Are You Aware of Letters of Recommendation? Know this as soon as possible.
By Stanley Kaminski (Complied 05-27-2013 from actual student situations)
College is about more than grades. Students need letters of recommendation for scholarships, awards, program
admission and JOBS. You may already be aware that you will need positive letters from 3 to 5 of your instructors to
reach your goals. This information below is intended to help students understand what behaviors are recommendable
and what behaviors are not recommendable. Students who stick to the “Do’s” and avoid the “Don’ts” will get
complimentary recommendations and references from faculty that will open many doors of success. On the other hand,
students who carry out the wrong behaviors will not be able to find faculty who will write recommendation letters for
them. Sadly, many of those students will never know what went wrong. Many people are unaware of these truths, so I
am called to spread the news.
Which statements would you want in your letter of recommendation?
The Do’s
He knows how to learn.
She never complains.
He gets things done quickly and proactively.
She is always here, always on time, and she stays the whole time.
He is cooperative and uses good manners.
She gets along with people.
He’s a lifter-upper, never a puller-downer.
She asks for help with plenty of lead time before a due date.
He reads and understands the assignment directions before asking for help.
She was highly involved with the course.
He discussed his grades with me outside of class time.
She discussed grades with me in writing (such as in a written note or an email on your verifiable email address).
He made sure his preferred email address was registered officially at HCC, thereby receiving the messages I send directly
from our electronic course rosters.
She asked for help when she needed it.
He loves learning and is genuinely curious.
She completed the Journal Assignment, even though it was not required.
He was so involved and did so much extra credit; he didn’t need to take the final exam and still earned an A in the
course.
She didn’t need the final exam, but took it anyway out of curiosity and a love of learning.
One time he missed a special help meeting that he asked for. While missing the meeting was not good, he did make
amends by apologizing in person and by not giving any excuses.
She had some conflict with her group, but made amends.
He is tolerant of others and accepted another student’s apology after a conflict.
She rises above conflict and makes amends where appropriate.
He understands that grades are earned by students, not given by the instructor.
She owns her education.
He is responsible and in charge of his own destiny.
She exceeds expectations on her assignments.
He takes pride in the production of his assignments and projects.
She has excellent handwriting. As someone who reads for a living, I appreciated her legibility.
He follows directions.
She always answers the question thoroughly.
He never cuts corners.
If you give her an assignment, she will complete on time and with great quality. You will not have to ask her twice.
He is reliable. If he has a job to do, it will be done well and on time. You can count on him.
She listens well. He is independent.
She is rightly confident in her abilities.
He is a calming force amongst his classmates.
She is a great leader.
He is a key influencer.
She has a positive attitude at all times.
He has a positive attitude at all times.
She is very creative.
He appreciates learning and intellectual activities.
I got to know a few things about her life, and she has overcome many devastating obstacles to successfully complete her
degree.
In order to complete a task, he only needs to told once.
The Don’ts
If you like TMZ, you will love this part. Please remember that these are bad behaviors, not bad people. No one is perfect,
but we can learn from our mistakes and from other peoples’ mistakes. One of these transgressions was actually
committed by me, but I will never say which one. Thankfully, I made amends.
He didn’t contribute to his group project.
She couldn’t get along with other students during our group assignments.
If you are looking for someone who takes no responsibility for his own education and expects others to indulge his lack
of effort, he is your candidate. Here is an email he sent me: Hello Mr. Kaminski. My name is DELETED, I was one of your
DELETED students. We always talked about DELETED SPORT, our favorite players, and my future. After your class i
continued to play DELETED SPORT and I recived a scholarship to DELETED community college. I had a outstanding yr this
yr and now I have Been offered the opportunity to play Division 1 DELETED for DELETED University. Starting DELETED
POSITION. They are working with me to get me eligible. As u might or might not know I didn't pass your class. I'm asking
may you please over turn my grade to the minimum of a C so it can transfer over?. This is an great opportunity for me
and my family. I really would like to play at this school! I'm asking for your help and support so if you can grant me this
favor i would really appreciate it dearly, if not I understand but thank you anyway for hearing me out.
