recommendation letter for thesis advisor sample

• Affiliate Program

• UNITED STATES
• 台灣 (TAIWAN)
• TÜRKIYE (TURKEY)
• Academic Editing Services
• - Research Paper
• - Journal Manuscript
• - Dissertation
• - College & University Assignments
• Admissions Editing Services
• - Application Essay
• - Personal Statement
• - Recommendation Letter
• - Cover Letter
• - CV/Resume
• Business Editing Services
• - Business Documents
• - Report & Brochure
• - Website & Blog
• Writer Editing Services
• - Script & Screenplay
• Our Editors
• Client Reviews
• Editing & Proofreading Prices
• Wordvice Points
• Partner Discount
• Plagiarism Checker
• APA Citation Generator
• MLA Citation Generator
• Chicago Citation Generator
• Vancouver Citation Generator
• - APA Style
• - MLA Style
• - Chicago Style
• - Vancouver Style
• Writing & Editing Guide
• Academic Resources
• Admissions Resources

Graduate School Letter of Recommendation Examples 2022-2023

Grad school recommendation letters are an essential part of every graduate school application package–even in this (almost) post-COVID era of remote work and Zoom classes. Nearly all applications to graduate school still require at least two recommendation letters from individuals who can discuss your abilities, competencies, and personal character in a coherent way and recommend you for admission to graduate school.

Many referees have difficulty writing these recommendations themselves (for language issues or simply because they are busy) and some rely on the applicant to pen the draft of the letter and receive confirmation before submitting it to the graduate school. But regardless of who is writing the letter, there are a few key elements the recommender needs to include to craft a stellar recommendation for their graduate candidate.

Who should write a recommendation letter for graduate school?

Choosing which professors, supervisors, or advisors to request a graduate school recommendation letter from can be somewhat overwhelming. Should you choose someone who does not know you personally but who has connections to your target graduate school? If a famous professor writes you a grad school recommendation letter, will this automatically give you an advantage with the admissions committee? 

In general, graduate recommendation letters should come from people who know you well, who respect you enough to say glowing things about you as a student and researcher, and who hold positions in school or work that are above your own. At least one letter of recommendation should be submitted from a past or current professor or academic advisor. 

Another could be from someone in a slightly different role, including an employer, a research adviser, a senior colleague, or a professor from a different department or kind of class (e.g., a discussion class professor instead of a lecturer). No matter who it is, the recommender should know the applicant and recognize their accomplishments. It also helps if the recommender understands some details about the program to which their candidate is applying.

Here are some guidelines to follow when choosing who to ask for letters of recommendation for graduate school. Select someone who:

• Knows you well and can answer positively. Choose an individual who you have spent time with outside the classroom if possible. They should also be familiar with your career goals and hold a favorable view of you. 
• Has known you for quite a while. A recommendation letter for graduate school carries more influence if the person has known you for months or years instead of months. If you can, find someone who knows you from various contexts, such as a professor who is also your advisor. 
• Can speak to your strengths in relation to your graduate program. Choosing a finance professor to write your recommendation letter for an MBA program would be a good idea because they can write about the qualities that will aid you in pursuing an MBA (qualities you can also include in your MBA essay ) and a broader career in business. 
• Has substantive stories to share about you. Who was fortunate enough to see you succeed in an academic, extracurricular, or professional setting? Having someone write your LOR who has good stories to share about you is certainly going to benefit you more than someone whose class you took with two hundred other students. 

How to Request a Letter of Recommendation for Graduate School

Knowing how to request a letter of recommendation for graduate school can directly impact the quality of the letter your referee writes for you. Show respect and consideration for the time that your recommender is taking to write a glowing review that will get you into graduate school and positively impact the rest of your life. 

With this in mind, it may seem obvious that the very best way to ask for a letter of recommendation for graduate school is to do so in person. While this isn’t possible for all students (due to availability or schedule), it is the best route if you want to ensure that your LOR is not only written on time, but includes all the positive information about you that admissions committees want to see in a graduate candidate. When you cannot ask in person, sending an email is an appropriate second-best option. But remember to always be cordial and polite when making this request. 

What information should be included in a graduate recommendation letter?

Your referral letter should cover a range of skills, from academic abilities to research experiences, to applied experiences in and out of class. As the recommender, your letter should clearly answer some specific questions:

Your letter of recommendation should cover a range of skills, from academic abilities to research experiences, to applied experiences in and out of class. As the recommender, your letter should clearly answer some specific questions:

• What is your relationship with the student?
• Why should the graduate faculty listen to your opinion? (include your status, title)
• What makes this student special? (discuss their characteristics, qualities, traits)
• What specifically did this student do to impress you? (discuss their accomplishments, habits in class)
• What makes this student qualified for graduate school and for this program? (include specific courses or interests of the student in addition to abilities and traits)
• What do you know about the program the student is applying to?

What information does the LOR recommender need from me?

The recommender should be given sufficient time to write (and/or confirm) the letter. If it has been a while since you were last in contact, sending a background information file will make things easier. Include the following information so that the recommender can use a few details to bolster their letter:

• Classes the student has taken with the recommender
• Experiences you have shared
• Transcripts
• Research experience and internships
• Awards and achievements
• Academic/career goals
• Relevant professional experience

In addition to background information, make sure that the recommender has the necessary information to plan the writing in a timely manner and target the letter as much as possible:

• Graduate program application due date
• Copy of recommendation forms (if applicable)
• Instructions for submitting LORs (hard copy, soft copy, or direct to school)
• Details about the program and school the student is applying to

What style of writing should be used in a recommendation letter?

Although the letter of recommendation is more informal than academic writing, you should make sure that your language has no grammatical or mechanics errors and that it is of an academic level that reflects the author’s educational level and qualifications. Apply the following standards to the writing and the essay-drafting process:

• Make your language more personal in tone than research writing.
• Use the active voice and first-person point of view more often.
• Write chronologically, starting from important traits and then moving on to actions and achievements.
• Use lots of details—list course names, scores, and specific achievements of the student.
• Edit your letter before submitting it to the graduate admissions faculty.

