The Hidden Power of a Great Recommendation Letter—and how to get one

The Most Overlooked Part of Your Application

When students think about their college applications, they tend to zero in on their GPA, test scores, and personal essays.

It makes sense—those elements are entirely within their control.

But there’s one powerful part of the application that students don’t write, and yet it can deeply shape how admissions officers perceive them: recommendation letters.

Why Recommendation Letters Matter More Than You Think

In the hands of a thoughtful teacher or mentor, a recommendation letter can do something no transcript or resume ever could.

It can breathe life into a student’s story. It can reveal how they show up in a community, how they think, how they lead, how they care. It’s a space where character comes into focus.

But here’s the catch: not all recommendation letters are created equal.

The Difference Between Good and Great Letters

Some letters are glowing but generic—filled with adjectives but light on substance.

Others are overly brief or impersonal.

And then there are the great ones: vivid, specific, and memorable.

These are the letters that make an admissions officer sit up a little straighter and think, Wow. I’d love to have this student on our campus.

It All Starts with Relationships

The best letters come from people who know the applicant—not just their work ethic or performance, but their personality, growth, and values.

A professor who saw a student wrestle with a difficult concept and grow from it. A coach who witnessed how they led by example when no one was watching. You get the idea.

Helping Your Recommenders Help You

Even a great relationship isn’t enough without context.

Applicants should always share a summary of key moments, projects, or qualities they hope the recommender will highlight.

“When done well, a recommendation letter isn’t just a formality. It’s a spotlight.”

— Justin Latterell, PhD

Reffy lets you provide recommenders with all of the info and tools they need to write strong letters, stay organized, and submit your letters on time.

Sharing this information is even more important if you don’t have close relationships with your recommenders—they need reminders to help them tell your story in a compelling, authentic way.

Using a specialized AI tool can give you a big leg up. Reffy is like an interactive brag sheet, on steroids.

These details matter because strong recommendation letters offer something the rest of the application can’t: credible, third-party insight.

Take This Part of Your Application Seriously

If you’re a student, take time to choose your recommenders with care.

Prioritize people who’ve seen your growth, your effort, and your character. Make things easier for everyone by using Reffy.

And if you’re writing recommendation letters, remember: your words can shape how the world sees a student.

So, skip the generic letter templates and half-hearted AI drafts and use Reffy.AI to give your students a leg up.

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