Sunday, November 25, 2007

May I Recommend a Whine?

To Whom It May Concern:

I am very pleased to have the opportunity to recommend Mr. Ran Domguy for acceptance into your program.

I can say with certainty that Mr Domguy is one of the most spectacularly inconspicuous of all the students I have taught at Urban Sprawl University. Although my records show he made impressively average progress in the class material, scored within the range I've entitled, 'meh,' and admirably met the laughably simplistic participation requirements during session, he made almost no impression on me whatsoever, for good or ill, leading me to wander why he chose me, a TA who knew him only briefly, to write this glowing recommendation.

He might well have the impressive leadership ability that I understand your program seeks. He also may very well perform admirably under pressure. Who knows? There's a possibility that he is an outstanding man that would be an excellent asset to your program. Frankly, he may be all this, but either he never showed it in class, or I didn't see it.

I sincerely hope you have no further questions about Mr. Domguy, because frankly, I don't think I could add anything else.

Sincerely,

Overread

Aside to readers: I suggested the student find someone who knew his character and performance a bit better.

2 comments:

lkhoyt said...

I always liked: "Of all the students I have taught in my career, this is one."

Scrivener said...

This is hilarious. When you write real recs, you should totally keep a hint of this tone anyway. My best letter coming out of undergrad was from a poet/prof and it was hilarious. I think it helped make my application stand out.