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The Guide to Getting a Good ReferenceJan 30 '00 (Updated Feb 05 '00) Write an essay on this topic.Perhaps one reason why so many people are worried about references is because it is the one part of the application that the student has no control over. However, maybe you have more control than you think. Below, I will outline what you can do to ensure a good reference. Finding the Right Person This is the most important part of getting a good reference. When you select the proper person, you should not be afraid about the quality of the reference because if selected correctly, the person should know you well. So, how do you select the right person? First, you want to pick someone who likes you. This ensures that the reference will write positive comments. It does not matter if the person is a genius, if they do not have anything positive to say, the genius will not help your position. You also want to select a person that can share a story about you. For an example, let’s say you pick a teacher as a reference. You may have selected this teacher because you have taken four classes with them and you got an A in all the classes. The reference may say that this person is a great student. I have known them for four years because they took four of my classes. This person excelled in all my classes, wrote great papers, and got an A in all of them. This many be a good reference, however, consider this one. Let’s say you asked a teacher that you went on a field trip with to New York. You may not have had A’s in their class, but their reference may sound like this. I have known this person for four years. They have taken three of my classes. While this person is a great student and has shown extreme interest in my class, a moment that sticks out in my mind is our trip to New York. On that trip we visited the United Nation building. This person seemed very interested in the activities of the UN. They asked many challenging questions that proved their deep interest. Due to this trip, I know this person will do very well in political science. The second reference would be much better. The reason for this is you have selected a person that can defend you outside of academics. You have selected a person that can help paint a fuller picture that I alluded to in a past opinion (http://jbigdog.epinions.com/educ-review-4902-5A9235E-3893CC0B-prod1). Some people that make good references are a teacher that you have spent time with outside of class, a coach, a religious leader, a scoutmaster, or your boss. If you volunteered for an organization or charity, a person at that place may provide a good reference. Remember, the person that writes your reference should be able to share stories about you and not just describe you. You want to show the admissions counselor that you have made an impact on this person’s life. How to ask The best thing you can do is ask early. If this person is popular, they may have had twenty students ask them. If you are one of the first people, you will probably get a better reference. In addition, explain to them why you need the reference. Also, tell them why you selected them. Be nice. Don’t just throw a list of requirements in their face but ask them if they would mind writing a reference. Also, ask them when they are not busy. If you ask a teacher, you may want to wait until after school instead of after class when most students try and squeeze a half a minute talk with the teacher. What to provide the reference You can actually influence what the reference writes. This does not mean that they will write something bad, it just means you want to help them start the thoughts. Provide them with a list of your activities. Tell them what you do, how you do it, why you do it. Give them a copy of your grades and a copy of your application and essays (who knows, they may even help you edit it). Share with them as much as you can. You also want to ask them to share some personal stories about you. You may ask the person, ”Hey, make sure you write about that time we climbed Mt. Everest.” Basically, you want to persuade the reference to help you paint that picture. Conclusion When you follow the steps I have outlined, getting a reference should not be as scary as you first thought. Make sure you give the reference ample time to write the letter, and tell them when you need it. Also, give them a stamped envelope that is already addressed. You want to make it as easy for the reference as possible. If you have to send the letter in a special school envelope, get that in advance and address it. By reading this Epinion, you are well on your way to the perfect reference…  |
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