She called me 90 minutes before a due date class, asking for step 1 help on a 20 step project.
He deceptively submitted dishonest work. “I made this video assignment for your Art Appreciation class, but I didn’t
know how to insert the first title” (as the directions require).
She gives excuses such as “I wasn’t aware of the instructions or deadlines.”
He cheats on tests.
She turned in work that she did not do.
He provided answers to another student during tests.
Before a test, in front of others, he told me that “this test better be easier than the last one or I will break your arm.”
She lobbied and pressured for an A when she got a B despite getting a C/D or worse on tests, had poor attendance, did
none of the available extra credit and could not calculate her own grade - even with the published grading profile.
He lobbied and pressured for an A in Printmaking when he got a B despite having D participation, poor attendance, did
no extra credit and could not calculate his own grade, even with the published grading profile.
He whined. Literally, I’m not making this up, he whined like a tired toddler. Everything was too hard. He always wanted
more time. If only he could hear himself. Later, his sister took my class, and she whined too.
She often wanted to discuss her grades or lobby for grades or ask for clarification about grades during class time in front
of others. It was very off-putting behavior. The other students didn’t appreciate the distraction either.
After a test, he wanted to discuss a test question after he submitted his test papers. I revealed the correct answer and
then he confidently took back his test papers, returned to his seat, changed his answer (even after I told him that is
inappropriate) then resubmitted his test papers. I did not make a scene out of the situation. Mostly, I was
dumbfounded. He earned two additional points on that test, which had no effect on his final grade – which happened to
be an A, but based on this behavior I cannot recommend him for any job, scholarship or program for which he applies.
She was a puller-downer, never a lifter-upper.
He’s a nice, respectful guy, but he did lots of sitting around in the lab. I encourage students to be active “energy
emanators” during our studio lab time. His lethargy really pulled down on the class.
She attended so infrequently, the other students thought she was in the wrong classroom when she came to class.
I returned an assignment in Art Appreciation class and he did not approve of his grade and blurted out “this is bullsh*t!”
In my own mind, I agreed with him, but nonetheless the project still got a B. I told him to gather his things and leave the
classroom. On the way out he said “Geez, I didn’t know you were such a sensitive baby.” To his credit, he felt bad about
his behavior and he did make amends a few days later.
She didn’t approve of a grade and muttered “what a di*k” in front of other students.
He asked me to fill out this “professor letter recommendation form” at the last minute.
She asked me to write this letter on her behalf at the last minute, so there was no time to review and analyze her
performance in my class. My records show she got an A. Her attendance could have been a little better.
His behavior was disruptive, confrontational and arrogant. He constantly bragged about being on the football team at
UH, but I checked and he wasn’t. Of course, I kept that to myself. He would curse in class. I dismissed him from class and
he kicked the wall outside the room in the hallway. The rest of the students and I felt threatened by his behavior. This
unbalanced young man needs counseling.
In Printmaking class, during demonstrations, she lost focus, walked away, talked to other students, sat down, texted,
checked Facebook, and even make a phone calls. It held the class back, because she would later need extra help.
In our studio class, he was bombastic, immature, disruptive and mildly bullying. He touches, pokes and flicks people with
his finger. He bullies people and then says it’s just a joke. He’s the kind of person who seeks attention and gets
attention, but not for good reasons, not for the reasons you would want at your company or program. Do not hire this
guy.
In Printmaking class, she behaved like a kid in kindergarten story time that can’t pay attention. She fidgeted, distracted
others, touched others, and couldn’t focus. I watched her carefully and she couldn’t focus - even for 15 seconds.