How to Write a Grad School Letter of Recommendation Letter: LOR Outline

A well-structured recommendation letter (like any organized essay) will guide the reader logically towards an understanding of why this student is worthy not only of praise but of admission to graduate school. Grad school requires quite a few high-level scholastic attributes that not all students possess, and therefore it is important to focus on both the achievements of the candidate and on their personal character and potential to thrive in a difficult academic environment.

Use this outline as a letter of recommendation template in which to input your candidate’s achievements, skills, and traits. Note that the flow of information moves the reader into greater detail, using form phrases and transitions that increase the readability of the letter.

1. Greeting to the recipient

Dear {Name}, or To Whom It May Concern, To the graduate faculty of the {University / Department}

2. Opening paragraph: position; relationship to the applicant; general assessment of the applicant

It is my absolute pleasure to recommend {Name} for admissions to {Program} at {University}… I am a professor of {area of study} in the department of {department} at {University}.

3. Second paragraph: positive skill or trait; evidence of trait or skill; anecdotes demonstrating this skill

Jane has excellent communication skills. Her written work is both clear and concise, as well as interesting to read…

4. Third (up to fifth) paragraph: Other skills or traits; evidence of character and skills; detailed anecdotes

At a personal level, Jane is a well-disciplined, industrious student with a pleasant personality. She went well beyond the course expectations…

5. Final Paragraph: clear recommendation of the candidate to the specific school or program.

Jane is unquestionably an exceptional candidate for graduate study in {Program Applying for}. Jane’s work in “Developments in Anthropology” suggests that she would greatly benefit from the opportunities for intellectual development provided by a sustained period of graduate study…

6. Closing line: polite offer to be contacted if needed

If I can be of any further assistance, or provide you with any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Letter of Recommendation Template and Useful Phrases

Admission essays often contain template phrases or “form phrases” that allow the writer to plug in their specific information while not spending too much time deciding how to compose every single aspect of the writing. This can be especially useful for ESL authors because conventional expressions used in academic and essay writing can be difficult to learn and memorize. Use the following form phrases to help craft a more professional letter of recommendation.

Introducing yourself

• My name is  {Author}  and I have been a Professor of Math at  {University}  since  {date} .
• I write to you today to proudly express my support for  {Student}  in applying to your prestigious university.

Discussing your relationship with the applicant

• I first came to know  {Student}  while teaching him/her in my  {Course Name}  course…
• I was  {Student} ’s thesis advisor during his/her senior year.
• I have known  {Student}  for several years now and can attest to his/her strengths and quality of character.

Discussing the student’s general positive traits

• {Student}  has excellent communication skills and displays them regularly in class discussions.
• He/She is a highly intelligent and competent student who excels in many areas.
• Not only is  {Student}  hard-working and thoughtful, but he/she also demonstrates kindness and generosity towards his/her peers.

Demonstrating evidence of student’s character and skills

• She/he has shown herself/himself to be a true leader who is able to successfully develop plans and implement them in his/her work.
• {Student}  demonstrated his/her independence daily, completing difficult lab exercises by researching outside of class.
• During his/her internship,  {Student}  consistently managed his/her work responsibilities diligently and learned quickly. For example…

Discussing the school/program the student is applying to

• As  {University}  is renowned for its  {Program} , I believe this is an ideal place for  {Student}  to solidify his/her abilities and cement his/her knowledge of  {area of study} .
• The learning environment that  {University}  is famous for creating excellent opportunities in which  {Student}  to apply his/her skills.

Final endorsement and offer to be contacted

• For the above reasons, I am confident that  {Student}  will make an excellent addition to your graduate program, and I wholeheartedly support him/her for admission to your program.
• Thank you for your time and attention in reading my endorsement.

Further Tips for Writing Admissions Essays

• Highlight your self-motivation, competence, and potential in this essay
• Emphasize everything from a positive perspective and write in the active voice.
• Demonstrate through examples; don’t just write that you are a “persistent person”—show it!
• Approach every topic with continuity and focus.

The Final Step: Editing Your Recommendation Letter

As any good writer knows, it takes more than one draft to create a strong and compelling work of writing. After you have written your recommendation letter draft, there is still a lot of room for revision. One way to ensure that grammar mistakes and style errors do not get in the way of a strong letter is to let the admissions experts at Wordvice’s Admissions Editing Services edit and proofread your (of your candidate’s) letter of recommendation or other application essays, raising the chances that your candidate will be admitted to the program of their choice.

With a full suite of professional proofreading services , we edit thousands of admission documents each year for all kinds of authors of academic and admissions documents just like you. Furthermore, our application essay editing services , recommendation letter editing services , personal statement editing services , CV editing services , cover letter editing services , and SOP editing services are tailored to the needs of your specific admissions essay.

For more articles on writing and editing your essays and academic work, visit Wordvice’s Academic Resource page . 

• Running Windows & Linux on a Dell Chromebook 13
• Common Laboratory Methods
• Organic Study Guide
• Awards and Honors
• Conferences, Presentations, & Seminars
• Curriculum Vitae

Graduate Research Advisor Recommendation Letter

• Publications
• Teaching / Training Experience

The text below is a copy of the recommendation letter my graduate research advisor, Dr. Aaron W. Harper, wrote for my ASEE/NRL postdoctoral fellowship application, which I was awarded soon afterwards.

Asking for a recommendation letter from a PhD supervisor

Letters of recommendation are required for many applications, and PhD supervisors are often asked to provide these letters to PhD students. How you ask your PhD supervisor, what support you provide, and how you deal with a difficult supervisor relationship, matters for the quality of recommendation letters.

Reasons to need a recommendation letter from a PhD supervisor

Asking for a recommendation letter from a phd supervisor in person, asking for a recommendation letter from a phd supervisor via email, offering to provide a draft when asking for a recommendation letter from a phd supervisor, dos and don’ts when asking your phd supervisor for a recommendation letter, dealing with a difficult relationship when needing a recommendation letter from a phd supervisor.

There are various reasons to need a recommendation letter from a PhD supervisor. First, there are job applications.

PhD supervisors usually are some of the people who work most closely with a PhD student. Therefore, their opinion and feedback are valued for both academic and non-academic job applications.

However, especially for academic applications (such as postdoctoral positions), the PhD supervisor’s assessment of the student’s academic quality tends to be highly valued by application committees.

