application letter sample guidance counselor

Guidance Counselor Cover Letter Examples

A great guidance counselor cover letter can help you stand out from the competition when applying for a job. Be sure to tailor your letter to the specific requirements listed in the job description, and highlight your most relevant or exceptional qualifications. The following guidance counselor cover letter example can give you some ideas on how to write your own letter.

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Cover Letter Example (Text)

Gabriella Knisley

(150) 713-3166

[email protected]

Dear Ms. Costanzo,

I am writing to express my interest in the Guidance Counselor position at the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) as advertised. With a solid background in career counseling and a deep commitment to facilitating students' academic, career, and personal/social development, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your esteemed organization.

Over the past five years, I have honed my skills at the National Career Development Association (NCDA), where I have supported a diverse student population in identifying their interests, strengths, and potential career paths. My role has included one-on-one student counseling, development and implementation of comprehensive career guidance programs, and collaboration with educators to ensure that our efforts are in line with students' educational goals.

My experience has equipped me with a robust understanding of the challenges students face as they navigate their academic and career journeys. I've been particularly effective in utilizing assessments to help students gain self-awareness and in developing individualized plans that align with their goals and abilities. My proactive approach in conducting workshops and seminars has been instrumental in providing students with the necessary tools to make informed decisions about their futures.

I am also proud to have contributed to several initiatives that increased student engagement and improved outcomes. For example, I led a project that revamped our mentorship program, resulting in a 40% increase in student participation and a marked improvement in student satisfaction with career services. My dedication to fostering a supportive environment has allowed me to successfully guide students through their decision-making processes and toward fulfilling career paths.

Moreover, my commitment to professional development through ongoing education and collaboration with colleagues has kept me at the forefront of best practices in the field. I am confident that my proactive nature, combined with my experience and passion for student success, will make me a valuable addition to the ASCA team.

I am eager to bring my expertise to ASCA and to work alongside your dedicated team to empower students to achieve their full potential. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and enthusiasms can be in sync with the goals and vision of the American School Counselor Association.

Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the possibility of contributing to your team and the chance to discuss my qualifications in more detail.

Warm regards,

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Guidance Counselor Cover Letter Examples: 4 Templates

If you have learned that the organization needs a guidance counselor, you may decide to submit your application to the company. We can help you with the process of application letter submission with the help of a proper letter template that consists of the job application of a guidance counselor for the organization.

You can highlight your experience level to the organization so that they can easily value the interview session and hire you for the company.

Template: 1

Table of Contents

Guidance Counselor Cover Letter

[Mention date]

[Mention name of Hiring manager]

[Mention name of the organization]

[Mention address of the organization]

Dear [Mr. /Mrs. /Ms.] [Manager’s name]

After learning about your organization’s needs for a guidance counselor, I decided to submit my resume for your review. Recently I have been continuously searching for this position, and after finding your posted job, I am giving my candidature for this position in your reputed organization.

And I think my educational background and experience level can make me a suitable candidate for this position.

And as an enthusiastic and motivated individual with well-oriented interpersonal and administrative strengths and a background in people support, mentoring, and relations, I am confident that I am able to serve a valuable contribution to your organization.

In the year of [ mention year], I completed my academic life in the field of [ mention yours educational field] and from the reputed institute [ mention name of the institute].

Now I am in the age of [ mention yours age ] and strongly keep my focus to make a well-defined and self-motivated personality for my career’s growth.

After my educational life, I joined different organizations, and during this period, I can gather other skills and experiences [ mention your experience level and field].

Now I want to confirm you that I will maintain all the responsibilities to the duties like,

Identify behavioral problems and act accordingly to remedy the situation.
Conduct individual and group counseling sessions to advise and assist students with academic and vocational development.
Organize schedule orientation programs and internships.
Implement and facilitate educational and training workshops for academic staff.
Complete evaluations, analyze results, and provide purposeful feedback.
Assist all personnel and employees and assist all adults in choosing the appropriate career.
Prepare an individual plan system and ensure the achievement of all secondary goals.

I also have some additional skills that I can implement during working hours, education skills in various teaching models, best counseling practices and regulations, proper communication skills and high emotional intelligence abilities, basic knowledge of computers, etc.

Now I kindly request you to accept my candidature for this position and give me this opportunity to take over this position as a guidance counselor in your esteemed organization.

[Mention your name]

[Mention your address]

[Mention your contact details]

Download Template : ( pdf, docs, ODT, RTF, txt, HTML, Epub, Etc )

Template: 2

[Mention name of hiring manager]

Dear [Mr. /Mrs. /Ms.] [Manager’s name],

I desire to submit my application and resume for the position of guidance counselor. It’s been a few days that I had been searching for this position and as I saw the advertisement on the popular job site of [mention the source name], I feel delighted about it.

