What Classifies as a Good Reference at Liberty University? (Spoiler: It’s Not Just About Knowing the Bible)
You’re applying to Liberty University, huh? Good for you! It’s a real school. Not a… fake college. (We don’t need to mention the one with the fake diploma scandal, right? cough Trump University cough). Anyway, you’re probably wondering about those pesky reference letters. Who do you ask? What do they need to say? And do they need to be super religious?
Well, buckle up, buttercup. This isn’t your typical college application. We’re talking about Liberty University, where the “biblical worldview” isn’t just a philosophy, it’s a way of life. So, before you think you can just waltz in with a reference from your local barista, you need to understand what makes a “good” reference at Liberty.
What Liberty REALLY Wants from Your References
Think of it like this. You’re applying to join a club, but it’s not just any club. It’s a club where everyone has to believe in the same thing. So, Liberty’s not only looking for people who are smart and qualified, they’re also looking for people who are aligned with their values. And what are those values? Well, they’re all listed on their website. You’ve got your “excellence,” your “mentorship,” your “commitment to a biblical worldview,” your “service-mindedness,” and your “responsible stewardship.”
So, who should you ask to be your reference? Here’s the scoop:
1. The Academic Powerhouse:
Think about the person who knows you best academically. It could be a teacher, a professor, or even a tutor. This person should be able to speak to your skills, your work ethic, and your potential to succeed in a challenging academic environment.
2. The “Bible-Thumpin'” Mentor: (Okay, maybe not “Bible-thumpin’,” but you get the idea.)
This person should be someone who knows you well, understands your faith, and can speak to your commitment to a “biblical worldview.” This could be a pastor, a youth leader, or even a family friend who has had a significant influence on your spiritual growth.
3. The “I-Believe-in-You” Champion:
This person is the one who sees the best in you, even when you’re struggling. They’re the cheerleader, the confidant, the one who believes in your potential even when you doubt yourself. This could be a coach, a mentor, or even a close friend who has been there for you through thick and thin.
4. The “I’ve-Seen-You-In-Action” Witness:
This person should be able to speak to your character, your work ethic, and your commitment to making a difference in the world. This could be a volunteer coordinator, a community leader, or even a boss or supervisor who has seen you work hard and contribute to a team.
5. The “I-Know-You’re-Not-A-Fake” Verificator: (Okay, that’s not a real word, but you get the idea.)
Remember how Liberty is all about “excellence” and “responsible stewardship”? Well, they want to make sure you’re not just saying you’re a good person – they want to see evidence of it. So, if you’ve been involved in any extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or community service, this is the reference for you. They’ll be able to speak to your commitment and your willingness to give back.
6. The “I-Can-Write-A-Letter-For-You” Writer:
Let’s be honest, not everyone is a master of the written word. You’re applying to college, not writing a novel. So, if you’re not confident in your ability to write a compelling letter of recommendation, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You can even provide your reference with a list of bullet points or talking points to ensure that their letter is clear, concise, and compelling.
A Word to the Wise:
- Don’t Just Ask Anyone: Think carefully about who you ask to be your reference. They need to be someone who knows you well, can speak to your strengths, and can vouch for your character.
- Give Them Enough Time: Don’t wait until the last minute to ask for letters of recommendation. Give your references ample time to write their letters.
- Provide Them With Information: Don’t just say, “Hey, can you write me a letter?” Provide them with a resume, a list of your accomplishments, and any other information that might be helpful.
- Say “Thank You”: Once your references have submitted their letters, don’t forget to send them a thank-you note. It’s the right thing to do!
So, Your Reference Doesn’t Need to be a Preacher… But They Do Need to Know You
Remember, the goal of your references is to provide a comprehensive picture of who you are as a person and as a student. So, don’t be afraid to use a mix of academic, personal, and professional references.
And, yes, it’s important to find people who can speak to your faith. But remember, Liberty wants to see a whole person. They want to see someone who’s committed to their values, but who’s also smart, driven, and eager to make a difference in the world.
So, find your references, write those letters, and good luck on your application! You’ve got this.