Letters of recommendation are often required for scholarship, grant and bursary applications. As many PhD students rely on these funding sources, a good recommendation letter from the PhD supervisor is really important in these instances.

Often, the recommendation letter is, next to the PhD student’s motivation letter, a key factor of success that can accelerate or slow down a PhD student’s career.

Recommendation letters from PhD supervisors are important, and a lot is riding on them. So how do you ask for a letter? The best and easiest way is in person.

Things to consider when asking for a letter of recommendation in person:

• Timing: If you have a job or grant application in mind, it is important to mention it to your PhD supervisor well in advance. Avoid asking for a recommendation letter last minute at all costs!
• Requirements: Tell your PhD supervisor about your application plans, and ask if he/she is willing to write a recommendation letter. Be specific about the requirements (length, points to cover, deadline, etc.) of the letter, so that your PhD supervisor knows exactly what to expect.
• Content: Letters of recommendation should never be generic. Therefore, always suggest key points to include in the letter. Don’t be shy. Providing direction in terms of the content of the letter makes it easier for your PhD supervisor to complete the task, and ensures that each recommendation letter is tailored to the specific application. And it does not mean that your PhD supervisor has to take over all your suggestions.
• Email confirmation: PhD supervisors tend to be busy, and they may forget about your letter. Even after agreeing that your PhD supervisor writes a recommendation letter for you, make sure to put this agreement, including the deadline and key points to include, into writing by sending an email.
• Friendly reminder: If you have not received your recommendation letter and your deadline is approaching, send a friendly reminder. Acknowledge that your supervisor is probably very busy, thank him/her for supporting you, and once again offer to help with drafting the actual letter.

Not all PhD students see their supervisors regularly and have the opportunity to ask for a recommendation letter in person. You can also ask for a recommendation letter via email.

When asking for a recommendation letter via email, it is extremely important to be concrete and concise.

The main reason for this is that you cannot explain elaborately what the application is about, why you need to letter or answer any direct questions when you ask your supervisor via email. And you don’t want your request to drown in an essay-long email.

Things to consider when asking for a letter of recommendation via email:

• Email subject: Make sure to be explicit about your request in the email subject. For instance: “Kind request for a recommendation letter for x application”.
• Purpose: Start your email by explaining why you need a recommendation letter in 2-3 sentences. Instead of talking about all the details, you can attach the job description or call for applications to your email, and simply refer to it in text.
• Content: Letters of recommendation should never be generic. Therefore, be explicit about the requirements of the application, and suggest key points to include in the letter. Don’t be shy. Providing direction in terms of the content of the letter makes it easier for your PhD supervisor to complete the task, and ensures that each recommendation letter is tailored to the specific application. And it does not mean that your PhD supervisor has to take over all your suggestions.

If you are struggling to formulate such an email, have a look at 5 sample emails asking for letter of recommendation from a professor.

You may also like: Sample emails asking for letter of recommendation from a professor

Having students write their draft letters of recommendation is a widespread practice in academia. While it may seem weird at first, offering to provide a draft recommendation letter about yourself can be a good idea.

Some PhD supervisors are of course completely committed to their supervisees and will take the time to write a unique, tailor-made recommendation letter each time they are asked to do so.

In reality, however, PhD supervisors are extremely busy and get multiple requests for recommendation letters regularly. Not only from PhD students but also from bachelor bachelor’s and master’s students.

Providing a draft letter, or key points to include or highlight, can ensure that the recommendation letter is on point, and addresses all relevant aspects of the application.

Therefore, many supervisors will request a draft version from you anyways. Many others will appreciate your offer of writing a first draft. Editing and adding opinions here and there is much easier for PhD supervisors than writing a recommendation letter from scratch.

In my experience, the chance that a PhD supervisor agrees writing a recommendation letter is much higher when the PhD student offers the provision of a draft.

You may also like: 3 sample recommendation letters for brilliant students

To summarise the information above, here are the key dos and don’ts when asking your PhD supervisor for a letter of recommendation.

• Ask your supervisor for a recommendation letter well in advance of the application deadline
• Be clear about the purpose and requirements for the letter
• Offer to write a draft letter yourself, or to provide key points to include
• Give your PhD supervisor a concrete deadline
• Ensure that each recommendation letter is tailored to the specific application
• Ask your supervisor last minute, or too close to the deadline
• Be vague about the content that you’d like to have included in the letter
• Leave the content of the letter entirely up to your supervisor
• Expect your supervisor to remember the letter and the dates of submission
• Submit a generic letter of recommendation as part of your application

Not every PhD student has a good or convivial relationship with his or her PhD supervisor/s. Thus, there may be some difficult situations.

If you think that your PhD supervisor will not put a lot of effort into the letter (because of a lack of time or interest), you can often mitigate the situation by providing a good draft. Make sure to inquire first if they are okay with you providing a draft. You cannot control the content of the final letter, but you can certainly steer it.

If you think your PhD supervisor will provide a very negative recommendation letter, it is better not to ask for one. Most applications do not explicitly ask for a recommendation letter from the PhD supervisor. So try to ask someone else, for instance, a good colleague, the head of the department, or someone else you collaborate with.

If you have a bad relationship with your PhD supervisor but your application explicitly asks for a letter of recommendation letter from that PhD supervisor, you have two options:

• Do include the recommendation letter of the PhD supervisor, even if it is a negative one, and provide an additional explanation about your relationship. Furthermore, provide positive recommendation letters from other people, even if they are not required, to counterbalance the negative opinion of the PhD supervisor.
• Do not include a recommendation letter from the PhD supervisor, even if the application requires one. Explain why you decided not to include this specific recommendation letter, and provide alternatives.

The latter two scenarios are not ideal and should be a last resort.

Master Academia

Get new content delivered directly to your inbox.

Subscribe and receive Master Academia's quarterly newsletter.

10 signs of a bad PhD supervisor

Sample emails to your thesis supervisor, related articles.

