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August 2011Rebecca Zeigler Mano
[email protected]
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]
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There are more than 4000 accredited colleges and
universities in the US. There are more research dollars expended
at US
universities than in any other country. Students can earn
academic, sport and arts need-
based and merit-based scholarships to study in the
US. US liberal arts curriculum encourages academic
exploration and breadth as well as depth of study andstudents do
not have to decide on a field of study foruntil after two years of
study.
US College education is a 24/7 affair with activeresidential
life programs and an expectation ofinvolvement in co-curricular
life.
Diversity - The US is the only country in the worldwith no
majority ethnicity.
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As a result, Zimbabwe has over 1500students currently studying
in the US at awide range of institutions.
There are a number of unethical agents andagencies which charge
students exorbitantamounts to suggest unis or help with
theapplication process.
Students begin their application process firstterm of U6 and
submit applications by Jan 1of the year they wish to enroll in
August.
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Holistic Admissions: Academic and Non-
academic Transcript, Exam
Results Activities and
Involvement (Arts,Sport, Culture, CommService,
Leadership,etc)
Letters ofRecommendation
Personal Essays
Admissions officersare trying todetermine the extentto which the
student
will take positiveadvantage of theopportunitiesavailable in and
outof the classroom on
their campus.
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3 letters required for Common Application: 2 L6 or U6 academic
subject teachers 1 careers counselor: School Report Form
Not just English teachers!!!
Teachers who know student well Teachers who have something
positive to
write about the student
Preferably teachers who have witnessed thestudent both in and
out of the classroom
Sports/Arts Supplements and Extra Letters:Can involve letters of
rec from coaches ordance/music/art teachers or club advisors
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Online Give student email
address; Receive prompt
Complete letter formonline or upload pre-written letter
online;
Or school counseloruploads all letters
School part of applseither has to be allonline or all
written
Written On school letterhead Typed and signed In sealed
envelope
with signature acrossseal; If copied, signatures
should be originaland school stamp on
copies; One page is sufficient
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Your student does not need tohave straight As to be worthyof a
strong letter of rec. Thereare universities out there thatare good
matches for all of
our students.
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How long and how well you know the student Students strengths in
the classroom
Intellectual/academic ability
Determination and extent of effort
Work habits
Intellectual curiosity
Team player? Effectiveness in groups
Communication skills written, speaking
Students assets outside of the classroomwhen known (clubs,
leadership, as boarder..)
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Authoritative but doesnt have to be tooformal
Personal, confidential
Impeccable English spell check and edit Specific to that student
generic letters dont
help anyone. Mention student by name
Use Active Voice
Use effective adjectives (not nice, sweet,good)
Dont prescribe future career/field of study
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USE specific, concrete examples (ie a researchpaper she wrote; a
great presentation she made;an assertion she made in class against
the tide,specific leadership example, etc)
Quantify successes and qualify statements (ieconsistently the
top History student in her classof 25 or got the top mock Physics
exam resultthis year vs an amazing student)
After you write your letter, put yourself inadmission shoes
Would this letter helppersuade you to admit the student?
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Your goal is to advocate for your student and herpotential
honestly so that your letter is an asset
to her application.
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