I am confident about the fact that my educational qualification, skills, and experience will help me to perform efficiently in your esteemed organization. Working in [mention organization name] will be a great learning opportunity for me. I am a committed, punctual, and very hardworking person. I love to interact with people and have expertise in resolving their queries. I am capable of developing interpersonal relations and also have strong potential and talent to manage administrative activities.

I do believe that I will be a worthy addition to [mention the organization name]. I have completed my bachelor’s degree in [mention the specialization] at [mention the college name] from [mention the University name] with a percentage above [mention percent] %. After that I pursued my master’s in [ mention specialization ] from [ mention university name ]with a percentage above [ mention percent]%.

I got the first job opportunity in [mention the organization name] to deliver the responsibilities of mentoring and allocating people with different responsibilities.

Once I join your organization as a guidance counselor, I will try to discover the behavioral issues and perform the tasks accordingly. I will be responsible for managing students with proper counseling sessions and organizing vocational and academic development.

I will also take responsibility in verifying and analyzing the overall results .and offering suitable feedback.

I am confident that I will be able to bring progress in your organization with the additional skills that I had earned during my academic and experience period. I do possess the skills for teaching the students.

I will let you know about rest of my skills once I am called for the interview on [mention contact number] and [email id].

Thanking You,

Yours Sincerely,

Template: 3

I do find the information posted on [mention the source] absolutely suitable for working in [mention university name] as a guidance counselor. For a few months, I had been trying hard to find a suitable job for myself. This advertisement for the job post has actually inspired me to apply for it. I am hardworking, focused, and talented, and do possess effective communication and leadership skills.

I am quiet about the fact that I will bring success to [mention the organization] with my proper educational background, skills, and experience. At present, I am in [mention year] the year of age and I do think that I am well capable to perform the responsibilities assigned to me by [mention the organization name]. Moreover, [mention the organization name] is a reputed organization where more than [mention numbers] people are working in different designations.

I would be lucky if I become a part of this organization. I have been a topper ever since my school days; I had studied in [mention the specialization] at [mention the college name] from [mention the university name]. I had also done my masters in the same field from [mention the university name] with the percentage of [mention percentage] %.

I will be responsible for verifying the behavioral issues and performing the actions accordingly. I will be organizing counseling sessions for individuals and different groups. I will be responsible for arranging counseling programs and internships for the benefit of the people.

I will surely prepare a proper individual plan system and promise achievements of the secondary goals.

Additionally, I am capable to take classes in different educational programs. I am capable of performing counseling sessions for students who are not able to achieve their academic progress.

I promise to meet the target of [mention the organization name]. I will be waiting for your reply on [mention contact number] or [email id].

Template: 4

It is my earnest desire to work in [mention organization name] in the post of guidance counselor. It is because [mention your organization name] is running successfully for [mention the time span] years with employee strength of [mention the number of people]. Working in [mention the organization name] will be a wonderful opportunity for me. The advertisement for the post of guidance counselor on [mention the source] has inspired me to apply for this post.

I am confident of the fact that my academic qualification, skills, and experience make me a suitable candidate for your organization.

I will be completing [mention age] the year by [mention date]. I do find myself a highly motivated, efficient, and capable candidate for the post of guidance counselor. I do have the ability to guide the students in the right direction.

I have earned a bachelor’s degree in [mention specialization field] from [mention university name] with a percentage of [mention percent]. I had been a college topper. I always had the interest to participate in co-curricular activities.

I had been appreciated for my performance in the theater workshop organized by the administrators of the college. My interest in performing arts had dragged me to study post-graduation course from [mention the college name]. I secured the highest marks in my post-graduation course from [mention the university name].

I completed my internship in [mention the organization name]. It was for a period of [mention the time span] months. I learned to develop and implement enclosing educational and counseling plans. I encouraged the students to participate in group activities. I had been responsible for attending to cultural and social differences and counseling the students accordingly.

Once I join [mention organization name], I will definitely put my best efforts in counseling the students and encourage them to choose suitable career options.

It is my earnest request that you must contact me on [mention the contact number] or [mention email id] for further details.

Thanking You, Yours Sincerely,

2 Counselor Cover Letter Examples

Counselors excel in understanding individuals, identifying their strengths and potential, and guiding them towards personal growth and fulfillment. Similarly, your cover letter serves as a counselor to your career, highlighting your unique abilities, experiences, and aspirations in a way that guides recruiters to see your potential. In this guide, we'll delve into the best cover letter examples for Counselors, helping you to articulate your professional journey and potential with clarity and conviction.

application letter sample guidance counselor

Cover Letter Examples

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The best way to start a Counselor cover letter is by addressing the hiring manager directly, if their name is known. Then, introduce yourself and briefly mention the position you're applying for. Start with a compelling first paragraph that highlights your most relevant skills, experiences, or passion for counseling. This could be a notable achievement, a personal connection to the counseling field, or a summary of the most significant skills you bring to the table. Remember, the goal is to grab the reader's attention and make them want to learn more about you.