How to write a literature review introduction (+ examples)

The best Coursera courses for PhD researchers in 2023

17 strong academic phrases to write your literature review (+ real examples)

Co-authorship guidelines to successfully co-author a scientific paper

Sample Graduate School Recommendation by a Professor

Hill Street Studios / Blend Images / Getty Images

• Recommendation Letters
• Choosing a Graduate Program
• Tips & Advice
• Admissions Essays
• Medical School Admissions
• Homework Help
• Private School
• College Admissions
• College Life
• Business School
• Distance Learning
• Ph.D., Developmental Psychology, Fordham University
• M.A., Developmental Psychology, Fordham University

The success of your graduate school application relies on the quality of the recommendation letters professors write on your behalf. What goes into a helpful recommendation letter? Check out the sample letter of recommendation written by a professor. What makes it work?

An Effective Recommendation Letter for Graduate School 

• Explains how the professor knows the student. The professor speaks to the student’s abilities in several contexts rather than just in class.
• Is detailed.
• Supports statements with specific examples.
• Compares a student to her peers and the letter explains exactly what makes the student stand out.
• Describes a student's capacities in specific ways rather than simply noting that she is an excellent student prepared for grad school.

Below is the body of an effective recommendation letter, written by a professor.

To: Graduate Admissions Committee

It is my pleasure to write on behalf of Jane Student, who is applying to the Ph.D. program in Research Psychology at Major University. I have interacted with Jane in several contexts: as a student, as a teaching assistant, and as a thesis mentee.

I first met Jane in 2008, when she enrolled in my introductory Psychology class. Jane immediately stood out from the crowd, even as a first-semester freshman. Just a few months out of high school, Jane demonstrated characteristics commonly held by the best college students. She was attentive in class, prepared, submitted well-written and thoughtful assignments, and participated in meaningful ways, such as by debating other students. Throughout, Jane modeled critical thinking skills. Needless to say, Jane earned one of five A’s awarded in that class of 75 students. Since her first semester in college Jane has enrolled in six of my classes. She demonstrated similar competencies, and her skills grew with each semester. Most striking is her ability to tackle challenging material with enthusiasm and endurance. I teach a required course in Statistics that, as rumor has it, most students dread. Students’ fears of statistics are legendary across institutions, but Jane wasn’t fazed. As usual, she was prepared for class, completed all assignments, and attended help sessions conducted by my teaching assistant . My teaching assistant reported that Jane seemed to learn concepts quickly, learning how to solve problems well before the other students. When placed in group work sessions, Jane easily adopted a leadership role, helping her peers learn how to solve problems on their own. It was these competencies that led me to offer Jane a position as a teaching assistant for my statistics class.

As a teaching assistant, Jane strengthened many of the skills I have articulated. In this position, Jane held review sessions and offered out-of-class assistance to students. She also lectured in class several times during the semester. Her first lecture was a bit shaky. She clearly knew the concepts but had difficulty keeping pace with PowerPoint slides. When she abandoned the slides and worked off the blackboard, she improved. She was able to answer students questions and the two that she couldn’t answer, she admitted to and said she’d get back to them. As a first lecture, she was very good. Most important to a career in academics, is that she improved in subsequent lectures. Leadership, humility, the ability to see areas in need of improvement, and the willingness to do the work needed to improve – these are all characteristics we value in academia.

Most important to a career in academics is research competence. As I have explained, Jane has an excellent grasp of statistics and other skills critical to a successful career in research, such as tenacity and excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills. As mentor of her senior thesis, I witnessed Jane in her first independent research efforts. Similar to other students, Jane struggled with finding an appropriate topic. Unlike other students, she conducted mini literature reviews on potential topics and discussed her ideas with a sophistication that is unusual for undergraduates. After methodical study, she chose a topic that fits her academic goals. Jane’s project examined [X]. Her project earned a department award, university award, and was presented as a paper at a regional psychology association.

In closing, I believe that Jane student has the capacity to excel at X and in a career as a research psychologist. She is one of a small handful of student that I have encountered in my 16 years teaching undergraduates that has this ability. Please do not hesitate to contact me with further questions.

Why This Letter Is Effective

• It is written by a professor who has extensive experience with the applicant .
• The professor describes several aspects of the student's competence.
• It describes how the student has grown and developed her skills.

What does this mean for you as a potential applicant to grad school ? Work to foster close, multidimensional relationships with faculty. Develop good relationships with several faculty because one professor often cannot comment on all of your strengths. Good graduate school letters of recommendation are built over time. Take that time to get to know professors and for them to get to know you.

• Grad School Recommendation Letter by a Professor Sample Template
• Graduate School Recommendation Letter From Professor
• Should You Ask a Teaching Assistant for a Recommendation Letter?
• Should You Get a Recommendation for Grad School from Your Therapist?
• Don'ts for Getting Letters of Recommendation for Grad School
• Is Midlife too Late for Graduate School?
• Thanking a Professor for Writing a Recommendation Letter
• What Is an Assistantship?
• How to Get Recommendation Letters for Grad School
• NonTraditional Applicants to Grad School: 3 Tips for Getting Recommendations
• Sample Graduate School Recommendation Letters
• Avoid These Common Mistakes Students Make in Grad School
• Who Should You Ask for a Recommendation Letter?
• Get a Letter of Recommendation From an Online University
• Characteristics of Effective Grad School Recommendation Letters
• Should You Write Your Own Recommendation Letter for Graduate School?

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

• View all journals
• Explore content
• About the journal
• Publish with us
• Sign up for alerts
• CAREER COLUMN
• 20 July 2020

Writing the perfect recommendation letter

Andy Tay is a freelance writer based in Singapore.

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Undergraduates need them for graduate-school applications; PhD students and postdocs use them to apply for fellowships and jobs; senior scientists often have to have them to apply for awards and promotions. But writing an effective and personal recommendation letter can be time-consuming, especially for academics who must juggle grant applications, manuscripts, teaching and student supervision. And some might struggle to say the right things to support a former employee or student in their career move, while sounding original and unique.

Access options

Access Nature and 54 other Nature Portfolio journals

Get Nature+, our best-value online-access subscription

24,99 € / 30 days

cancel any time

Subscribe to this journal

Receive 51 print issues and online access

185,98 € per year

only 3,65 € per issue

Rent or buy this article

Prices vary by article type

Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout

Nature 584 , 158 (2020)

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-020-02186-8

These interviews have been edited for length and clarity.

