College Reference Letters

In addition to academic credentials, top schools also place great weight on the quality and depth of a candidate's recommendations. We want to know more about the unique personality that is behind those grades and test scores. Reference letters from credible third-parties who can objectively evaluate your integrity and character are paramount in the evaluation process. They often play a key role in whether you are invited for a interview or offered a seat in the class.

Sadly, not every faculty member or guidance counselor has the time, energy or skill to craft an exceptional letter of recommendation. Even if someone thinks you are terrific, their best efforts might not do you justice. Successful reference letters must provide detailed examples of the exceptional features that set you apart from the crowd. The author must offer critical insight into your potential for success, along with a short discussion of your developmental areas (weaknesses). A poorly worded (or ill-conceived) letter can be the kiss of death for an otherwise well-qualified candidate.

In our work in admissions, we see reference letters every day that do nothing to enhance the applicant's candidacy. Sadly, most references are terse, ordinary documents that could have been written by anyone. They rarely open the coveted Ivy League doors. We are often asked to write (and edit) reference letters by diligent faculty members who want to do the best possible job for their students. We think everyone should have access to this service.

We offer three options for candidates who want to obtain the best reference letters possible:

1) A custom writing service for letters of recommendation for Ivy League undergraduate programs

2) An editing service for candidates who have a first draft

3) A collection of the absolute BEST reference letters for these programs that we have ever seen

1. Custom Writing Service for Reference Letters

Our service is ideal for:

1. Well-intentioned bosses and faculty members who don't know what to say. A great letter offers a critical analysis of your strengths and weaknesses from someone who knows you well enough to make an impartial assessment. Details must reinforce and complement the information in your essays.

2. Authors whose native language is not English. The best references discuss subtle nuances of a candidate's personality and skills, which requires a strong proficiency in conversational English. Authors who are uncomfortable with the language tend to write less, which ultimately hurts the candidate.

3. Faculty references who don't understand the non-academic aspects of the selection process. To gain admission to top schools, applicants must demonstrate skills beyond the scope of their high school course work. Many faculty references simply say, "Sam's academic record speaks for itself." Unfortunately, this is not helpful for highly competitive schools, where leadership and interpersonal skills are as highly valued as academic success.

4. Harried bosses and faculty members who don't have the time to write the letters for you.

How important is that reference? At highly selective schools, 70% of all applicants have competitive grades and test scores. A committee's decision often hinges upon an exceptional intrinsic quality that captures our interest and makes a positive impression (such as entrepreneurial ventures or dedication to community service). Reference letters from third parties who can document these activities can make or break an application.

If you need help writing a reference letter, we can help. Our writers are Ivy League graduates with admissions experience at top schools. Further, with our experience in admissions, we know what works and what doesn't. We will craft a letter for you that will help you stand out in the highly competitive applicant pool.

The Process:

To determine if our custom writing service is right for you, please contact us at IvyAssistance@mail.com. We will send you a questionnaire that you will need to complete for us to write the letter. In your message, please specify the type of program that you are applying to (in this case, undergraduate school).

When you return the questionnaire to us, we will review the material to make sure that we have everything we need to write the letter. Then, we will send you a payment link where you can order our service.

Once we receive your order, we will complete our first draft of your letter within 48 hours. As a courtesy, we will also provide a second review of the same work at no additional charge (if needed). We want you to be completely satisfied with what you send to the schools.

Cost: we charge $200 to write a 750-word letter and $25 for each additional 250 words.

2. Editing Service for Reference Letters

Many times, candidates have a first draft of a reference letter that needs polishing. We would be happy to help you with that process. To begin, please send your first draft to us in Word format (preferably as an email attachment).

In the body of the email message, please provide the following information:

1. the program you are applying to (in this case, undergraduate school)
2. the exact instructions for the letter (feel free to copy it directly from the school's website)
3. the length limit (if any)
4. any restrictions regarding type size or line spacing
5. concepts and ideas that you want emphasize in the letter
6. time constraints
7. any other information that you consider relevant

Please send all material to IvyAssistance@mail.com.

When we receive it, we will review the draft and send you a payment link where you can order our service. Once we receive your order, we will complete our revision of your letter within 48 hours. As a courtesy, we will also provide a second review of the same work at no additional charge (if needed). We want you to be completely satisfied with what you send to the schools.

Cost: we charge $125 to edit a 750-word letter and $25 for each additional 250 words.

3. Sample Reference Letters

Our collection of reference letters is ideal for anyone who wants to write a distinctive recommendation letter for a candidate who is applying to college. These successful letters eloquently document the candidate's strengths in the proper perspective, tone and level of detail. They convey the personal and professional traits that the committee looks for when making tough admissions decisions.

These letters are also an excellent personal investment; your admission to college is the cornerstone of your professional future. Don't risk your chances by submitting inferior reference letters.

To order 45 College Recommendation Letters That Made a Difference (ISBN: 9781933819655) in paperback or Kindle format, please visit www.amazon.com.

Disclaimer: Admission to competitive programs depends on several factors in addition to your recommendation letters. We cannot guarantee that a client will be admitted to any specific school or program.