Counselors should end a cover letter by summarizing their interest in the position and their qualifications. They should reiterate their enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the organization and express their eagerness to discuss their qualifications further in an interview. It's also important to thank the reader for their time and consideration. For example: "I am excited about the opportunity to bring my unique blend of skills and experience to your team and am confident in my ability to make a significant contribution. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my application with you further. Thank you for considering my application." Remember, the closing should be professional and respectful. Always end with a formal closing like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name and contact information.

A counselor's cover letter should ideally be one page long. This length is sufficient to introduce yourself, explain why you're interested in the position, and highlight your most relevant skills and experiences. It's important to keep it concise and to the point, as hiring managers often have many applications to review and may not spend a lot of time on each one. A one-page cover letter allows you to present your qualifications effectively without overwhelming the reader with too much information. Remember, the cover letter is your opportunity to make a strong first impression, so focus on your most compelling attributes that align with the job description.

Writing a cover letter with no direct experience as a Counselor can seem challenging, but it's important to remember that many skills are transferable and relevant to the counseling profession. Here's how you can approach it: 1. Start with a strong introduction: Begin your cover letter by introducing yourself and expressing your interest in the counseling position. Mention where you saw the job posting and why you're interested in the role. 2. Highlight relevant skills: Even if you haven't worked as a counselor before, you likely have skills that are relevant to the role. These might include communication skills, problem-solving abilities, empathy, and patience. If you've worked in roles where these skills were important, such as customer service, teaching, or healthcare, be sure to mention this. 3. Discuss relevant education or training: If you've completed any coursework or training related to counseling, psychology, or social work, be sure to mention this in your cover letter. This could include a degree in a related field, or shorter courses or workshops you've attended. 4. Show passion for helping others: One of the key qualities of a good counselor is a genuine desire to help others. Use your cover letter to show your passion for helping people and making a difference in their lives. 5. Use examples: Whenever possible, use specific examples to illustrate your skills and experiences. For example, if you've volunteered at a crisis hotline, discuss how this experience helped you develop your listening and empathy skills. 6. Close with a strong conclusion: In your closing paragraph, reiterate your interest in the role and your belief that you have the necessary skills and qualities to be a successful counselor, even without direct experience. Thank the employer for considering your application and express your hope for an opportunity to further discuss your qualifications. Remember, everyone starts somewhere, and employers understand that. What's most important is showing that you have the skills, passion, and dedication to succeed in the role.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, for counselors: how to write a strong recommendation letter for your student.

Letters of Recommendation

As a counselor, you play a huge role in helping students along the path to college. Throughout their four years, you support them in setting goals and making plans for after high school. When it comes time to apply, you write their letters of recommendation.

Having worked as a college counselor and spent the past year as a grad student intern in a high school counseling department, I saw how much counselors do in the college planning and application process. I also saw the challenges of supporting large caseloads of students and writing hundreds of letters of recommendation, often around the same hectic time. Despite the mad rush, these counselors crafted eloquent letters customized to each and every one of their students.

Based on my observations and my own experience writing letters for my students, I've compiled what I think is the most helpful advice for writing memorable and effective recommendations. I'll go over key content, structure, and style, as well as discuss what not to include in a recommendation letter.

Since it's always good to keep your goals in sight, I'll start by going over the purpose of the counselor letter of recommendation. What are they for, and how do they differ from a teacher recommendation?

What's the Purpose of the Counselor Letter of Recommendation?

The counselor recommendation letter is given serious consideration by admissions committees. Writing a strong letter of support is one more way that counselors can advocate for their students and help them achieve their academic and personal goals.

While a teacher's recommendation may emphasize a student's academic abilities and attitude toward learning, a counselor can focus more on the student's personal growth and role within the school community. As a counselor, you can speak to the student's strength of character and interpersonal skills, as well as the student's goals during and following college.

The best recommendations are specific and in depth, which can be a challenge for counselors with large caseloads. The national average of student to counselor ratio is 471 to 1! How can a counselor get to know all her students well enough to write a personalized letter?

Most schools ask students to fill out a "brag sheet," or to answer self-reflective prompts like, "Discuss a significant experience that shaped who you are today" or "Share an obstacle or challenge you overcame and what you learned from it." These brag sheets, combined with college meetings, can reveal a great deal about the student. This material, along with observations and the relationship you've had with the student over her four years in school, can go a long way toward informing your letter.

To help you and students make the most of these meetings and brag sheets, what's the key content that you need for a strong letter of recommendation?

What Should Go Into a Letter of Recommendation?

Intuitively, most recommenders know that they should talk about their students' strengths and how great they would be at college. Most recommendation letters say positive things about a student. But what makes some of them stand out among the rest and truly impress admissions officers? What can you do as a counselor to boost your student's chances of getting in?