Related Articles

• Research management

Hunger on campus: why US PhD students are fighting over food

Career Feature 03 MAY 24

US National Academies report outlines barriers and solutions for scientist carers

Career News 02 MAY 24

My PI yelled at me and I’m devastated. What do I do?

Career Feature 02 MAY 24

How to stop students cramming for exams? Send them to sea

News & Views 30 APR 24

How young people benefit from Swiss apprenticeships

Spotlight 17 APR 24

Ready or not, AI is coming to science education — and students have opinions

Career Feature 08 APR 24

France’s research mega-campus faces leadership crisis

News 03 MAY 24

Plagiarism in peer-review reports could be the ‘tip of the iceberg’

Nature Index 01 MAY 24

Young talents in the fields of natural science and engineering technology

Apply for the 2024 Science Fund Program for Distinguished Young Scholars of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Overseas).

Shenyang, Liaoning, China

Northeastern University, China

Calling for Application! Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School Global Recruitment

To reshape graduate education as well as research and development to better serve local, national, regional, and global sustainable development.

Shenzhen, Guangdong, China

Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School

Chief Editor, Physical Review X

The Chief Editor of PRX, you will build on this reputation and shape the journal’s scope and direction for the future.

United States (US) - Remote

American Physical Society

Assistant/Associate Professor, New York University Grossman School of Medicine

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology at the NYUGSoM in Manhattan invite applications for tenure-track positions.

New York (US)

NYU Langone Health

Deputy Director. OSP

The NIH Office of Science Policy (OSP) is seeking an expert candidate to be its next Deputy Director. OSP is the agency’s central policy office an...

Bethesda, Maryland (US)

National Institutes of Health/Office of Science Policy (OSP)

Sign up for the Nature Briefing newsletter — what matters in science, free to your inbox daily.

Quick links

• Explore articles by subject
• Guide to authors
• Editorial policies

How to Write a Letter of Recommendation [With Tips & Template]

Every now and then, applying for a position will require that you also submit a letter of recommendation. 

Or, maybe, a coworker will ask you to write a recommendation letter for their new job application.

If you're not certain how to go about it, don't worry - nothing about recommendation letters needs to be complicated. Especially once you learn the nitty-gritty of the topic. 

This is exactly what this article is here to teach you!

What is a Recommendation Letter?

What should a letter of recommendation include.

• How to Write a Letter of Recommendation

3 Types of Recommendation Letters

• How to Ask For a Recommendation Letter
• Recommendation Letter Template

A letter of recommendation is a formal document confirming and recommending a person’s work, skills, or academic performance and potential. 

Typically, a recommendation letter is required for: 

• University admissions
• Fellowships or internship positions
• Job applications
• Volunteering opportunities

You should ideally write a recommendation for someone whose abilities and work ethic you are familiar with - for example, a colleague, student you taught, your employee, or someone you supervised at work.

Similarly, if you’re the one asking for a recommendation letter, you should ask someone who can attest to your professional or academic abilities. 

The types of recommendation letters are:

• Academic recommendation letters.
• Employment recommendation letters.
• Character recommendation letters.

Here’s what each type of recommendation letter is about:

#1. Academic Recommendation Letters

Academic recommendation letters are typically required to be submitted by students during the admission processes of graduate and undergraduate schools. 

Generally, each prospective student is requested to submit up to three references, which can be written by any education professional familiar with the candidate’s academic background. 

Academic reference letters include:

• Recommendation letter for undergraduate/graduate school
• Recommendation letter for a scholarship
• Recommendation letter for a fellowship program

#2. Employment recommendation letters 

This type makes up the most popular type of recommendation letter.

Sometimes, employers can ask you to submit up to 3 recommendation letters as part of your job application.

More often, though, a recruiter might ask you for recommendation letters if they already like your resume and want to learn more about you. 

Employment recommendation letters are written by former - or current - coworkers, employers, or supervisors.

If you can choose, pick someone with more years of experience than you. After all, the more senior they are, the more weight their recommendation carries.

Employment recommendations include: 

• Recommendation letter for a coworker
• Recommendation letter for a (former) employee

#3. Character recommendation letters

Character recommendation letters, also known as personal references, are used to describe an individual’s personality by someone who knows them well, including close friends, coworkers, or employers. 

Personal references serve many purposes, the primary ones being court cases dealing with criminal issues such as drunk driving offenses, or legal situations such as child adoption procedures. 

It is not uncommon, however, to have a potential landlord or even immigration officials ask for a personal reference. 

Personal references include: 

• Recommendation letter for a friend
• Recommendation letter for a tenant
• Recommendation letter for a patient

Recommendation letters follow a particular format and layout that make writing them significantly easier. 

In this section, we’ll cover how to do each the right way, starting with:

Letter of Recommendation Format

A letter of recommendation includes the following sections: 

• The salutation ; if you are addressing someone whose name you know or writing a personal recommendation letter, the salutation can be addressed to “Dear Mr./Mrs./Dr. Smith.” Otherwise, you may use the generic “to whom it may concern.”
• The introduction , which first and foremost includes your statement of recommendation (i.e. “ it is my pleasure to recommend… ”). It is common to also briefly state who you are and what your expertise is.
• The overview, or a description of the applicant’s top skills, attributes, and strengths.
• A personal story describing more of the applicant’s skills and qualifications.
• The closing statement , or the final call for action, is where you encourage the recruiter to contact you if additional information is needed.
• The signature , where you repeat your name and include your full contact information.

Letter of Recommendation Layout 

When it comes to the layout of the recommendation letter, all you need to do is follow some basic formatting rules. Here are the most important ones: 

#1. One page length. This rule applies to resumes too, but it’s even more essential for the recommendation letter. Recruiters go through hundreds of them, so chances are they appreciate concise, to-the-point letters that don’t waste their time. And besides, a good recommendation letter doesn’t have to be an essay to get the recruiter ‘hooked’ - especially if you follow the above format. 

#2. Single-spaced lining, with space between paragraphs . This also keeps your reference letter within the limit by shortening the text. 

#3. Traditional font. Don’t go for something too creative - pick a classic that works. We recommend Times New Roman, Calibri, Arial, Ubuntu, Roboto or Overpass.

