When they prepare for college, few candidates take the time to acquire the caliber of recommendation letters they will need to distinguish themselves in a highly competitive applicant pool. This book, which was written by an Ivy League admissions expert, offers detailed advice to write (and get) persuasive letters that highlight the personal, academic and professional strengths the committee expects to see. It also includes 45 successful recommendation letters for students who have distinguished themselves as scholars, leaders, volunteers, athletes, and performers. Finally, there are also persuasive letters that explain extenuating circumstances in a candidate's history (such as disappointing grades and a low SAT score). At top colleges, where the competition is fierce, the quality and depth of a candidate's recommendation letters can make the difference between acceptance and rejection. Whether you are an applicant who needs a persuasive letter of recommendation, or someone who has been asked to write one, this exceptional book is mandatory reading.