Background of how you know the applicant:

    * What is your relationship to the applicant?
    * How long have you known the applicant?
    * How well do you know the applicant?
    * In what capacity have you known the applicant?

Description of the applicant’s accomplishments:

    * What are the applicant’s academic achievements, and how have you observed these first-hand?
    * How do the student’s grades, test scores, research, and writing illustrate achievement? Are there some exceptional examples you can share?
    * What honors, scholarships or awards has the applicant received?

Description of the applicant’s service and leadership accomplishments:

    * In what extracurricular activities is the applicant involved?
    * How has the applicant demonstrated commitment to the community?
    * How has the applicant demonstrated leadership qualities?

Closing statement and summary of applicant’s potential:

    * Has the applicant lived up to his or her potential?
    * If not, what evidence can you provide to demonstrate that he or she will?


Guide to Basic Business Letters

The Start

Dear Personnel Director,

Dear Sir or Madam: (use if you don't know who you are writing to)

Dear Dr, Mr, Mrs, Miss or Ms Smith: (use if you know who you are writing to, and have a formal relationship with - VERY IMPORTANT use Ms for women unless asked to use Mrs or Miss)

Dear Frank: (use if the person is a close business contact or friend)

The Reference

With reference to your advertisement in the Times, your letter of 23 rd March,
your phone call today,
Thank you for your letter of March 5 th .

The Reason for Writing

I am writing to inquire about
apologize for
confirm

Requesting

Could you possibly?
I would be grateful if you could

Agreeing to Requests

I would be delighted to

Giving Bad News

Unfortunately
I am afraid that

Enclosing Documents

I am enclosing
Please find enclosed
Enclosed you will find

Closing Remarks

Thank you for your help Please contact us again if we can help in any way.
there are any problems.
you have any questions.

Reference to Future Contact

I look forward to ...
hearing from you soon.
meeting you next Tuesday.
seeing you next Thursday.

The Finish

Yours faithfully, (If you don't know the name of the person you're writing to)

Yours sincerely, (If you know the name of the person you're writing to)

Best wishes,

Best regards, (If the person is a close business contact or friend)