The most effective letters paint a specific portrait of a student. Rather than listing everything under the sun, they zero in on key strengths and qualities. They use powerful words, give a high ranking, avoid cliches, and tell specific stories to prove their characterization of a student. A good recommendation speaks to a student's past achievements and indicates confidence in her future success. Let's look more in depth at how to accomplish each of these things.

Highlight Major Strengths and Impressive Personal Qualities

The most memorable recommendation letters tell a specific story. You don't have to list everything on a student's resume , or strive to present them as the most well-rounded candidate the school will ever see. Often, admissions officers are impressed by a student's commitment to developing expertise or cultivating skill in a certain area. Deep achievement is generally more noteworthy than general dabbling, and your recommendation letter can reflect that.

Stella's greatest strengths are her sensitivity to others and commitment to social justice. A budding intellectual, Jon is fascinated by new ideas and has a tremendous capacity to weigh many different opinions at the same time. An excellent student and strong leader, Maria stands out with her strong inner voice and assured sense of self. From Potions to Divination to History of Magic, there's no subject that Hermione hasn't mastered through sheer cleverness, effort, and determination. (This one might only work for magical universities.)

I'm not suggesting that you leave out major strengths of your students, as you want to paint a dynamic picture of them as multifaceted individuals. But you should highlight the most important ones and avoid writing a list of everything they've done and been involved in.

Plus, simply repeating a resume says nothing about your relationship with the student. By highlighting her passion for volunteer work, love of historical research, commitment to sports, or fascination with physics, you're giving insight into what drives a student to do what she does and how she communicates and demonstrates her passions to those around her, including yourself.

To best narrow down your thoughts, I've found it helpful to brainstorm what comes to mind when I think about a student. Is she especially intellectually curious, compassionate towards others, or interested in other cultures? Does she excel at creative problem-solving or at energizing others in a group setting?

Once you've chosen the most important qualities that an admissions officer should know, think about specific anecdotes and examples you can give to prove them. Let her actions speak even louder than your words.

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Give Specific Examples and Anecdotes

Your recommendation letter should definitely include examples. Think of examples as proof of what you're saying. You can say a student is intellectual or philosophical, but that doesn't communicate very much or explain how you know that. Additionally, you could describe a conversation you had with the student about the role of technology in relationships and how she challenged you with ideas you'd never thought about before.

Not only do stories help the student come to life and differentiate her from others with similar qualities, but they also show that you have a strong relationship with the student. By showing that you know her well, your letter carries even more weight. In the eyes of admissions officers, you become especially qualified to assess her and provide a meaningful statement of support.

Since I should practice what I preach, here are a few examples of using examples!

Noah has an outgoing and inspiring presence in our school. As the star of our school's spring musical, he impressed everyone with his beautiful singing voice and flare for comedy. I remember laughing along with the crowd during one of his monologues, wondering how he managed to already have such tangible stage presence. Monica is remarkable for her caring and kindness toward others. After noticing that some students didn't have appropriate winter attire during last year's polar vortex, she organized a Hope Chest and donations closet, where students could "go shopping" for free gloves, scarves, boots, and coats. She even designed the closet to look like a store, with fancy coat hangers and colorful shopping bags. This extra touch and attention to detail showed me how sensitive and attuned she is to the feelings of others.

To best depict your student in a memorable way, you should be careful with your language. Powerful adjectives and statements of high ranking will stand out a lot more than language that sounds generic or lukewarm.

Use Powerful Language and Rankings

I found word banks of strong adjectives to be helpful when composing and revising letters. When I first sat down to write, all the cliches bounded into my head, eager to be of service.

"Let's write about how she's is a good student with a lot of dedication and a heart of gold!" they'd insist. Not only would these sound cheesy and unspecific, they also don't do much to differentiate the student from anybody else. Sorry, cliches. I know you were just trying to help. Maybe next time.

When drafting, and especially when revising, your letter, be on the lookout for ambiguous, generic, or cliche language. Then think about what words you can use that would be more impactful and communicate exactly what you want to say. Instead of writing about how smart a student is, do you want to comment on her creative problem solving or nuanced understanding of complex issues? Is she particularly innovative in her insights or thorough in her research?

Some powerful words include analytical, insightful, curious, observant, innovative, or mastery (of a specific subject area). Others that fall more in the arena of personal and professional strengths include mature, flexible, generous, empathetic, leader, versatile, ethical, motivated, ambitious, resourceful , and strong communication skills.

Of course, these descriptors are not sufficient on their own. As discussed above, you want to use examples from observations or interactions to illustrate what you mean. Two students might both be ambitious but in very different ways. You always want to differentiate the applicant from all the others and comment on what makes her unique.

A high ranking, furthermore, can also go a long way from a counselor, especially one who has worked in the school for years. Statements like these say a lot.

