How long should the Dartmouth peer recommendation be?
I’m about to ask my friend to write my Dartmouth peer recommendation, but we’re both a bit confused about the expectations for length. Is there a recommended word count or a ballpark range that admissions is looking for? My friend is a solid writer, but she’s worried about making it too short and missing important details, or making it way too long and having it get boring.
Has anyone here submitted one or had a friend write one for them? How many paragraphs or words should this usually be? I want it to be meaningful but not overwhelming for the admissions readers. Also, does it matter if it's one page or less?
Would appreciate any advice or specific examples if possible!
Has anyone here submitted one or had a friend write one for them? How many paragraphs or words should this usually be? I want it to be meaningful but not overwhelming for the admissions readers. Also, does it matter if it's one page or less?
Would appreciate any advice or specific examples if possible!
2 months ago
•
115 views
Grayce Gibbs
• 2 months ago
Advisor
Dartmouth's peer recommendation is meant to be a personal, honest endorsement from a classmate, friend, or peer—someone who knows you well and can bring out aspects of your character that might not show up in traditional recommendations.
While Dartmouth doesn't set a firm word count, a strong peer recommendation usually falls between 300 and 600 words. That's typically around three to five well-developed paragraphs. Think about it like a thoughtful letter: enough room to describe your relationship, highlight particular qualities or stories, and make a positive impression, but not so much that it starts to feel like a formal essay or a list of compliments.
In terms of length, staying under one page is a good benchmark. Admissions officers read hundreds of these letters, so concise and specific is appreciated. The key is depth, not breadth: one or two real stories or examples that showcase your personality or values are much more powerful than generic praise stretched over two pages.
For example, your friend might open with how you met or what connects you, then transition into a specific anecdote—maybe the time you organized an impromptu group study session before finals, or how you supported a friend during a tough week. They can wrap up by reflecting on what makes you a great peer or why you'd be a fantastic member of the Dartmouth community.
In short: aim for about half a page to a full page, or about 300–600 words. Focus on authenticity, memorable details, and a strong conclusion. It doesn't have to be formal, but it should be genuine and thoughtfully written. If your friend keeps this in mind, it’ll definitely stand out for the right reasons.
While Dartmouth doesn't set a firm word count, a strong peer recommendation usually falls between 300 and 600 words. That's typically around three to five well-developed paragraphs. Think about it like a thoughtful letter: enough room to describe your relationship, highlight particular qualities or stories, and make a positive impression, but not so much that it starts to feel like a formal essay or a list of compliments.
In terms of length, staying under one page is a good benchmark. Admissions officers read hundreds of these letters, so concise and specific is appreciated. The key is depth, not breadth: one or two real stories or examples that showcase your personality or values are much more powerful than generic praise stretched over two pages.
For example, your friend might open with how you met or what connects you, then transition into a specific anecdote—maybe the time you organized an impromptu group study session before finals, or how you supported a friend during a tough week. They can wrap up by reflecting on what makes you a great peer or why you'd be a fantastic member of the Dartmouth community.
In short: aim for about half a page to a full page, or about 300–600 words. Focus on authenticity, memorable details, and a strong conclusion. It doesn't have to be formal, but it should be genuine and thoughtfully written. If your friend keeps this in mind, it’ll definitely stand out for the right reasons.
Grayce Gibbs
Denver, CO
Dartmouth College (AB); Colorado School of Mines (MS)
Experience
4 years