I normally wouldn’t write a letter for this type of student, but in this case I must because he will be a menace to your
organization if you hire him. In my entire career, I have never seen such misleading, bragging behavior. I was convinced
that he was on a college football team, knows many professional athletes, was from one of the wealthiest and most
powerful families in Houston, and was a friend and hunting partner of a major elected official. The illusion unraveled
when I overheard a group of students talking in awe about him and his highest-in-the class test scores. (All scores are
revealed yet anonymous.) His scores were actually the lowest. If there’s a bright side, it’s that he would be perfect for a
job on Wall Street.
She was unable to keep track of her grades and was unaware of the course grading profile, which is in the syllabus. At
the end of the semester, she asked me “what do I need on the final to make an A in the class? I’m an honor student and
I need an A in the class to graduate as an honor student.”
He often left class early in a dramatic, conspicuous, performance art manner. Normally, I don’t take it personally, but in
this case his body language intended to communicate “I don’t have time for this.” It was bizarre and attention-seeking.
During a mat-cutting procedure in Printmaking class, I advised a small group to stand up. She sat down.
He would show up on the first day of a new lab/studio process without the needed supplies.
She would show up on the first day of a new lab/studio process without the needed supplies, and then offer an excuse:
"I gotta wait to git my munny." (apparently from financial aid)
He was lagging behind in a studio project. He asked me for extra help. I agreed to meet him in the studio the next day to
catch him up on my own time. He didn’t show up. He didn’t even call.
She was lagging behind in a studio project. She asked me for extra help. I agreed to meet her the next day to catch her
up in the studio on my own time. She was late.
She asked for help. I was helping her and then she took a phone call and began to chat.
He asked for help. I was helping him and then he began to text.
She cannot be counted on to make meetings.
He cannot be on time for meetings.
He will be on time sometimes for meetings.
She writes on reusable test booklets despite verbal and written test instructions to not write on the reusable test
booklets.
He assumed he was earning lab/studio credit for missed time due to the “lunch and learn” sessions hosted by his honor
society.
She asked for extra credit opportunities that were already in the syllabus.
He has illegible handwriting.
She Facebooked loudly during classes. People from across the room couldn’t believe the fervor in which she typed, and
neither could I.
He asked for a test do-over opportunity – even though the syllabus already provides for that and there is no reason to
ask.
She arrives late, and then is a distraction. One time she came through the door 20 minutes late and said “I’m here… I still
have perfect attendance, right?”
If your school allows texting during tests, he’ll do well there.
She missed a deadline and accepted the zero (0%) consequences without complaint. She went on to tell me that she did
all the work and her project was complete and offered to show it to me. I said “yes, bring that in.” She never did.
She brought in her sick baby to attempt to turn in an assignment 30 minutes late. This happened during my next class,
which she interrupted. She added that she was at the emergency room with her baby. The baby, who was approximately
18 months old, looked perfectly happy and healthy to me. If your program or workplace needs this type of activity, she is
the perfect candidate for you.
In Art Appreciation class, I noticed after a class that he threw his graded autobiographical collage project in the garbage.
In Art Appreciation class, she didn’t like a graded paper and threw it in the trash and left the room.
He sent me this email: How are you? well the reason for my email is because I cant believe you gave me a D I am so upset
you now I tried why?. You knew how important it was for me to pass and you failed me. I a student told me
how you let them turn in a project after the due date. Well I cant believe it but take care sir.
She wasn’t aware of the course syllabus and the vital course policies.
He sent me this email: Hello sir i just wanted to send you a email due to the fact that i was out of class for last week. I
was having surgery on my right leg to remove two titanium screws from my knee. I wanted to express to you how i am
sorry for missing so much of your class because of the recovery process of my leg getting really messed up. I know that i
did not do so well on the second test we just took . . i never have been a very good test taker. I am willing to do anything
as far as extra credit work and assignments to sustain an A for your class. I know that i have done well in all the other
assignments but in order for me to keep my GI Bill i must receive an A in your class. I must keep my GI bill in order to stay
in college so if you can give me any amount of work to do to make up for the tests then i will do so i just can't loose that
GI bill. please get back to me sir if we can work this out. thank you sir
She wasn’t aware of or didn’t understand the course calendar. She didn’t know what was going on, what we were doing
or when we were doing it.