Always ready with a book suggestion and eager to get to English class, Juan is the most literary student I've ever worked with in my twelve years at Cumberland High School. In terms of academic talent, passion, and drive, Kate is one of the top three students I've known in my ten years as an educator. In my decade counseling students at Forks High School, I've never met a student as self-aware or driven as Edward.

Saying someone is "above average" doesn't sound too strong, though, so you should probably leave out a statement of ranking unless it's particularly glowing. Finally, your letter can speak to a student's potential and talk about what you envision her doing at college and beyond.

Speak to a Student's Future Success

Admissions officers are aiming to build a class of dynamic, diverse students with a range of talents and interests. They want students whose past achievements point to their future success. As a counselor who has likely seen the student grow and develop over a transformative four years, you can speak to her continued growth in college.

Assure admissions officers that your students will contribute academically and socially at college. Speak to what you see them doing, and how they'll be a major asset to their community. If the student has struggled in school, you could speak to her potential for growth. Statements like these can usually come in the conclusion of your letter.

Based on the incredible resilience Ashley has shown throughout the challenges in her life, I have no doubt that she will continue to handle anything that comes her way with strength, grace, and a positive outlook. Considering all she's accomplished as Class President, I am confident that Sara will have a strong voice and leadership role on her college campus. Even with his mysterious absences, Edward has risen to top of his class. I'm sure he will continue to excel academically during this next chapter of his eternal life (Twilight: The College Years).

While all of these elements are key for your letter of recommendation, are there any types of content that you shouldn't include in your letter? I touched upon a few of them above, but let's review what could make your letter ineffective.

What Shouldn't Go Into a Letter of Recommendation?

To reiterate the point, simply listing out a student's activities and achievements would make for a weak letter. It's not personal or insightful, and it's a reiteration of information that's present in other parts of the application. While you should speak to significant involvements, you should do so in a personal way - what drives the student and how has she demonstrated her skills, interests, or personality.

On a similar note, writing about quantitative data , like GPA or number of years involved in each club, won't add much to a student's chances. It's like confirming that the student attended your school, without actually giving an assessment or recommendation.

When you go through your letter, be on the lookout for generic language that could apply to a number of students. Similarly, revise anything that's ambiguous or hyperbolic . Overblown enthusiasm could sound insincere, while lukewarm praise could sound forced. Make sure you're not listing adjectives without examples. When you read over your letter, it should add value to an application by providing insight and differentiating the student from other applicants with similar grades and activities.

Finally, you don't want to use a template that's very similar for a lot of students, especially if they're applying to the same colleges. Nearly identical letters would make you lose credibility in the eyes of admissions officers, and then your letter would do little to help a student get accepted.

Once you've brainstormed the qualities you want to highlight and stories you want to tell, it's helpful to draft your letter with a clear structure in mind.

How to Structure Your Recommendation Letter

Your recommendation letter should be one page . In exceptional circumstances, you might continue onto two pages, but generally speaking it should be one full page. Less than that could look like you don't have much to say about a student. That might be the case, but admissions officers will notice that and interpret it as they will.

In the introduction, you should state your recommendation for the student. Say who you are and how long and in what contexts you've known the student. This shows that you're qualified to make an assessment.

As Sofia's counselor for the past four years at Degrassi High, I have had the pleasure of watching her grow into one of the most successful students in her class. James: inventor, sci-fi fan, coder extraordinaire. In my twelve years as a counselor at High School High, I've never seen a student more passionate about technological innovation than James, who has a skill for computer engineering far beyond his years.

In the middle two to three paragraphs, you can dive into your assessment of the student, using the content and techniques talked about above. Highlight her impressive personal qualities, and talk about her growth. If there are any important challenges the student has had to overcome, you should share that as well. If the challenge is especially personal, I would double check with the student that she feels comfortable sharing that information.

If you can tailor your assessment to the specific college , all the better. For highly selective colleges, you could attest to the student's ability to thrive in an academically rigorous environment. You could speak to her collaboration, communication, or leadership skills, to her flexibility or ambition, or to her resourcefulness and resilience.

One of the most ethically driven and global minded students I've known in my 12 years as a counselor, Laura founded the Amnesty International Club at our school and worked tirelessly to involve her fellow students, faculty, and community in her campaigns for human rights and international justice. Tufts University, with its renowned international relations program, would be an ideal fit with her interests and goals for the future. As a creative, mature, and self-directed learner, Ana would thrive in Brown's environment, where she could explore her passion for science and build a rigorous curriculum that would match her goals.

Finally, in the conclusion you should restate your support for the candidate. Provide a vision of what you see her accomplishing at college. Conclude with an invitation for admissions officers to contact you with any questions or for any further information. Be intentional with how you conclude your letter. Will readers be left with a strong impression of the student? Did your letter communicate exactly what you wanted to say?

To review, let's go over the do's and don't's of writing a letter of recommendation.