#4. 1” margins on all sides . This creates enough white space around the margins and makes the letter easy to read. Additionally, the text should be aligned to the left - although this is a standard alignment for most documents.    

#5. 10-12pt font size . This is the font size range that makes the document easy to read. Adjusting the font size is another good way to keep your recommendation letter within the length limit.

Recommendation letters usually follow similar layout rules as resumes. Learn more about font size and style from our article on the best resume font, size, and format . 

Recommendation Letter Template 

Struggling to write a recommendation letter? 

Just follow our tried-and-tested template! 

To whom it may concern: 

[Recommend the referee for the position they are applying for.]

[Briefly introduce yourself and state your position/ job title , as well as your work experience .]

[Tell how you know the referee and describe their top skills, qualifications, and strengths.]

[Share a personal story with the referee where you highlight their strong points and key achievements .]

[Add a few more of the applicant’s skills and positive traits, preferably fitting the job description.]

[Show your availability to provide additional information for the referee if needed.]

Best Regards

[Your full signature and contact information]

How to Ask for a Recommendation Letter 

Need to ask someone for a recommendation letter? Here’s what you need to know.

The go-to person for your recommendation letter will depend on the type of reference you’ll need. 

For example, if you need an employment recommendation letter , your top choices should involve people who are familiar with your work ethic and professional abilities, but with whom you’ve also had a positive professional relationship. For example:

• Your team lead
• Department head
• CEO of the company
• Direct manager
• A coworker you’ve worked with together on a project

If you are a recent graduate with little work experience, you can ask a mentor or college professor to write you a professional reference. 

In case you need an academic recommendation letter , consider asking a professor with whom you’ve worked closely and can positively attest to your academic potential and achievements.

Your thesis advisor, for example, would make a good choice to ask for an academic reference. If you never wrote a Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis, any professor who knows you as more than just a face in a sea of students should do the trick. 

Finally, keep the following in mind when the time comes to ask for a recommendation letter: 

• Whoever you end up asking, talk to them about it in advance . Then, follow up with a formal email that should contain all reference-related information, such as the submission details and deadline. The email can also include a description of what you’re currently doing (professionally, academically, or independently), what qualifies you for the position, and some relevant skills, achievements, or noteworthy facts.
• If you’re asking for a professional recommendation letter, make sure to also include your resume and the job description in the follow-up email. This way, the person writing the letter will know more about you and your new position and will be able to write a more relevant recommendation by tailoring your skills to the job, or by mentioning some of your (relevant) achievements.
• Notify the contacts you’ll be asking - considering that in most cases recruiters ask for up to three recommendation letters - at least two weeks in advance. This will give them enough time to prepare and write a good recommendation letter. This is especially important for academic references because professors are usually writing several recommendation letters simultaneously.
• Consider attaching a recommendation letter template such as the one provided in this article to your email. The template will considerably ease or guide them through the process of writing the letter.
• Follow up by sending thank you notes to everyone who writes you a recommendation letter. Sending a letter of appreciation is a courtesy act that will let them know you are grateful for the time and effort they took to recommend you positively.

If you’re also looking to update your resume or create one, head over to our guide on how to write a resume in 2024 !

5 Tips on How to Write a Letter of Recommendation

There’s more to writing a recommendation letter than just following the layout instructions or sticking to the format.

We’re referring to content quality, which happens to be the trickiest part of the process. 

In this section, we’ll teach you how to write a recommendation letter that will impress the recruiter and help your referee!

Tip #1. Write an Attention-Grabbing Introduction  

First things first - the introduction.

This is where you need to grab the reader’s attention and get them interested in reading the recommendation letter. 

How to go about it? Before formally (and briefly) introducing yourself, aim to write an attention-grabbing recommendation statement, instead of a generic one the recruiter probably knows by heart already. 

Let’s explain this more practically: 

Dear Mr. Smith, 

I am pleased to recommend Sarah McKay for the Communications Assistant position.

Nothing wrong with this introduction at first glance, right? It’s a standard way of opening a recommendation letter after all. 

Well that’s exactly what’s wrong with it - it’s way too common. No, this probably won’t get your application disqualified, but it won’t impress the recruiter either.

Want yours to strike the right note? Try something like this instead:

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am sincerely glad to be the one recommending Sarah McKay for the Communications Assistant position.

This recommendation statement is not significantly different from the previous one, except for one thing: it gives the reference letter a head start by implying that recommending Sarah is an honor. And that’s more likely to get the recruiter’s attention - or, at least, curiosity. 

In case you’re struggling to come up with an attention-grabbing introduction, simply mention one of the following points, and you’re good to go: 

• A little-known fact about the candidate. 
• Your general consideration of the candidate’s qualities.
• A remarkable achievement or award the candidate might have won.  

Tip #2. Establish a Meaningful Relationship With the Candidate 

All recommendation letters explain what the relationship with the referee is before listing their skills and qualifications. 

To make the recommendation more meaningful, you should show the recruiter you are just the right person to attest to the candidate’s abilities. And that’s not something you can convey by simply stating how you know them. Take the following example:   

I have taught Jake Political Science for four years. 

Does this example tell the recruiter how you know the applicant? Sure, it does. 

But it does so in a boring way and without establishing a convincing relationship with them. For all the recruiter knows, Jake is just one out of a thousand students you’ve taught over the years.

It has been a pleasure for me to teach Jake for four years and guide him through his remarkable Bachelor’s thesis in Conflict Resolution.

Notice the difference? This example specifies the writer is Jake’s thesis advisor, which makes the recommendation all the more meaningful. 

Tip #3. Tailor Your Recommendation to the Application 

Want to put in the extra effort and make sure your referee truly stands out?

Tailor the recommendation letter to the job / university program they’re applying for.

Tailoring your letter to the candidate’s application is easiest when you’re recommending someone for employment (you can just check the job requirements), but it works for any type of recommendation (incl. academic). All you need to do is match the referee’s skills and strengths to whatever they’re applying for. 

Let’s assume, for example, that you’re recommending a co-worker for a marketing manager position.

