Rubric
College
Business Letter
4
Information,
audience, and
tone
Information is
poorly written,
inaccurate, or
incomplete.
Reasons why
you chose
college are not
clear. No
research
conducted.
6
8
12
Information is
accurate and
Some
complete.
information is
Information is Reason(s) why
provided, but is
fairly accurate. you chose
limited or
Reasons why
college are
inaccurate.
you chose
included in a
Reasons why
college are
clear, concise,
you chose
clear.
and complete
college is fairly
Some research manner.
clear. Very little
conducted.
Research is
research
evident and
conducted.
relevant to
letter.
Accurate Parts Improper form
of business letter is used.
Most business
letter elements
out of place or
missing.
1-2 business
letter elements
may be missing
or out of place.
Letter is
complete with
all required
elements
(formatted
correctly).
Grammar and
Grammar and punctuation
(more than -3punctuation for mistakes) poor
business letter for a business
letter.
Inaccurate
punctuation or
grammar (More
than -2mistakes).
Grammar and
punctuation all
fair and
indicative of a
business letter.
(-1- mistake)
Excellent job
grammar, and
punctuation (-0mistakes).
Total
Brainstorming Ideas:

The student's school profile, projected courses, extracurricular projects and activities, honors,
awards and outstanding talents are recognized and assessable.

The student's successes, endeavors, achievements and methods to emphasize those strengths are
carefully talked about.

Thorough explanation of the student’s extracurricular and academic background is conveyed.

Students' interests and achievements are carefully matched with appropriate universities.

The polished list of extracurricular activities will show a commitment, continuity of participation and
contributions in all activities.

Methods of how the college will recognize this information are easily understood.

Specialized talent of student such as; musician, athlete, dancer, actor, math/science, writer, artist
or photographer (as examples) additional materials may be sent to prospective colleges.

Brainstormed letter topics and developed ideas are evident.

Revisions and careful editing are evident.

Letter is used to emphasize the student’s own voice and reveal the strength of character.

The student's writing style improves with the individualized assistance to reflect his/her charisma
and confidence, keeping a positive tone throughout the writing.

Constantly focused on format.
EXEMPLARY EXAMPLE
386 Diane St.
Minford, Ohio 45653
October 20, 2010
Dr. Robert Trudell
Dean of Admissions
Ripon College
300 Seward Street
P.O. Box 248
Ripon, WI 54971-0248
Dear Dr. Trudell:
My name is Audrey Hickman, and I am currently a high school sophomore. I have
recently started researching colleges to further my education and the opportunity to take
my skills to the collegiate level. I am very interested in Ripon College’s science program
and soccer team. I am writing to introduce myself and express my interest in your
program and school.
My academic career has been both interesting and beneficial. I have had the opportunity
to be included in both advanced placement and gifted classes throughout the years. In
these classes I have had the opportunity to learn both in structured and unstructured
environments. In many cases I have been afforded the opportunity to think both
creatively and constructively. I feel these experiences will not only benefit me personally,
but also benefit the college and my peers as I progress through my four years at Ripon.
I am also involved in many different extra-curricular activities. Soccer is a passion of
mine. For my first two years of varsity soccer, as goalkeeper, I have received many
honors including All-District 2nd team and MVP for my high school. I look forward to
seeing what my junior and senior years as my expectations are high.
I am very interested in attending your college and playing soccer at Ripon College. It is
one of my top choices. I hope to hear from you soon to discuss how I could be an asset to
both the college, and the team.
Yours in Studying and Goalkeeping,
Audrey Hickman
Minford High School