The best letters take time and thought to personalize , which can be tough to come by when you have hundreds of letters to write. By honing in on the key content and structure of good letters, you can streamline the process for yourself and cut out approaches that waste time or produce mediocre letters. Below are the key points that helped me the most when writing recommendation letters for students with all different interests, plans, and personalities.

Be as specific as possible, highlighting a student's major strengths and impressive personal qualities.
Show, don't tell. Be demonstrative with stories and examples, rather than just descriptions.
Use powerful, enthusiastic language and statements of high ranking.
Be careful not to use phrases that could be interpreted negatively.
Talk about personal challenges the student has overcome.
Give your vision for how you see the student contributing to her college community.
Restate everything on a student's resume .
List quantitative data .
Describe a student without having examples to illustrate your points.
Use generic, ambiguous, or hyperbolic language.
Leave out essential insights into the student's character or motivations.
Sound lukewarm or downright critical.
Go too long or too short.
Copy and paste from other letters.

As a counselor, you're an indispensable part of a student's journey of self-discovery and post-high school planning. While all those letters can feel overwhelming, you're also one of the best people to advocate for your students and expertly write letters of recommendation that will help them get accepted to their dream schools.

What's Next?

What makes a strong letter of recommendation here? Check out our full guide and new examples here.

For more insight on writing letters of recommendation, check out these examples of great college recommendation letters from counselors . And to see what not to do, read these examples of bad recommendations from counselors .

Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download them for free now:

Rebecca graduated with her Master's in Adolescent Counseling from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She has years of teaching and college counseling experience and is passionate about helping students achieve their goals and improve their well-being. She graduated magna cum laude from Tufts University and scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT.

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3 Awesome Counselor Rec Letter Examples

What’s covered:, what should a counselor rec letter include.

Common Rec Letter Mistakes to Avoid

3 Counselor Rec Letter Examples

How to get your rec letter draft in minutes.

Writing letters of recommendation for students is an important responsibility for any high school counselor. If you’ve written thousands of letters or if you’ve never written a single one, looking at examples can give you an idea of what you’re doing right or what you might want to change.

In this post, we will share three example counselor rec letters to inspire your writing. We will also share our analysis of the letters and some common mistakes you should avoid to get a sense of what works best.

The main purpose of counselor rec letters is to provide insight into a student’s accomplishments, personality, and extenuating circumstances that admission officers wouldn’t know from looking at their profile.It shouldn’t be a summary of their resume in paragraph form; new details and information about the student should be revealed. Some things you should make sure you include are:

The student’s unique personal qualities and characteristics
The student’s academic goals and achievements (ie. challenging courses they took, their favorite subject, independent projects they undertook, major and career goals, etc.)
Two or three extracurricular activities the student excelled at and played a large role in
Specific details about the student’s actions and personality traits
Any hardships or challenges the student has faced (ie. demanding family life, academic setbacks, medical conditions, etc.)

Common Rec Letter Mistakes to Avoid

1. being too generic.

It’s tough to write dozens, if not hundreds, of rec letters each year and make each one unique, but unfortunately a generic rec letter won’t help colleges at all. If you can swap the name of a student and the letter still makes sense, it isn’t detailed enough to make a difference to admissions officers.

You can avoid generic letters by including student-specific details throughout the letter. Good things to include are specific classes the student enjoyed or challenged themselves with, like an AP. You should also include extracurriculars that are specific to the student, rather than just mentioning they are an active member in their community. You should also be sure to describe the student’s character and back that up with examples.

2. Summarizing a Student’s Resume

As we said above, rec letters are used by colleges to learn information about the student they can’t get from the rest of their application. So, when a rec letter just reads like a resume, highlighting the student’s academic and extracurricular involvement without explaining the significance, it won’t be very useful.

A good way to prevent yourself from falling into the trap of summarizing everything on their resume is to pick out a few of the student’s accomplishments and expand on them with the STAR method. This popular interview method involves describing a Situation, what the student was Tasked to do, the Actions they took, and the Result.

Utilizing the STAR method for 1-2 academic achievements and 1-2 extracurricular accomplishments will allow you to dig deeper and focus on aspects of the student’s character that arose from their involvement in the given situations.

3. Writing Too Much or Too Little

Recommendation letters should be about one page in length—any more or less and it could raise eyebrows. Think about it from the perspective of admissions officers: you read hundreds of letters and essays every day and then come across a two page rec letter—do you really want to read it all or will it just make you annoyed? On the flip side, a letter that is too short might raise some red flags that the counselor doesn’t have enough good things to say about the student.

To avoid either situation, aim for a letter right around one page. Five or six paragraphs should be enough for you to get all of your ideas across. Concise, but detailed, is the way to go.

4. Forgetting to Proofread

The last thing you want is to submit a rec letter to a college with a typo, the wrong school name, or even the wrong student’s name. It’s normal to make some errors when drafting so many letters at once, but don’t forget to go back and read through each letter.

