options for you!Nothing can change a student’s fortune faster than a big increase on the SAT or ACT.Better Scores Can Earn You Big AwardsHigher scores can increase a student’s desirability in the eyes of financial aid officers and consequently increase the size of the aid package that student is offered. In fact, standardized test scores (along with GPA and rigor of coursework) may determine who will receive merit scholarships. Some schools even give out guaranteed scholarships to students whose scores meet a minimum threshold.Sample List of Merit-based Scholarships*Critical Reading + Math**Average merit award for qualifying individuals.The Bottom LineEven if you don’t need test scores for your college application, you will likely need them for most of the scholarship applications you fill out, including those for outside scholarships that are not affiliated with your college but sponsored by community organizations or foundations.Kal Chany, author of our book Paying For College Without Going Broke, explains, “Nothing can change a student’s fortune faster than a big increase on the SAT.” Why? While it takes four years to accumulate all those great grades on your high school transcripts, the typical test prep course takes six weeks.Check Out Our New Periodic Table of Scholarships!By Tamara 05/29/2015Do you remember your high school or college chemistry class? You probably had your share of fun trying weird experiments or mixing chemicals, but there may have been one thing you really hated to learn…the periodic table of elements.Sure, a few elements were pretty easy to memorize with some creative tactics (AU, I want some gold!), but a lot of it made absolutely no sense. For example, why is potassium represented by the letter K, and why is FE used for iron? There's proably a perfectly logical explanation (look them up on Google) why those letters are used, but that doesn’t make it any easier to remember them. Thankfully, ScholarshipExperts.com has found a way to use the periodic table in a manner that makes perfect sense…with scholarships!This new, interactive Periodic Table of Scholarships is cool on so many levels. You can quickly target scholarships that reward you for your athletic talent, such as playing volleyball or tennis. Or, you can find free money based on your year in school or even your college major. There are also links to company-sponsored scholarships and those offered by ScholarshipExperts.com. If you’re a fan of The Walking Dead, you need to check those out ASAP (yes, there's a zombie scholarship!). Here’s another exciting element to the table — you can actually download a print version to carry with you or hang on your bedroom wall. We all need a few reminders to search and apply for scholarships, and this will do the trick. So, what are you waiting for? Check out Scholarships for College: 3.6M Scholarships, Over $14B | Unigo's Periodic Table of Scholarships and start finding free money to help you pay for college today!Discussion

A College Recommendation Letter is an endorsement of a college applicant that is written to bolster chances for admission. Recommendation letters are brief, formal statements that should highlight positive qualities and explain why the candidate will be successful in college studies.Though friends or family might be able to sing the applicant’s praises, the best letters are usually written by teachers or employers.This letter should provide key details about the relationship between recommender and applicant, and highlight the applicant’s positive attributes. It should include:An explanation of how the recommender came to know the applicantSalient positive qualities possessed by the applicant relevant to success in collegeAnecdotes illustrating the character and competence of the applicantThough it is easy to write a laundry-list of positives, it is better to tell a story. Simply put, try to show rather than tell why the applicant will be a success in higher education.Why Use a College Recommendation Letter?Many colleges require recommendation letters from applicants. But even if recommendations are not a strict necessity, they can help to build the case for admission.These letters matter for what they say, but they also add some default value to an application just for being included. Even if the admissions committee does not carefully read recommendation letters, they are likely to note that they were included with the application, and that the applicant in the kind of person who can drum up recommendations – a positive quality all its own.Who to Select?A teacher, coach, or counselor are ideal choices and should be able to state key facts about the student including being able to describe their personality traits, work habits, and skills. Furthermore, the individual chosen by the student should be someone that they have had a relationship with outside the hours of school such as part of a volunteer program, sports team, or academic club.An advantage to this is that Colleges and Universities understand that, on top of a full curriculum, having other activities take away from schoolwork. Therefore, if it comes down to an application with a generic reference versus another with an authentic reference, the latter will most likely get the nod.A recommendation letter should fill an entire page (usually 400 – 500 words) and contain an introduction, two (2) body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The student should be described in a way that highlights both their academic skills and personal qualities. If the letter is written well, it will provide a complete picture of the candidate which goes beyond their grades and personal resume.IntroductionThe introduction should be anywhere from 2 to 6 sentences that, more or less, describe the relationship with the student.Depending on the person it can be as short as:Example #1Dear Admissions Committee,It is with great satisfaction that I recommend Peter to the University of Oak Lane. I had the joy of teaching and coaching Peter for the last 2 years as part of our school’s math team and I’ve watched him age into an intelligent, mature young man.In this sample introduction the student is being recommended by the head of a noteworthy club (the “math team”) which is a stand-out recommendation.Example #2Dear Admissions Committee,It is my honor to recommend Jake to Faraway College as his high school basketball coach. Over the course of the last 4 years, I