Letters of Recommendation: Do They Make a Difference?

What Are Letters of Recommendation?

At their core, letters of recommendation are endorsements written by teachers, professors, advisors, coaches, supervisors, or professional mentors who can speak to your character, academic abilities, and potential. They offer admission committees a valuable outside perspective on your strengths and qualifications, enhancing the credibility of your application and highlighting your unique abilities.

Undergraduate vs. Graduate Letters of Recommendation

I. Undergraduate Letters of Recommendation

For undergraduate admission, letters of recommendation typically come from high school teachers, guidance counselors, or mentors who can speak to your academic performance, personal qualities, and extracurricular involvement.

According to Kerri Darcy, Executive Director of Undergraduate Admission and Recruitment at St. John’s University, a teacher’s letter is particularly valuable because it “offers unique insight into your academic abilities, work ethic, and how you engage with the material in a learning environment.” She emphasizes that a letter from a teacher who has seen you excel in a subject related to your intended major can be incredibly impactful." 

II. Graduate Letters of Recommendation

On the other hand, graduate programs expect letters that emphasize your readiness for advanced study and research potential. 

Amber J. Steiger, Director of Graduate Admission  at St. John’s University, notes that "these letters provide the admission committee with additional insight into a candidate’s character, work ethic, and academic drive.” Strong letters can sometimes push an applicant from a “maybe” to an “accept,” particularly when they highlight academic or professional achievements that align with the program."

How Much Weight Do Letters of Recommendation Carry in Admission?

The impact of recommendation letters varies depending on the type of program to which you are applying. For undergraduate programs, letters are often just one piece of a larger puzzle. Still, they can make a significant difference, especially for students applying to highly competitive programs or those on the cusp of meeting admission requirements. 

Ms. Darcy explains that at institutions like St. John’s, “which emphasizes a holistic review, letters of recommendation can play a significant role when applying as an undergraduate student,” particularly when academic credentials don’t tell the whole story.

Ms. Steiger highlights that “letters of recommendation are important for graduate programs because they provide the admission committee with additional insight into a candidate’s work or volunteer experience,” which may even compensate for lower academic metrics. 

What Makes a Strong Letter of Recommendation?

Not all letters of recommendation are created equal. So, how can you ensure yours stand out?

Ms. Steiger advises, “I recommend candidates focus on selecting a reference who knows them well, as a personal letter provides more value than one coming from a reference with an impressive title who submits a generic letter." A letter that is tailored to your unique experiences and achievements is far more impactful. 

Ms. Darcy emphasizes the importance of honesty and balance: “While the letter should be positive, it should also be honest. Acknowledging areas of improvement or challenges the student has faced, and how they’ve worked to overcome them, adds depth and authenticity.” This approach offers admissions committees a well-rounded and realistic view of your potential. 

Common Misconceptions about Letters of Recommendation

A few widespread misconceptions about letters of recommendation can hinder applicants. One common belief is that the prestige of the letter writer matters more than their connection to the student. While having a letter from a renowned professor or leader in your field may seem impressive, Ms. Darcy and Ms. Steiger stress that depth of knowledge and personal insight carry more weight. A generic letter from someone who barely knows you won’t carry much weight, even if they hold a prestigious title.

Another misconception is that letters must always come from academic sources. Ms. Steiger points out that at St. John’s, “we accept academic or professional references,” which provides flexibility for applicants who have been out of school for some time. These references can come from various professional mentors, including those outside academia.

Alternatives to Letters of Recommendation (When Applicable)

Some programs are beginning to place less emphasis on letters of recommendation or may not require them. In such cases, applicants can strengthen their profiles through other means, such as statements of purpose, portfolios, or interviews. These components offer a different way for students to showcase their skills, but it’s essential to understand the role letters of recommendation still play for many programs. 

The Lasting Power of a Strong Recommendation

Letters of recommendation remain a valuable component of the admission process, particularly for students applying to competitive undergraduate programs or research-focused graduate programs. These letters offer a personal touch that other application materials can’t, giving admission committees a well-rounded picture of your potential.

As a prospective student, building solid relationships with your teachers, professors, or mentors is essential so that when the time comes, you can ask for a recommendation that genuinely reflects your abilities and character. Approach this part of your application with the same care and thoughtfulness you give to your essays or interviews—because, as Ms. Steiger confirms, “a stellar letter of recommendation can push an applicant from a ‘maybe’ to an ‘accept.’”