Some of the job requirements are: 

• +5 years of professional experience in marketing
• Experience developing marketing campaigns 
• Excellent communication skills 
• Project-management and multi-tasking skills 

To tailor your recommendation to the job requirements, all you need to do is mention them as your referee’s best qualities. For example: 

Even after seven years working together, Ema’s skillful way of effectively communicating with clients and co-workers alike doesn’t cease to amaze me. It only comes second to her multi-tasking abilities, which I’ve witnessed throughout the many marketing campaigns we have developed and managed. 

As you can see, there’s not much to it. 

All you need to do is check the job requirements, pick several skills and qualifications, and make them part of your referee’s top skills, strengths, or personality traits.  

Tip #4. List the Candidate’s Achievements 

Mentioning some of the candidate’s achievements is another great way to help your referee really stand out.

After all, skills, strengths, and character traits are awesome, but they can also come across as meaningless if you can’t back them up with facts. 

What do we mean by this?

Let us explain:

Here’s how a typical personal story in a recommendation letter looks like:

I came to truly appreciate Eric’s work ethic, passion, and attention to detail the first time I assigned him to do a report on child trafficking. Eric was respectful of journalistic ethics but also willing to chase the story relentlessly, believing in its value and importance. 

Sure, this is a perfectly acceptable personal story. 

However, it doesn’t do much more than just list the referee’s skills, traits, and work experience through a subjective lens. 

What we’re saying is, it doesn’t really sell the candidate.

Now, let’s compare it to the following:

Eric’s ability to chase after difficult stories first became apparent when I assigned him a report about child trafficking. Despite the challenging topic, Eric not only pulled through but achieved more than expected by a) identifying a trafficking ring that put more than 50 minors into forced begging, b) interviewing 10 of the older minors and managing to bring that trafficking network down once the reportage went public and c) increasing the TV Channel’s ratings by 40% in 3 weeks. 

By mentioning those achievements, your account of the candidate’s experiences is a lot more “factual,” as well as impressive for the recruiter.

Not sure which achievements to include? Check out these 101+ achievements to list on your resum e !

Tip #5. Polish Up Your Recommendation Letter

Finally, here’s 5 more simple tips to get your recommendation letter ready:

• Maintain positive rhetoric . At no point throughout your reference letter should the recruiter sense a hint of doubt regarding the applicant’s skills and qualifications.
• Don’t overdo the positivity. Extremes are never good - which means being overly positive might also come across as a bit suspicious or weird (even if everything you're saying is true). 
• Follow the submission instructions . A bunch of employers, but also educational institutions, will provide instructions on how to submit the recommendation letter. We recommend you ask the candidate to double-check them and give you a heads up, because if you submit the recommendation letter wrong, the candidate might lose their chance.
• Use a business tone . Even when you’re being creative, your writing tone should maintain a business tone - polite, and as formal as possible.
• Mind your grammar and spelling . This is another tip that goes for all things application-related. You won’t compromise the referee’s chances with a typo, but your recommendation won’t matter much either if it’s filled with simple grammar/spelling mistakes. Run your letter through a grammar and spell-check app once you’re finished with it, just to be on the safe side of things.

Recommendation Letter FAQ

Still have some questions on how to write a letter of recommendation?

Find your answers below!

1. What is a professional letter of recommendation?

A professional letter of recommendation - also called an employment recommendation letter - refers to an official document that is typically required when you apply for a job and which describes the applicant’s professional skills, experiences, and qualifications. 

Professional letters of recommendation are typically written by current or previous employers or supervisors. A coworker can also write you a professional letter of recommendation, but it’s not as optimal as a coworker is not really an authority figure (and might just be a friend doing you a favor instead of being honest).

2. What should be written in a letter of recommendation?

Letters of recommendation generally follow the following format: 

• A formal salutation
• An introduction (which includes a recommendation statement and your professional title)
• An overview of some of the applicant’s skills, strengths, or qualifications, which you can tailor to the application
• A personal story where you can mention some of the applicant’s achievements
• A closing statement and call for action
• A signature , with your contact information

3. Who should I ask for a letter of recommendation?

If you’re asking for an academic letter of recommendation, you can ask:

• Current or former professors
• Academic mentors
• Thesis advisors

If you’re asking for a professional recommendation letter, though, you can ask:

• Current or former employers
• A supervisor or professional mentor
• Former professors
• Experienced coworkers

4. How do you start a recommendation paragraph?

To keep the recruiter reading your recommendation letter interested, you should start with an attention-grabbing introduction - specifically, an interesting recommendation statement. 

This statement is the opening sentence of the letter and it should optimally express your conviction to recommend the applicant in a non-generic way. 

If you’re struggling with coming up with something creative, just start with one of the following:

• A little-known or impressive fact about the candidate
• Your general consideration of the candidate’s qualities
• A remarkable achievement, or an award the candidate might have won

5. How do you end a letter of recommendation?

A letter of recommendation concludes with a call to action or a request towards the recruiter   showing your availability and willingness to provide additional information if needed. After mentioning that you remain available to discuss the candidate’s qualifications, you may finalize the letter with your signature - your name, title, and company.

Key Takeaways 

And that’s a wrap! We hope this article will make the process of writing a recommendation letter easier for you. 

Let’s go over some of the main points we covered: 

• A letter of recommendation is a formal letter confirming and recommending a person’s work, skills, or academic performance and potential.
• Recommendation letters follow a particular format and layout. The format typically consists of 1) the letterhead and full contact information, 2) a salutation, 3) an introduction, 4) an overview, 5) a personal story, 6) a closing sentence and 7) your signature.
• The three types of recommendation letters are employment, academic, and character recommendation letters.
• Who to ask for a recommendation letter depends on the type of reference you need. As a rule of thumb, pick someone who knows your skills and strengths well and whom you’ve had a positive experience (professional or academic) with.

Related Articles

• How to List References on a Resume [w/ Examples]
• How to Address a Cover Letter in 2023
• Motivation Letter Writing Guide + Examples for 2023

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

Advice for requesting letters of recommendation

Do you want a recommendation letter from me or someone else for a PhD program? Follow the excellent advice of a Brown CS professor (transposing CS to physics, of course, but not much else): http://cs.brown.edu/~sk/Memos/Reco-From-Me/ Note especially his description of a "brag sheet" and its purpose. Consider supplementing this by saying to a particular writer "I hope you will be able to speak to my experience at mentoring other undergrad researchers" or "I hope you will be able to remark on my ability to design and build an experimental setup" (just examples.)

