How to Write Powerful Letters of Recommendation [Spiral-bound]

Susan Whalley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2000

How can educators write powerful letters of recommendation for students whose post-secondary plans require them? This compilation of 52 sample letters written by an experienced high school counselor is designed to jump start your thinking process so your own feelings and words can emerge. Learn how to turn your positive recommendations into glowing and electric communications to help your students gain acceptance to their desired programs.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Directors of Guidance have been purchasing multiple copies for all members of their departments. School superintendents have given the book a thumbs up. It is the answer to the prayers of many busy people who get stuck looking at the blank page. You'll be thrilled to have it in your collection. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Susan Whalley, a native New Yorker, has been a guidance counselor in the Greater Boston area for over twenty years. She lives in the woods of Carlisle, Massachusetts with her husband David, their children and Chocolate Labrador Retriever, Mugsy. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 78 pages
• Publisher: Educational Media Corp (July 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1930572050
• ISBN-13: 978-1930572058
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #142,122 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #53 in Books > Business & Investing > Job Hunting & Careers > Vocational Guidance

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Write Letters of Recommendation for HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS, November 20, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: How to Write Powerful Letters of Recommendation (Spiral-bound)

I was somewhat disappointed because the title of the book was misleading. As an employer looking for ideas to write a letter for an employee, this book was of no help. Also, I doubt the examples provided in this book would be helpful for a college student looking to get into graduate school, for example.

This book is excellent for HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS looking for examples they can tailor for HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS. Outside of this small audience, I wouldn't recommend this book for anyone.

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT RESOURCE FOR WRITING RECOMMENDATION LETTERS, February 15, 2000

By 

Susanne Trussel (GAINESVILLE,FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Write Powerful Letters of Recommendation (Spiral-bound)

Recommendations Letters! What a great idea for a book. It has been so extremely helpful to me. As a teacher I have been asked to write so many letters for high school seniors going on to college next year. It is sometimes so difficult to come up with creative words for each individual. This book has come to my rescue. Not only does it have a large selection of recommendation letters , but it also makes letters available to me that fit different personalities , genders, interests, extra curricular activities and academic strengths . I have shared this book not only with other teachers but with guidance counselors who are plagued with these requests. I have had a number of parents interested in ordering "Recommendation Letters" as well so that they can have a clearer idea of what types of letters they can expect for their child. In this way they can make educated suggestions to their child's teacher or counselor when requesting such letters that do have a great impact on the future of their child.

Thank you. Relieved Susanne Trussel Gainesville , Florida

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Indispensible Helper for High School Counselors !, December 5, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: How to Write Powerful Letters of Recommendation (Spiral-bound)

Susan Whalley's book is the most used and sought after volume in my very busy high school guidance counseling office. "Who has the letter book?", is a frequent question in my office during college application season. Each year, a typical counselor at my school writes about 30 - 40 letters recommending students to college. This is a daunting task, considering the fact that we don't know all of our students personally, (alas, if we only could). After a brief meeting when we ask students a few key questions to help us along, it is letter writing time! And the words do not always come. Susan Whalley's book provides counselors and teachers with descriptive words and phrases, thoughts on letter writing, and helpful insights into the nature of writing recommendations. The sample letters are grouped to roughly categorize the type of student, for example the "pluggers", "academic achievers", and the "hardest ones to write". These sample letters serve to jog our minds and get us going. I recommend this book for every high school guidance office and teacher's bookshelf. It is a valuable and helpful tool.