You can make your life easier by running it through a proofreading program. You also don’t need to draft a new letter for every school a student applies to. If you are uploading your recommendation to the Common App, it will get sent to all the schools, so leave any particular college out of the letter.

It is with great enthusiasm that I write this letter of recommendation for Mark, an incredibly talented and dedicated student with whom I have been fortunate to work closely as his school counselor for the past three years. Mark possesses an unwavering determination and passion for learning, alongside a unique ability to balance his academic pursuits with a diverse range of extracurricular activities. I am confident that his skills, personality, and work ethic will make him an invaluable asset to the Lehigh University community.

Mark’s commitment to his education is evident in his strong academic record, which includes a 3.75 GPA, a 31 ACT score, and a plethora of honors and AP classes. Despite his rigorous coursework, Mark never shies away from responsibility or complains about his workload. Instead, he tackles each challenge head-on and consistently displays an eagerness to learn and grow.

In addition to his academic prowess, Mark has made significant contributions to our school community through his involvement in numerous extracurricular activities. As both the business manager for the school newspaper and co-editor of the yearbook for two years, he transformed our town’s perception of the school newspaper from a charitable endeavor to a valuable advertising platform. Mark’s keen business sense led him to create an advertising rate schedule that increased revenue and expanded the paper’s coverage, demonstrating his aptitude for economics and leadership.

Mark’s artistic talents are also evident in his outstanding photography skills, which have greatly enhanced both the newspaper and yearbook. As a member of our school’s drama club and Sound of Music play, a viola player, and a varsity linebacker on the football team, he showcases his versatility and ability to excel in various pursuits.

His role as the Vice President of the Physics Club and three-time class treasurer further exemplify his dedication and commitment to making a positive impact on our school. Mark’s self-motivation and discipline have allowed him to prioritize his goals and say no to opportunities that might detract from his overall success.

I am confident that Lehigh University is the perfect environment for Mark to continue pursuing his passion for economics while also exploring his remarkable artistic abilities. The supportive community and diverse range of opportunities available at Lehigh will undoubtedly help Mark thrive and achieve his full potential.

In summary, Mark’s determined, creative nature, paired with his exceptional academic and extracurricular accomplishments, make him a truly deserving candidate for admission to Lehigh University. I wholeheartedly endorse his application and believe that he will be an outstanding addition to your undergraduate community. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require additional information.

Analysis of Example 1

This letter placed more of an emphasis on the student’s extracurricular accomplishments, giving the reader a strong sense of his varied interests and dedication to each one. The paragraph about his work with the school newspaper was a perfect example of how you should provide depth to a student’s accomplishments.

Using the STAR method, the counselor told us about how the community viewed the paper as a “ charitable endeavor ” (situation), Mark was the business manager (task), and he created an advertising rate schedule (action) that raised revenues and coverage (result). Because of this detailed description of his involvement, we get a much better sense of what he is capable of.

One area of this essay that could use more attention is academics. We are told about his “ plethora of honors and AP classes ” and “ rigorous coursework ”, but we don’t get any further details. Especially because we are told about his desire to pursue economics, it would have been nice to have a sentence like this: “ The high grades he consistently earned in AP Macroeconomics, blowing away his teacher with the extra research he conducted on market volatility, set him apart from his peers. ”

It is with immense pleasure and genuine enthusiasm that I recommend Monica for admission to your undergraduate program. As her school counselor for the past four years, I have had the distinct honor of observing Monica’s remarkable growth and unwavering dedication to her education and personal development. She is a young woman of exceptional talent, resilience, and determination, who has consistently risen above the challenges that life has presented her with.

Monica’s commitment to her academics is truly commendable. Boasting an unweighted GPA of 3.80 and a class rank of 32/675, she has completed 11 Honors courses and 5 AP/IB courses, all while facing significant academic challenges. Monica struggled with math in 9th and 10th grade, but she did not let this deter her. Instead, she demonstrated the kind of resilience and growth mindset that set her apart from her peers. Monica’s potential need for additional support or tutoring in math should be seen not as a weakness, but as an opportunity for her to continue overcoming challenges and developing her strengths.

Monica’s passion for the arts is evident in her extracurricular activities. As the President of the Photography Club, she has displayed outstanding leadership skills, organizing events and activities for her fellow students. Her photography talents have been recognized with a District Art Show Excellence Award. In addition, Monica has been a dedicated member of the International Thespian Society and has received awards for her performances in the school’s drama program. These accomplishments speak volumes about her creativity, dedication, and ability to excel in various fields.

Despite experiencing anxiety throughout high school, Monica has shown tremendous resilience and has learned to work through her challenges, leading to a vast improvement in her overall well-being and academic performance. Her progress in this area is a testament to her strength of character and her commitment to personal growth.

Monica’s difficult home environment has required her to take on significant responsibilities, such as caring for her younger siblings while her mother works long hours. Yet, she has maintained a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to her family. Her involvement with the Interact Club and her selection for the National Honors Society further demonstrate her dedication to serving her community and her academic excellence.

