What will your University first hear about you?

　　剑桥高中高三的同学已经开始着手于各自的国外大学申请，而高二的同学也在为来年的申请做着准备。这些准备不仅包括托福、雅思、赛达等标准化考试，还有文书及推荐信等。推荐信作为大学认识学生的性格、课堂表现、学习能力、课外活动参与度的最佳途径，在大学申请中扮演着举足轻重的作用。本文中，我们的物理老师Ryan Strugnell就为大家对比了两篇截然不同的推荐信，相信同学们读后一定会对推荐信有更深刻具体的认识。

　　Our Year Two (A.S.) students will start preparing their university applications at the start of the 2014 - 2015 school year. Their preparation will include writing personal statements and asking their teachers to write reference letters for them. These reference letters that your teachers write summarise a student's character, academic ability and involvement in activities outside of the classroom. I have included two very different reference letters below. Please read Reference Letter A and B and think about which letter you would prefer a teacher to write for you. (Note: the names have been changed from the original reference letters.)

　　Reference Letter A

　　I know Patrick has academic potential. He achieved a gold certificate in the UKMT (United Kingdom Mathematics Trust Challenge) in 2013. I taught him Mathematics in PAL year when he overflowed with enthusiasm, volunteered answers in class and visited the teacher's office to ask for additional homework challenges. Over the last year his commitment has faded as he discovered computer games and Esmeralda, his girlfriend from the jiaozi shop across the street.

　　Patrick has a very short concentration span. I think this is a result of staying up late and playing computer games each night. He is conscientious in other ways though. He focuses his energy to sleep through most of his classes from 8:00am until 3:55pm. He is a serious sleeper and does not appreciate being disturbed for anything, especially learning. He invests a lot of time combing his hair while looking at his reflection in his iPhone. Patrick likes to take regular toilet breaks during my afternoon classes. He typically returns to class sweaty and bouncing a basketball or walks back in to class eating jiaozi.

　　Patrick has rich parents. I can see that having money makes him think that he is very important. He walks with an attitude of self-assurance and doesn't talk to people he thinks have a lower social position. He likes to show his friends his expensive shoes and new electronics. I remember the day that he proudly brought his Hewlett Packard HP50g calculator to Mathematics class this year, but didn't know how to switch it on.

　　In summary, Patrick is a rich student who wears nice clothes and has expensive accessories. He is very good at Temple Run and Counter-Strike. He is able to sleep through any class, no matter how interesting or loud you teach. He will support your university by paying your very expensive international university fees and he will not take time away from your students who want to ask the university teachers challenging questions. He will probably be at your university for three or four years, repeating the same courses each year before his parents tell him to return to China to stop wasting their money.

　　Please contact me if you require any further information about Patrick.

　　Sincerely,

　　Ryan Strugnell

　　Reference Letter B

　　I taught Penelope AS - Level Mathematics for the entire last school year and I am currently teaching her A2 - Level Mathematics. Penelope has proved herself to be a confident and determined student in Mathematics class. Penelope takes responsibility for her studies; she aims to master the concepts being presented and also completes additional reading to gain new perspectives. She wrestles with new concepts until she feels she can teach them to her friends.

　　Penelope's grades do not accurately show her strong desire to succeed. Penelope achieves consistent B grades, but her work ethic is worthy of an A or even an A*.

　　Both in the classroom and in less formal settings it is clear that that Penelope has leadership potential. Her friends look to her to hear her opinion. We had a class competition in the last lesson before our mid-autumn break to build towers made of spaghetti, using limited materials. The winning team had to build the tallest tower that could still support a marshmallow at the top. Penelope rose to the challenge. She was engaged with the task and keen to succeed. Her team communicated and worked well together. I observed Penelope comfortably assume the role of the team leader. Her team won the competition.

　　Penelope entered the United Kingdom Math Trust Challenge (UKMT) while in my class last year and achieved a bronze medal. She achieved the "Well Rounded Student" award from her school prior to joining the CIE program. This award is assessed based on academics, attitude and health. Penelope brought her certificates to school last week and we discussed her achievements.

　　Penelope stands out from the crowd in her compassionate nature too. She volunteered, along with a few classmates, to journey with and support blind students in a local School of Special Education last year. Over a six-month commitment Penelope worked with the same students and developed an ongoing relationship. I have looked through her photo albums, seen her certificates of appreciation and discussed the scope of her responsibilities.

　　In summary, Penelope is a conscientious student who takes responsibility for her academic progress. She likes to be involved in team projects and has strong leadership qualities. She will contribute to a positive learning environment in the University she chooses to attend.

　　Please contact me if you require any further information about Penelope.

　　Sincerely,

　　Ryan Strugnell

　　Which letter do you want written for you?