What my DS did w/r to LoR:
He has a nice one-page professional resume that he continually keeps updated. He attaches that to a couple-page narrative that he calls "A Little About Me", which fleshes out what he believes are his strengths. He also attaches the 2021 class profiles. He gives each prospective LoR writer a one-page cover letter respectfully asking that they consider X, Y, Z from their particular interactions with him but also requests that they include their individual assessments of him.
This has worked brilliantly. The LoRs he has received have been terrific (DW and I kept asking, "Who is this guy they are talking about?"). He has 5 or 6 from various teachers, employer, Scoutmaster, etc. He asks each to provide them in pdf form so he can make copies for MOC applications. Most are addressed "To Whom it May Concern" and the teachers crafted them so they can also be used for civilian college and ROTC LoRs. This allows him to chose the most appropriate letters for the circumstances. His Scoutmaster's letters, in particular, just floored us. Unbeknownst to us, he knows 2 of the 3 MOCs personally from his days in government and was able to write personalized letters with specific examples of his leadership.
Most people in youth lives want to affirmatively support those who show the desire to reach. Not everyone is good at writing these types of letters but teachers and guidance counselors are very experienced. But it really helps if you give them specific information about you that they may not know to help them.
IMHO do not write a letter on your behalf (or DD, DS's) if someone says, "Just write it and I'll sign it." Despite believing that you know more than anyone else what would make a good letter, it will come off phony. Give those that know your D the opportunity to help. Oh - and have D hand write a nice thank you note.
Some folks say that LoRs cannot typically help - only hurt when poorly done. Maybe. I think a well-crafted LoR can say things about someone that your own words and CV cannot. But, if at all possible, try and see the letters before submitting and have multiple ones to chose from. Not everyone is a good writer.
He has a nice one-page professional resume that he continually keeps updated. He attaches that to a couple-page narrative that he calls "A Little About Me", which fleshes out what he believes are his strengths. He also attaches the 2021 class profiles. He gives each prospective LoR writer a one-page cover letter respectfully asking that they consider X, Y, Z from their particular interactions with him but also requests that they include their individual assessments of him.
This has worked brilliantly. The LoRs he has received have been terrific (DW and I kept asking, "Who is this guy they are talking about?"). He has 5 or 6 from various teachers, employer, Scoutmaster, etc. He asks each to provide them in pdf form so he can make copies for MOC applications. Most are addressed "To Whom it May Concern" and the teachers crafted them so they can also be used for civilian college and ROTC LoRs. This allows him to chose the most appropriate letters for the circumstances. His Scoutmaster's letters, in particular, just floored us. Unbeknownst to us, he knows 2 of the 3 MOCs personally from his days in government and was able to write personalized letters with specific examples of his leadership.
Most people in youth lives want to affirmatively support those who show the desire to reach. Not everyone is good at writing these types of letters but teachers and guidance counselors are very experienced. But it really helps if you give them specific information about you that they may not know to help them.
IMHO do not write a letter on your behalf (or DD, DS's) if someone says, "Just write it and I'll sign it." Despite believing that you know more than anyone else what would make a good letter, it will come off phony. Give those that know your D the opportunity to help. Oh - and have D hand write a nice thank you note.
Some folks say that LoRs cannot typically help - only hurt when poorly done. Maybe. I think a well-crafted LoR can say things about someone that your own words and CV cannot. But, if at all possible, try and see the letters before submitting and have multiple ones to chose from. Not everyone is a good writer.