have seen him develop into one of our school’s most impressive players and it was his skillset that helped guide our team to a winning season last year. Without his leadership skills and discipline, our team would not have enjoyed its success.Here we have a coach that is introducing the student immediately as a leader and disciplined player. Two (2) key personality traits that a school looks for in a candidate.Paragraph #1The first body paragraph of the letter should provide a positive description of the student’s character, as well as list any achievements and awards that they may have earned. This paragraph will provide the main body of the letter and should therefore be at least 4-6 sentences in length.Example #1Laura has proven herself to be generous, enthusiastic, and helpful both in and out of class. Not only is she one of my top Physics students, but she has also been responsible for organizing student activities, and speaking at assemblies as president of the Student Council. In this capacity, Laura has demonstrated that she is a confident, well-organized, diligent, and capable leader. She has participated as a tutor in the peer-tutoring program. I personally oversee this program and can attest not only to Laura’s ability to explain and instruct, but also to her patience and her deep commitment to helping others. I am also pleased to say that I was able to award Laura with the AAPT Outstanding Student Certificate for her exemplary performance during her two years as a student in my Physics classes.In this example a physics teacher demonstrates the student’s positive character attributes by referencing the student’s personal achievements and commitments.Example #2When I was first introduced to Jordan, I was immediately impressed by his maturity and confidence. Little did I know that five years later I would be impressed further still by this young man’s incredible development. Jordan is known throughout the school for his athletic achievements in track and field, as well as for being a standout performer in the theatre program. As Jordan’s counselor I have been able to track his incredible personal and academic progress, and I can attest that with his winning smile and perseverance there is no mountain that he cannot climb. By staying after school for extra help in mathematics and science, Jordan has managed to improve his academic performance to such a degree that he has been included on the school Honor Roll for two years running.This sample has a school counselor drawing upon their lengthy relationship with the student to describe their personal impression of the student’s character, highlighting the student’s work ethic and exemplary performance in multiple fields.Paragraph #2The second body paragraph is going to expand upon the first one, emphasizing the student’s participation in school and in school groups, citing specific examples of their positive character traits. Try to connect the student’s various interests and aptitudes to paint a coherent and memorable portrait. This paragraph can run from 3-6 sentences, depending on how many examples are given.Example #1Cassandra’s personal character is equally as impressive as her academic achievements. As a public speaker she is able to hold the attention of an entire assembly, and when speaking one-on-one she demonstrates empathetic listening skills, as well as a powerful intellect. Cassandra cares about those around her and is always ready to lend a helping hand or word of encouragement. In her third year, she started a sustainability program along with her peers which now performs an annual school waste audit and gives presentations on waste reduction and practices. With her unwavering enthusiasm and sense of humor, having Cassandra in a classroom is a joy for her teachers and fellow students alike.The above sample uses descriptive language and specific examples to highlight the student’s communication skills, personal interests, and positive personality traits.Example #2As captain of the girls basketball team, Melinda has participated in two state-wide championships and led our school to a victory in a district tournament. This year, she has served as the editor of this year’s school yearbook, proving her ability to delegate work to her assistant editors and organize an efficient workflow. Melinda is not only a born leader and a fastidious worker, she is a kind-hearted and sympathetic individual who strives to make a positive impact on the world around her.This example uses less descriptive language, instead relying more upon examples that pertain to the student’s extracurricular activities, demonstrating their participation, leadership skills, and sense of responsibility.ConclusionThe conclusion paragraph can be anywhere from 2-4 sentences long and its purpose is twofold: to summarize the author’s personal recommendation, and to provide a contact method for further questions.Example #1Peter’s ability to perform competitively under pressure will surely serve him well in a college setting. He is an organized, intelligent, and capable young man who would be an excellent addition to your school. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions at (555) 414-4141 or [email protected],Jan TravisBiology TeacherFar Away High SchoolThe above sample has a brief summary of the student’s of positive attributes, as well as two contact methods contained in the paragraph body.Example #2In conclusion, Clayton has my respect and highest recommendation as an exemplary student. He has demonstrated excellence in all that he puts his mind to, whether working on a group project, or designing a technical experiment. Clayton’s keen interest in understanding how things work and natural aptitude for sciences lead me to believe that he will be a valuable addition to your classrooms. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at the email address provided below if you have any questions.Sincerely,Mr. John LewisPhysics TeacherWest Island High SchoolIn this concluding paragraph, the summary is geared specifically towards the college program which the student is applying for. By being specific, the author clearly demonstrates why the student is a suitable applicant for a particular college or university.Sample 1Dear Admissions Committee,I am pleased to be writing this letter of recommendation on behalf of Karen Leyland, a most promising student and wonderful individual. I’ve had the pleasure of teaching Math to Karen during her junior and senior years here at Kirby Prep School. If it were appropriate for teachers to pick favorites, Karen would definitely be one of my top choices. She has a winning attitude full of drive and perseverance that goes unparalleled. She is always attentive in class and has a knack for engaging the whole class in participation, but the attribute that admire the most about Karen is her unwavering kindness.Karen has been at the top of her class in her final year of high school and was always amongst the top 5 in previous years. Her ability to understand complex concepts and solve problems quicker than most people is the main reason why she qualified for the National Merit Scholarship Program. This accomplishment was earned by giving her undivided attention in class and doing extra work outside of the classroom. She’s always able to manage her time superbly and willing to lend a hand to other students struggling with their work. While some are destined to develop leadership skills, Karen seems to possess the intrinsic qualities of a born leader and she’s able to accomplish this without an air of arrogance or superiority towards her peers.Math is Karen’s main academic focus, but she is also thrives in the music department. She plays saxophone in the jazz band and has a deep understanding of the connections between music and mathematics. I have heard her play on multiple occasions and it’s obvious she has an amazing mind for music comprehension and composition. I’m also fortunate enough to play music with Karen when we both can spare the time and my favorite part about it is the change in teacher-student dynamic wherein I get to play the role of the student again. It’s refreshing and confirms my belief that teachers learn just as much from their students as students do from teachers.Any college would be thrilled to accept Karen as she is an outstanding student with so much to offer. Our school was very lucky to have her as a student and I’m sure your faculty will feel the same should she be accepted. Karen embraces constructive criticism and strives to improve in every aspect of her education and beyond. She deserves all the good things that will inevitably come her way in her post-secondary years. I would be glad to answer any further questions you have regarding Karen or Kirby Prep School.Sincerely,Erik PerkinsMath TeacherGeorgiana Bruce Kirby Prep SchoolSample 2Dear Admissions Committee,It is without hesitation that I write to you in regards to Ted’s acceptance into your prestigious institution. I am a counselor at Crescent Valley High School and have had the pleasure of working with Ted throughout his high school career. I’ve watched him develop into a well-rounded and mature young man, who will accomplish many great things in his lifetime. He is a talented and hard-working individual who finds joy in helping others. Ted has amazing people skills and can make anyone feel comfortable around him.In Ted’s first year of high school, he came to me in need of some guidance. He had gone through some heavy family problems and it was causing his school work to suffer. I feel very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to help Ted through these rough times. He is a compassionate, caring, and self-efacing person, with an unshakable positive outlook on life. Once he had worked out his own issues, all he wanted to do was take his experiences and help other students with similar problems. He began volunteering at North View Elementary School, talking with kids and even tutoring in multiple subjects. I’ve never come across anyone who wasn’t immediately enamored by Ted’s amicable demeanor.Throughout his high school career, Ted has excelled in every field of his education and also taken on multiple extra curricular activities. In his senior year, Ted was president of the Student Council, captain of the basketball team, and an honor student. He has become proficient at juggling multiple work loads. He also continued his counselling at the elementary school throughout these years. Even still, he wanted to make a bigger difference. He decided to present his outlook on life by holding a seminar in the gymnasium. Most of the school attended to listen to Ted as he spoke eloquently on overcoming your fears and insecurities and transforming them into positive thinking. It was a captivating 20 minute speech that led to an uproarious standing ovation. Someone managed to film the presentation and the video has thousands of views on YouTube.I am very pleased that Ted approached me to write this letter as I am so impressed by his achievements and his enormous potential. He is a charming young man who is able to see the good in everyone. If Ted is accepted into your Counseling Psychology Program, there’s no doubt in my mind he will excel in this field and go on to change many lives for the better. The confidence and charisma that he has developed over his high school career is phenomenal and I look forward to seeing that continue in college. Please contact me if you wish to further discuss Ted’s acceptance into your college.Regards,William MackenzieGuidance CounselorCrescent Valley High SchoolSample 3September 1, 2017Dear Admissions Committee,I am submitting this letter in support of Jim’s application for admission to the Class of 2022 at Michigan State University.I have been Jim’s supervisor at Bellevue Coffee since he was hired in April 2014. In this time, he has consistently shown himself to be a steadfast, professional, and pleasant employee. Though this is his first job, he has demonstrated professional instincts and a bulletproof work ethic since day one.A short anecdote to illustrate Jim’s character:Last Sunday, our early shift barista called out sick. While I, as store manager, would normally cover such an expected absence, I was otherwise occupied with a family medical matter. I reached out to Jim, and he enthusiastically volunteered to take this early shift, even though it meant a 16-hour day for him.Though Jim routinely works 20 hours per week, I understand that he has only improved his grades since starting this job. Being a first-hand witness to his quick-thinking, judgement, and ethic in the workplace, it is hardly surprising to hear that he again made the dean’s list last spring.I have no doubt that Jim will be a successful member of the class of 2022 and offer my wholehearted endorsement of him.Sincerely,XXXXXX XXXXX