She was unaware that assignments that weren’t attempted are zeros (0%) and are very detrimental to her grade
average. This may be due to her high school’s policy of counting unattempted assignments as 50%, which takes my
breath away in the wrong sense.
In order to complete a task, he needs others to repeat instructions and give him many reminders.
I tried to help her rise up by reminding her that her behavior would affect her ability to receive letters of
recommendation. She said “that’s ok, I won’t be asking you.”
He complained about earning a C in Printmaking class although he never set the press, prepared the ink, cleaned up the
ink or used a key (all demonstrations the course skills testing component requires).
She texted me before a printmaking class stating “I cannot get my printing paper. It’s hard for me, I have to ride a bike.”
We have a Hobby Lobby art supply store literally 400 feet from our classroom. The next day, she wasn’t able to print,
because she had no paper. I did notice that she had the latest (Samsung Galaxy 5) phone to while away the 2.5 hours of
our studio lab class.
Case Study: an actual recommendation letter I wrote for a nursing student
I am writing to support DELETED for your program. She earned a "B" in my ARTS 2333 Printmaking I class in the DELETED
semester. She performed reasonably well on projects and participated in the class and in the student exhibition.
DELETED missed only 5 classes, was late only 9 times and left early just once during our 27 class meetings. She attended
12 sessions without being late or leaving early. Houston is a large city with a lot of traffic, so that’s not too bad.
I was appreciative about her performance in a challenging class outside of her academic major. My records show she
earned 26 extra credit coupons – which is fairly substantial for this course. She earned an 88% average (a B). We do, by
the way, have lots of talented students here. She ranks in the top 50% of all students I have known here and at large
universities.
As for DELETED’s character, it is of good quality. She is a very nice and treats others with care, patience and respect. Our
college was lucky to have her here.
If I can be of further assistance, please feel free to email me at stanley.kaminski@hccs.edu or call me at (713) 718-5647.
Thank you for considering Ms. DELETED.
----------------------------------------------------------------------end of letter ------------------------------------------------------------------------This case was troubling for me. She earned a proficient grade in the course, but was unaware of how much attendance
matters. I could not fully endorse her, yet I didn’t want to tell her no. This student thought this was a good
recommendation. It isn’t. In fact, it’s worse than no letter at all. She just doesn’t “get it”. Many people say that the
people that “don’t get it” never will “get it”. As a teacher I know otherwise and that’s why I’m writing this now. I believe
people can learn and can rise up. Let me spell it out for you. Here are the problems with this letter:
1. I “supported” her. I did not “recommend” her.
2. She was a nursing major and she’s asking her art elective teacher for a recommendation. The reader will deduce
that the science, chemistry, biology, nursing faculty do not recommend her. It’s a huge red flag. They will think
something is wrong. They will think she isn’t skilled enough, smart enough, doesn’t get along with other people,
has irritating mannerisms, and/or is uncooperative. Only desperate programs will consider this applicant. It is
almost always best to include only recommendations from pertinent faculty.
3. She had poor attendance. Professionals and organizations do not have time to waste. Only desperate programs
(if any) will consider this applicant.
4. It is very short. The reader will wonder why there aren’t more examples and details about her intellectual and
creative abilities.
5. She had an 88%. In many ways, an 80% would be better. She was close to the goal. It’s like missing a slam dunk.
In case you are wondering, yes I do write many praising letters of recommendation for
people. The above letter is a rare negative example. If I cannot honestly recommend a
student, I politely decline and do not write the letter.
What have we learned from all this?
Grades are only a part of college.