What do strong University of Hawaiʻi recommendation letters usually include?

Strong University of Hawaiʻi recommendation letters usually add specific, first-hand evidence of who you are beyond grades. The most helpful letters describe how you think, contribute in class or your community, respond to challenges, and interact with others over time. A teacher who knows you well is usually much better than someone with a bigger title who can only write a generic note.

For UH, a strong letter often includes concrete examples of academic habits like curiosity, initiative, persistence, and follow-through. That might mean describing a project where you asked unusually thoughtful questions, improved significantly after feedback, led a discussion, helped classmates understand material, or connected class topics to real issues in Hawaiʻi or your community. Specific moments matter more than broad praise like “hardworking” or “excellent student.”

If the recommender can speak to character, that also helps. Qualities like responsibility, humility, leadership, collaboration, cultural awareness, and service can be especially useful when they are backed up with real examples. For instance, a letter is stronger if it explains how you supported a group, took care of family responsibilities while staying engaged at school, or contributed meaningfully to a school or local community effort.

What usually makes a letter weaker is when it just repeats your transcript, resume, or activity list without adding insight. The best letters show patterns over time and give the reader a clearer sense of how you will contribute on campus.