|
| |
Need a recommendation?
Many students need recommendations from teachers as part of the
application process for high school. You can help us write the best
recommendation possible by being organized, and by reminding us about the
wonderful things you do outside the classroom.
Checklist
Help out by putting the following in a folder
 | the recommendation form (or a web pointer to an on-line form) |
| a cover letter (a short note) that says what schools you're applying to,
and what the due dates for the recommendations are, and |
| stamped return envelopes with the address of the school to which you're
applying, and SSDS as the return address. |
See the In the Folder section
for details.
Teachers can do a much better job on your recommendation if you also include
a written summary of
| your extra-curricular activities, |
| outside interests, and |
| things you've done that you're proud of. |
See the Interests section for suggestions on what to write.
In the Folder
Consider these things required if you want a
recommendation. They are the best way to ensure that all recommendations
are completed on time.
| A copy of each recommendation form with your name on it. If
it requires a parent's signature, be sure it is signed. |
|
| A stamped envelope with the address of the school and the name of
the person or department to which the reference should go. Return
address should be: Solomon Schechter Day School, 125 Wells Avenue, Newton,
MA 02459. |
Stamp
SSDS
Boston
125
Wells Ave
Newton,
MA 02459
To:
Director of Admissions
School
Name
School
Address, Zip
|
|
|
| Include a brief cover letter that tells me which schools you're
applying to, and the deadline for submitting the recommendation. |
Dear
Mr. Srebnick,
Enclosed are references for the following schools:
1) Gann Academy (due Jan. 31)
2) The Rivers School (due Feb. 1)
3) Maimonides (due Jan. 15) |
|
|
| Also include a summary of your outside interests, and other things that I may not know about you.
Write down everything that's important to you, even if you think people
know about it already.
You can use the same summary for all teachers; you don't have to write
a special one for each teacher. You may use any format for the
summary that you wish.
|
Your Name
Outside interests... sports, hobbies
Some awards you've won
Accomplishments
Leadership positions |
|
|
| Put the cover letter, all recommendation forms, and return
envelopes into a single manilla folder. The folder should have your name on the
tab, and the word "Math." |
Your
Name, Math |
Interests
A teacher may only know you for only
a few months when he or she writes your recommendation. There may be many
things that your teacher doesn't know about you. So take some time to
write about things you're good at, things you enjoy, and things you're proud of.
When you write, it's best to focus on the few things you're
most proud of, like best, or do best. A well written paragraph about one
or two of these interests is much better than a list of ten activities with
little or no explanation.
The letter should be
typewritten with your name at the top.
Here are some things to consider:
| Academics: what are your favorite subjects, and why? (It's OK if your favorite
subject isn't what the teacher teaches. You can be honest, and it will only
affect your reference in a positive way). |
| Awards: Have you been recognized for leadership or talent?
Have you won any contests, competitions? |
| Leadership positions: are you a team captain, class officer, or a club or
USY (or other youth group) leader? |
| Extra-curricular activities: things that you're really good at, and
things that you enjoy doing. |
| Do you like to read? Who are your favorite authors?
Read any good books lately? |
| Do you like to write? What do you like to write (stories,
poetry, fiction, non-fiction, plays, etc.) |
| Hobbies. |
| Things you're proud of. |
| Do you participate in sports or athletics? Think about things like
baseball, basketball, soccer, hockey, dancing, gymnastics, skating, roller-blading, biking,
Frisbee, hiking, water skiing, chess, martial arts? |
| Summer activities: Do you go to specialty camps (math,
computer, music, athletic). |
| Musical talents and performing skills. Do you play in a band or sing
in a chorus? Do you have a favorite instrument? Do you give
concerts? Do you like public speaking? |
| Volunteer and charity work. Do you have any non-profit organizations
that you donate time or money to? |
| Artistic skills, such as drawing, painting, sculpture, crocheting,
knitting, sketching, ceramics, wood working, etc. |
| Clubs or youth group activities such as USY. |
| Your heroes or role models, people you respect or admire. |
| Any other outstanding skills or talents. |
|
