微信家长群信息#3:升学辅导老师推荐信

很多家长会问我:辅导老师的推荐信到底会写什么?

和任课老师推荐信(主要强调学术能力)不同,辅导老师的推荐信描绘的是孩子整体的成长轨迹——他们的成熟度、价值观,以及在高中四年中如何面对挑战和变化。

在 Walnut 高中 和 Diamond Bar 高中,辅导老师在撰写推荐信前,都要求学生完成一份 Senior Profile(升学资料表, 通常在暑假期间开放,并在八月底截止)

这不仅仅是一个表格,而是孩子用文字讲述自己故事的机会。

不要等到秋季开学后再行动——现在就预约辅导老师面谈

在学年结束前,我建议即将升高三的学生尽快预约和自己的辅导老师一对一面谈。

这不仅是展现主动性的机会,也真的会带来很大的不同。

为什么要现在行动?
因为到了八月开学后,辅导老师会忙于处理选课变更、临时问题以及大量的大学申请请求。如果等到秋天才联系,推荐信很可能只是表面的简单描述。
但如果能在五月或六月提前见面,孩子将有更多时间与辅导老师建立关系,留下深刻印象。

学生与辅导老师见面前可以准备哪些内容?

根据孩子与辅导老师的熟悉程度,以下是一些建议,可以让交流更有深度:

  • 暑期活动计划
    分享已经录取的暑期项目,以及为什么申请、为什么期待这个项目。即使是本地活动或线上课程,只要能说明申请动机,也能体现学生的目标感。
  • 意向专业与未来职业兴趣
    鼓励孩子准备两个可能感兴趣的主修方向,以及一些未来职业的想法,即使还不确定也没关系。辅导老师可以帮助学生结合兴趣推荐合适的学校,并在推荐信中展现学生的学术方向。
  • 个人挑战或成长经历
    如果孩子在学业、情绪或个人生活方面遇到过挑战,这是一个适合分享的机会。
    为什么这有帮助?能够反思自身困难并主动寻求指导的学生,展现了成熟和成长,这正是大学在辅导老师推荐信中非常重视的特质。
  • 近期成就或个人项目
    孩子SAT考得不错?启动了个人项目?获得了实习机会?一定要及时告诉辅导老师,这些真实的故事将成为推荐信中有力的素材。
  • 个人兴趣项目或领导力目标
    鼓励孩子分享他们正在推进或计划在暑假开始的新想法。让辅导老师及早了解,可以增加他们的投入感,同时展现孩子的领导力与主动性。

 

给家长们的最后建议

不要以为老师会“自动”写出一封优秀的推荐信。在我们的升学指导项目中,我们会指导学生们提前规划,明确他们应该与辅导员和老师分享哪些内容。

当学生花时间反思自我、表达目标、展现成长时,才能为辅导员和老师提供真实、有故事性的素材,帮助他们写出有说服力的推荐信。

如果您的孩子近期还没有和辅导员建立联系,请鼓励他们现在就主动接触。一次简单的交流,往往能留下深刻的印象。

 

Daniel Lee

SAT Professionals

(909) 860-2190

www.satprofessionals.com

微信号:DanielSATLee

 

WeChat Message #3: Counselor Recommendation Letters

Many parents ask me: What does a counselor letter really say?

 

Unlike teacher recommendations (which focus on academic traits), the counselor letter paints a full portrait of your child—their growth, maturity, values, and how they’ve navigated high school overall.

At both Walnut High School and Diamond Bar High School, counselors require students to complete a Senior Profile before writing the letter.


This is not just a form—it’s your child’s voice and story on paper.

 

Don’t Wait Until Fall—Schedule a Counselor Meeting Now

Before school ends, I recommend rising seniors book a one-on-one meeting with their counselor.

This is about taking initiative—and it makes a real difference.

Why now?
Once school starts in August, counselors are overwhelmed with class changes, last-minute questions, and college requests. If your child waits until fall, they may get a rushed, surface-level letter. But when they meet in May or June, they have time to build a relationship and stand out.

What Should Students Prepare Before Meeting Their Counselor?

Here are some meaningful topics and updates to bring, depending on your child’s comfort level and relationship with the counselor:

  1. Summer Program Plans
    Share which programs they were accepted into and why they’re excited about them. Even if it’s a local or virtual program, explaining why they applied shows purpose.
  2. Intended Majors and Career Interests
    Ask your child to come in with two potential majors and some career ideas—even if they’re unsure. Counselors can help match interests with colleges and write about the student’s intellectual direction.
  3. Personal Challenges or Growth Areas
    If your child is facing struggles—academic, emotional, or personal—this is the time to open up. Why does this help? A student who reflects on their challenges and asks for guidance shows maturity and growth—two traits colleges love to see in counselor letters.
  4. Recent Accomplishments or Personal Projects
    Did your child do well on the SAT? Launch a personal project? Get an internship? Let the counselor know. These updates give counselors real stories to use when writing the recommendation.
  5. Passion Projects or Leadership Goals
    Encourage your child to share ideas they’re working on or want to start this summer. Getting the counselor involved early helps them feel invested—and it shows leadership and initiative

Final Advice for Parents

Don’t assume that a teacher will automatically write a strong letter of recommendation. In our college counseling program, we work with seniors to plan exactly what they should share with their counselors and teachers.

When a student takes the time to reflect, share their goals, and show how they are growing, it gives counselors real stories to write about.

If your child hasn’t connected with their counselor recently, encourage them to reach out now. A simple conversation can leave a lasting impression.