I wholeheartedly endorse Monica’s application for admission to your undergraduate program. She is an inspiring, compassionate, intelligent, and determined young woman who possesses a clear sense of purpose and direction. I have no doubt that Monica will continue to thrive, making significant contributions to her college community and beyond. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.

Analysis of Example 2

This is a good example of a counselor using their letter to provide admissions officers with additional context on a student’s background. Throughout the letter, we are told about challenges Monica has had to overcome and the accomplishments she has achieved despite some setbacks. Providing the context makes her achievements even more impressive to the reader.

For example, the list of her GPA, class rank, and number of advanced courses isn’t a bad thing in this letter because it is paired with the knowledge she struggled in math but was determined to do better and sought out support. These details help us both understand her grades and her character.

The counselor also tells us about Monica’s anxiety and challenging home environment. These are all pieces of information admissions officers wouldn’t be able to find out elsewhere in the application, so it’s important that the counselor included them.

It would be nice if the counselor provided more details about the student’s character when discussing her extracurriculars though. When describing her involvement with photography and theater, the counselor highlights the awards she won, rather than using the STAR method to showcase Monica’s actions and how they reflect aspects of her personality.

I am writing to give my highest recommendation to Jessie for your undergraduate program. Over the past three years, I have had the privilege of knowing Jessie as her school counselor, and have witnessed her incredible growth as a student, a community leader, and an aspiring math educator. Jessie’s great passion for mathematics is paralleled by her commitment to fostering inclusivity and giving back to her community, making her an exceptional candidate for your college.

Jessie’s dedication to her academic pursuits has led her to exhaust the highest level of mathematics offered at our school by her sophomore year. Undeterred by this limitation, she enrolled in multivariable calculus and linear algebra through a dual enrollment program, exemplifying her drive to constantly challenge herself. Jessie’s love for math has inspired her to pursue a career as a math teacher or professor, and I have no doubt that she will inspire the next generation of students.

Jessie is a star student and is high-achieving in all her endeavors. She is ranked third in the class of 500 students, has a 4.32 weighted GPA, and a 35 ACT score. Outside of the classroom, she is the student body vice president and captain of the track team, where she has earned three varsity letters and placed second in regionals in the 800m event.

However, what sets Jessie apart is her innate desire to help others. Realizing the need for accessible tutoring in our school, Jessie founded Math on a Mission, a free math tutoring program aimed at assisting low-income students. Her initiative has grown from a simple idea to a team of 10 dedicated tutors who offer both in-school and after-hours support. This program not only showcases Jessie’s resourcefulness and leadership skills but also her deep-rooted empathy for her fellow students.

As student body vice president, Jessie has been instrumental in implementing measures to make our school more inclusive and welcoming. She’s established a free pantry where students can give and take food, as well as a free closet where students can give and take gently-used clothing. These resources have made a significant impact on the lives of her fellow students, as the majority of our district is low-income and receives free or reduced lunch.

In all my years as a counselor, I have seldom come across a student as passionate, driven, and committed as Jessie. Her unique combination of academic excellence, leadership, and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of others make her an ideal candidate for your institution. I wholeheartedly endorse Jessie for your college, and I am confident that she will not only thrive in your academic environment, but also make a lasting impact on your campus community.

Thank you for considering my recommendation. Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Analysis of Example 3

This is a great example of writing a letter that contributes to and supports a student’s application theme . In the introduction, the counselor pointed out Jessie’s passion for mathematics and her commitment to giving back to the community, and the rest of the letter honed in on those two qualities. The reader walks away feeling like they understand these two crucial aspects of Jessie’s personality, which is exactly what counselors should strive to do with their letters.

Another positive is how the counselor wove the student’s character traits into the discussion of her academics and extracurriculars. For example, we are told about her “ drive to constantly challenge herself ” through the example of her taking dual enrollment math classes. We also learn about her empathy and desire to help others through her two extracurriculars. This makes the letter feel more coherent and makes the examples stand out more because we can associate her accomplishments with certain traits.

One thing that stands out in this letter as something to avoid is the third paragraph that lists out Jessie’s accolades without further detail. While it’s okay in this instance because the rest of the body paragraphs are so detailed, in general, counselors should avoid listing out ACT scores and GPAs without connecting it to an aspect of the student’s personality. Admissions officers will find that information elsewhere in the application, so save your limited space for providing new details.

Don’t want to spend hours writing letter after letter? We can help! CollegeVine’s free AI Rec Letter Assistant creates a first draft of counselor rec letters within minutes.

All you have to do is input information about your student, and you can also upload an example of a past letter so it can write in your voice. After you get your draft, you’ll be able to edit it and focus on making your student’s story shine.

In fact, the examples shown above were created by the AI Rec Letter Assistant and then edited. Check it out for yourself!