Recommendation Questions
Because contrary to popular belief, I want to get into college
1) Counselor: Todd Chicko
2) Request: Full letter
3) This year's course material has genuinely engrossed me. My personal favorites are Remains of the Day, Macbeth, and Lord of the Flies. They displayed three fascinating writing styles. Kazuo Ishiguro captivated me with his supreme control of tone and diction in his novel. I loved the way Ishiguro gradually revealed Stevens's flaws through Stevens's own diction and narrative. Shakespeare showed me that to combine plot and poetic eloquence was not merely a myth but a very real, very rare skill. To read the blank verse of Macbeth was not only to decipher the "code," but to enjoy the texture of the code. Golding created the most enjoyable allegory I have ever read. He managed simultaneously to convey a powerful message through symbolism and to develop deeply human characters. In addition, while my mind is typically unwelcoming to nature imagery, Lord of the Flies's lengthy descriptions of the island appealed to me. British literature showed to me much of the sophistication that I strive to produce in my own writing.
4) My best work this year was the poetry paper. I did well on the essay because I was able to spend ample time in class and out of class to edit and re-edit it. In addition, the excitement and nervousness that surrounded discussion of the essay motivated me to work harder and to seek extra help from peers.
5) I would characterize my class participation as consistent. I am one of your most dedicated English students and am always eager to listen and to further my understanding of British literature.
6) If I could retake this course, I would do nothing differently. I think that my grade accurately reflects my test-taking ability, the quality of my writing, and my abysmal memory for the details that are always present on the quizzes.
7) I think that I have improved as an English student this year. I read more proficiently, listen and benefit more from discussion, write more persuasively, and analyze more effectively. I have learned many conventions of writing and try to obey them. The books we read in class have helped me to improve. Remains of the Day taught me the beauty of English prose, and Frankenstein showed me a level of writing to which I resolved never to sink.
8) In extracurricular activities, I participate in Future Business Leaders of America, science team, math team, and the Spectrum. Next year I will try my hand at Academic Decathlon.
Outside of class, my main commitment is to playing piano, which I have studied since second grade. I practice several hours a week and have played for the school's Cabaret. Each week, I play for the elderly at Acton's Life Care Center and do transport work at Emerson Hospital. I studied tap dance and jazz dance for five years.
Tentative list of colleges I want to attend: Cornell, Columbia, Northwestern, University of Michigan, Washington University in St. Louis, New York University
9) E-mail: shdwdde@gmail.com
Website (with writing): https://www.angelfire.com/psy/deranged_crono
SD
June 8, '06
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