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Please Note
*This essay is distinct from any essay you may be required to write as part of a college
application. It is used solely for the purpose of writing the recommendation.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Guidance Recommendations
Every college application requires a recommendation from your son’s Guidance Counselor. The
purpose of this recommendation is to present you in the most unique and positive way possible
and to give colleges a sense of your promise for further personal and academic growth.
To help us prepare the best possible recommendation for each student, we require each and every
senior to submit a “PERSONAL ESSAY.” The essay will give you an opportunity to contribute
to that recommendation, so please make it as detailed as possible. The following guidelines are to
be followed:
1. Describe yourself as a student: Since colleges are seeking insight on the applicant as
a student and his academic potential, please answer each of the following in as much
detail as you can.
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How would you describe yourself as a student during your time at Bosco?
How have you progressed since freshman year?
What are your academic goals for the future
What do you choose to learn when you are on your own?
Do you have any idea of what you would like to study or what profession you might
like to pursue?
 For students with learning needs, what strategies have you developed that have
contributed to your success?
2. Academic record:
 Is your high school academic record an accurate measure of your ability and
potential? If not what do you consider the best measure of your potential for
success in college work?
 Are there any factors concerning your grades (on your transcript) which you would
like the college to know?
 Are there any special circumstances in your life that may have had an impact
on your grades and performance in school? Divorce, one-parent family, illnesses
(personal or family member), financial difficulties, transfers, a second language
spoken in the home...these are all factors that can have an influence on a
student's performance in school and can be used in a positive manner in
writing recommendations.
 List any academic awards, honors, etc., that you may have received, especially
mention if you are a member of any Honor Societies, year of induction and
any office you may hold in the Society. Have you been on the Honor Roll
here at school? If you have, please indicate the level- Principal’s List, 1st
Honors. 2nd Honors and when you received the honor.
3. Describe yourself as a person: One of the goals of the school recommendation is to
share insights on the student’s personality and his characteristics:
 Please describe your personal characteristics...e.g., leadership, responsibility, social
concerns, your greatest strengths. How have you demonstrated these qualities?
 What do you consider some of your weaknesses and how have you faced them?
4. Activities: Colleges are seeking students who have great grades and who have made
a contribution to the life of the school and community.
 SCHOOL: Describe, in detail, what school activities you have participated in since
freshman year to the present time. Mention when you joined, your role, function, or
office in that activity and give the amount of time required each week.
 LOCAL COMMUNITY: Describe any activities you have participated in at the local
level. Focus on the past three years: clubs, scouts, sports, church groups, fire
department, specifically mention any service-oriented activities, e.g., your service
project, any volunteer work.
5. Sports:
 Mention all sports in which you participated and the level you played (varsity,
intramural, community, or church teams). Indicate the length of time you have
played that sport and any awards you have received, e.g., varsity letters (be sure to give
the number).
6. Special Interests, Talents, Hobbies:
 Describe any special interests or talents you have developed and any special training you
may have received...e.g., music, art, photography, drama.
7. Work Experience:
 Indicate the type of work, hours worked per week, etc. Mention in particular if you
work to help the family with tuition or other family needs.
8. Summary:
 If you were writing this recommendation, what would you say about yourself? (Perhaps
share a meaningful time in your life, or a moment that made an impact on you.)
 Is there anything about you that doesn’t fit in any of the above categories that you would
like to share that is meaningful or important to you