who to get letters of recommendation from??

futureusna

5-Year Member
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Oct 10, 2011
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I have to get 3 letters of recommendation to apply for my state Senator's nomination. Am i supposed to get all letters from teachers like a normal university or from a couple other sources???

please help
 
I don't know for sure, but I assume they'd like you to show different aspects of your life; i.e. academic, extracurricular, and physical.

I'm going to get a letter from my personal trainer, my calc teacher, and my band director (our marching band is #1 in the state; I'm Drum Major and Philanthropic Commissioner, which is a big deal).

But I have another question that goes along with this a little. I couldn't find any suggestions on what you should ask them to write... leadership qualities? study habits? motivation? dedication?
 
I don't know for sure, but I assume they'd like you to show different aspects of your life; i.e. academic, extracurricular, and physical.

I'm going to get a letter from my personal trainer, my calc teacher, and my band director (our marching band is #1 in the state; I'm Drum Major and Philanthropic Commissioner, which is a big deal).

But I have another question that goes along with this a little. I couldn't find any suggestions on what you should ask them to write... leadership qualities? study habits? motivation? dedication?

if you ask the correct person, you shouldn't COACH them into what you want them to say about you. Just let em write the thing.
 
I have to get 3 letters of recommendation to apply for my state Senator's nomination. Am i supposed to get all letters from teachers like a normal university or from a couple other sources???

please help

Ask your senator. MOCs set their own specific requirements.
 
I got mine from my football coach, a US judge, and a retired brigadier general. Its good to have them from people who's opinion matters, but don't go ask someone you barely know. These are all people I knew growing up from sports, scouting, etc. It helps if you give them a resume. And if they ask tell them to talk about leadership skills you exemplified through sports, scouting, or in the classroom. If they have prior military experience it would be good for them to comment on why you would be a good officer for the branch you are applying for. Hope this helps...
 
I don't know for sure, but I assume they'd like you to show different aspects of your life; i.e. academic, extracurricular, and physical.

I'm going to get a letter from my personal trainer, my calc teacher, and my band director (our marching band is #1 in the state; I'm Drum Major and Philanthropic Commissioner, which is a big deal).

But I have another question that goes along with this a little. I couldn't find any suggestions on what you should ask them to write... leadership qualities? study habits? motivation? dedication?

I have read many letters of recommendation and in my opinion most of them don't help candidates. A typical letters of recommendation is he is a great kid, good grades, works hard, and etc. These are given for most applicants to SA, otherwise they won't be applyting to SA.

In my opinion, the recommender needs to establish his credential better - being a teacher is okay, but being a teacher that instructed several students that went to SA and became successful military officers is better (if this is the case).

The recommender needs to establish the connection between himself and the recommendee. Getting a letter of recommendation from someone famous is great, but what is your relationship to this famous person.

The recommender needs to brining out what is not obvious. I know how to read so I know what applicant's GPA is, so mentioning what GPA in a letter of recommendation doesn't do much. If your math class grade is A, I don't need your math teacher to tell you me that you are a good student.

Lastly, the recommender should make a pitch why an applicant will be good cadet/good military officer.
 
I agree with Member LG on this:
The recommender needs to establish the connection between himself and the recommendee. Getting a letter of recommendation from someone famous is great, but what is your relationship to this famous person.

Your LORs need to come from folks who know you well and can speak to what you "bring to the table" at West Point. If this is indeed your relationship with them, there will be no need to instruct or guide them in what they should say--the letter will write itself.

I would also advise you to ask early for the recommendations because teachers get swamped with requests for LORs from everyone and they already have a very busy job. Oh yes, and they do have a life away from the schoolhouse, so don't wait until the last minute to ask.

Please take the time to write your recommenders a hand-written thank-you note expressing your appreciation for the time and effort they put into your LORs. No emails. Hand-written. If you like, and funds permit, a small gift card or other token of your appreciation can be enclosed in your note.
 
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