Peer recommendation to Davidson: Will you guys and gals check to see how well I answer the questions? Thanks!
1. How long and well have you known the applicant?
I have been close friends with Stephanie for about two years. We have worked on multiple assignments and projects together, and I have come to know not only her strengths and weaknesses, but also her approach to life and her idiosyncrasies.
2. Are you applying to Davidson College?
No, I am not applying to Davidson, although it had been on my list for some time. I eventually decided that I would be better suited to schools further north.
3. Are you familiar with Davidson College?
I am somewhat familiar with Davidson College. I have not had a chance to visit, but I am highly impressed by Davidson's Honor Code system. I believe it was also what sold Stephanie on the school: when I asked her what she liked about Davidson, she first talked about how the Honor Code made the campus feel safe and friendly.
4. What do you see as the applicant's strengths? Please give specific examples when possible.
Hopefully it doesn't sound cliché, but I think Stephanie's biggest strength is her seemingly endless ability to multitask. Even with piano lessons, workout classes, planning and working functions as president of the Anchor Club, and tutoring for the National Honor Society, (not to mention a rigorous course load, including five AP classes), she has done a fantastic job of managing her time. I am curious to see how her penchant for multitasking will impact your college and I believe that Stephanie's undertaking of such a rigorous curriculum now will more than prepare her for her future course load at Davidson.
5. What do you consider to be the applicant's weaknesses? Again, it would be helpful to give specific examples by referring to activities or projects in which a weakness has emerged.
One of Stephanie's weaknesses (and she will admit to this), is math, which is all the more amazing since she has managed to do very well in Pre- and AP Calculus. I attribute it to her determination and her refusal to give up on problems. We work on math homework together often, and she is a fantastic study partner because at times when I am ready to give up, she will push me to keep working at it. In that way, she not only learns the material, but also acts as a role model for myself and others in the classroom striving to do the same.
7. We welcome any additional statement you wish to make about the applicant.
Of my four years in high school, there is no one whose approach to life has impressed me more than Stephanie's. She comes to school every day and manages to turn in stellar assignments. It's not just school though: her commitment to her family and her extracurricular activities has been an inspiration to all those who know her. In addition, Stephanie is a person who is not afraid to face her (sometimes eccentric) fears. For example, she admitted to me once that she was afraid of drive-thru car washes, but rather than avoid them, that day she faced her fear and emerged with both heightened confidence and a sparkling car. All things considered, I am proud to know Stephanie ***, and there is no person I know whom I would more highly recommend to your college.
Also, if she is my gf, should I mention that? Thanks in advance!
I don't believe you should mention that she is your girlfriend.
On short answer #4, I think multitasking and time managing are two different things. Multitasking is the ability to do many things at once.
You probably should elaborate a bit one on short answers #1 and #3.
Good luck!
Haha I re-read my statements. I meant to say "You probably should elaborate a bit more on short answers #1 and #3." So you should probably familiarize yourself with Davidson college. Know that it is a liberal arts college with small classes. Also add a bit more on how well you know the applicant.
Also, on the weakness question, you should probably also add why math is her weakness.
"her commitment to her family and her extracurricular activities has been an inspiration to all those who know her"
Talk about her commitments and how she is an inspiration.
Good luck!
Even with piano lessons, workout classes, organizing and participating in functions as president of the Anchor Club, and tutoring for the National Honor Society, (not to mention a rigorous course load, including five AP classes), she has done a fantastic job of managing her time.
I am curious to see how her penchant for multitasking will impact your college and I believe that Stephanie's undertaking of such a rigorous curriculum now, will more than prepare her for her future course load at Davidson.
I don't think you should mention that she's your girlfriend either!
:)
