What should I ask for in a University of Vermont letter of recommendation to make it strong?

To make a University of Vermont recommendation strong, give your teacher specific material that helps them describe how you’d fit UVM’s academic and campus culture, not just how you got a good grade. The best letters usually show how you think, collaborate, and contribute in a real classroom or project setting.

Share your academic strengths in the teacher’s class, especially anything that shows curiosity, resilience, leadership, or growth over time. If possible, remind them of a few concrete moments, like a discussion you shaped, a project you improved, a time you helped classmates, or a challenge you pushed through. A strong letter for UVM should help the reader see you as someone who would take advantage of the university’s hands-on learning, undergraduate research, and active campus community.

It also helps to tell your recommender why you’re applying to UVM, since they may be able to connect your goals to the school. If you’re interested in environmental studies, health sciences, business, engineering, or another area, mention that so they can highlight traits tied to that path. UVM likes students who seem engaged, thoughtful, and likely to contribute to campus life in Burlington.

You can make their job easier by giving them a short brag sheet with your intended major, a few academic highlights, extracurriculars, and one or two qualities you want emphasized. If you have a specific story you think captures your best work, include it, but keep it brief so the teacher can choose what feels most authentic.