Sometimes, pictures offer a perspective when people want my travel recommendations. Recommendations can go a long ways by offering food for thought and a personal perspective.

Do recommendation letters help? They can help, but most recommendation letters have no affect on admissions outcomes. I elaborate why this is in a previous Youtube video and a blog post.

You should never submit a recommendation letter just for the sake of it or because you think it is expected. It isn't like bonus points are given for effort.

Only recommendation letters that add new information will be helpful. Does your letter merely restate what a reviewer can find on your transcript, resume, or in an essay? Then consider not sending it.

Is there a perspective from high school, college professor, your work place, a physician, or a commanding officer that offer a vital contribution to your application portfolio? Then, by all means, please submit your letter.

You're not going to impress anyone if your letter looks like a template written by someone who barely knows you. UT doesn't care who writes the letter, only its contents.

Recommendation letters for transfer applicants can be effective especially if you have worked a full-time job. A reference letter from your boss or employer can go a long ways to providing context to your roles and responsibilities. It can sometimes be hard to differentiate a job on a college resume, so a letter can be an effective way to set yourself apart from the competition.

As is good practice for anytime you ask someone for a favor, give your potential letter writer at least a few weeks advance notice. It is also appropriate to collaborate with recommender on what to write.

Is there something in particular you want them to discuss or emphasize? Is there a specific accomplishment you are proud of that sounds better coming from someone else rather than you writing it in an essay? Can your writer speak on how you would do in your desired major?

There are many ways to approach a recommendation letter, but only consider submitting letters that add new information and make your application more powerful.

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