It is again that time of year when aspiring graduate students are applying to our graduate programs. As DGS (Director of Graduate Studies), I am the fortunate one who must receive, sort, chart, and comment upon the reams of application materials that arrive daily. As a service to others, I provide this handy guide to decoding letters of recommendation:
"With close guidance, she will do well..."
Translation: Left to her own devices, she will fail miserably.
"He is incredibly eager..."
Translation: He's one of those pests who will haunt your office.
"She has worked hard to improve her writing skills..."
Translation: Her writing still sucks.
"He is a free spirit..."
Translation: He is congenitally unable to meet deadlines or to complete assigned readings.
"She has applied to numerous programs, but in my estimation, yours is most suitable..."
Translation: She has little chance of getting admitted anywhere except your program.
"He is a tireless contributor in the classroom..."
Translation: His monopolization of discussion will drive you batty.
"She provides unique insights on course readings..."
Translation: She understands nothing, but is still compelled to provide idiotic commentary.
"He holds great promise..."
Translation: On which he has yet to deliver.
"She is a once-in-a-lifetime student..."
Translation: She is smarter than her recommender.
"With close guidance, she will do well..."Translation: Left to her own devices, she will fail miserably.
"He is incredibly eager..."
Translation: He's one of those pests who will haunt your office.
"She has worked hard to improve her writing skills..."
Translation: Her writing still sucks.
"He is a free spirit..."
Translation: He is congenitally unable to meet deadlines or to complete assigned readings.
"She has applied to numerous programs, but in my estimation, yours is most suitable..."
Translation: She has little chance of getting admitted anywhere except your program.
"He is a tireless contributor in the classroom..."
Translation: His monopolization of discussion will drive you batty.
"She provides unique insights on course readings..."
Translation: She understands nothing, but is still compelled to provide idiotic commentary.
"He holds great promise..."
Translation: On which he has yet to deliver.
"She is a once-in-a-lifetime student..."
Translation: She is smarter than her recommender.