The same principles hold for letters for other purposes (internships, coterm programs, postdocs, faculty positions, industry jobs) though obviously what's expected at different stages and for different roles is different.

See also that same Prof's excellent advice to letter-writers for PhD program applications. Read it, follow its guidance on selecting a complementary collection of letter-writers rather than ones who all speak to just one aspect of your capabilities, and consider sharing it with your writers (in a non-pushy way), especially if they may not be experienced at writing for this purpose or this level of institution. 

http://cs.brown.edu/~sk/Memos/Grad-School-Recos/

A personal story: When I was applying for Ph.D. programs and fellowships, I had a research advisor with whom I had done substantial work. I knew my relationship with him was not perfect, but I asked him for a letter -- I couldn't imagine not asking him. He replied that he expected others could write me more effective letters. Decades later I remain deeply grateful to him: I got into an excellent Ph.D. program and even was awarded fellowships. Probably none of these would have happened had he written one of my three letters luke-warmly (or worse.) I was fortunate to have others who could step in to write for me. I take from this several lessons I'd like to share.

1. When someone asks me for a letter and I don't feel I can write a letter that will help them toward their goal, if possible I suggest that they consider having someone else write for them. This scenario doesn't happen often, but my practice gives people a chance to be judged by their best sides, which is important especially early in studies and career. Of course, if one of my primary Ph.D. thesis advisees or postdoc advisees is applying for a faculty position, it may be practically necessary for them to get a letter for me. This is only one reason to maintain good communications between advisor and advisee.

2. If you want a letter from someone, you can't rely on this degree of candor from your proposed letter-writer. Instead of asking "Can you write me a letter?", consider instead "I'm considering applying to XXX. Do you think you could write me a letter that would help me be selected / be seriously considered?" This gives a reasonably gracious way for them to suggest that you ask someone else. They'll probably even appreciate that -- few of us like the feeling of writing a less-than-positive letter. In my experience, if the rest of one's portfolio is strong one can be successful in obtaining Ph.D. admission, postdoc positions, and even interviews for faculty positions based on one or two stellar letters, combined with other letters that are positive but more generic.

3. Months or even years before you'll want a letter, think about who might be possible letter-writers. Develop and maintain the relevant relationships -- not primarily for the sake of the letters!

Sample Recommendation Letter

College Admissions

Writing recommendation letters is hard work! If you don’t know where to start or are finding it challenging to organize your thoughts, reading a sample recommendation letter can help you figure out your next steps. Keep reading to learn more about why these letters matter, plus see a sample recommendation letter and find out what makes it the perfect example.

Sample Recommendation Letter by a Professor for a Student

Jeong Kyoon, Ph.D

Wuhan International Educational Center

No. 10-1 Boxue Road, WEDZ

Wuhan, Hubei, PRC 430056

Dear Dr. Kyoon,

It is my great pleasure to provide this letter of recommendation for Sarah as she pursues anEnglish as a Foreign Language teaching position with Wuhan International Educational Center in China. As an associate professor of English Literature at ABC University, I taught Sarah in four classes and served as her thesis advisor during her senior year. Sarah continues to impress me with her adventurous spirit, passion for knowledge, and love of helping others. With her background in English, experience living abroad and time spent tutoring ESL students, I am confident Sarah will make an excellent addition to your school.

I taught Sarah during her sophomore, junior, and senior year in Comparative Methods in the Humanities, The Global South Asian Diaspora in Literature and Film, Gender and Literature in South Asia, and Empire and Intimacy: Race and Sexual Fantasy in European Literature. I also worked closely with her on her senior thesis, which explored Marxism’s impact on Chinese Literature. Sarah was awarded the distinction of summa cum laude, because of her dedication and commitment to learning. She is a talented writer who offers an impassioned perspective in essays, class discussions, and personal conversations. I firmly believe Sarah possesses the mental dexterity, verbal skills, compassion, and depth of thought to be an engaging teacher.

Sarah is passionate about connecting with people from different cultures, something I  have had the joy of witnessing multiple times as she explores new ideas through world literature. I recall one insightful paper Sarah wrote for which she interviewed international students about their perspectives on various Western classics. It was very clear from this paper that she was passionate about cross-cultural exchange. She also spends her time volunteering with ESL students in local high schools, out of the pure desire to help others. As an English teacher with the Wuhan International Educational Center, I am confident Sarah will foster a similar passion in her students.

In addition to her studies and volunteer work with ESL students, Sarah has spent two semesters studying abroad with a host family in Shanghai. She speaks very highly of her host family, their dinners and daily conversations in Shanghainese, and their patience with her as she mastered this dialect. She is visiting her host family again this summer for her host sister’s birthday and contacts them regularly through email. Sarah enjoys meeting new people, learning about different cultures, and traveling as an engaged participant. These experiences and passions make Sarah the perfect fit for the opening with the Wuhan International Educational Center.

Sarah has my wholehearted and unequivocal support in her search for an English teaching position with your institution. She is thoughtful, passionate, and open-minded; with a clear commitment to teaching and helping others understand different cultures. I have no doubt that Sarah will make an outstanding English as a Foreign Language teacher at Wuhan International Educational Center. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Andrea LaLonde, Ph.D

Associate Professor of Comparative Literature

ABC University

[email protected]

123-456-7890

‍ What Makes This Sample Recommendation Letter Works

‍ When students graduate from college, job hunting is usually their top priority. Since most graduates don’t have a lot of previous employers to reach out to, they opt to ask their professors for letters of recommendation or support . In our example, Professor LaLonde taught Sarah in a subject closely related to the position she’s applying for which is one of the reasons why this letter works.

Professor LaLonde clearly states her support for Sarah’s application to an English teaching position in China. She discusses Sarah’s specific academic interests, how they relate to this opening, and essentially make Sarah working for them the next logical step. Professor LaLonde also takes the time to characterize Sarah as someone with a dedication to learning about and exploring other cultures. She achieves this by specifically mentioning Sarah’s study abroad experience in China, her relationship with her host family, and that she spends her time volunteering with ESL students in her community. Combined, these experiences have prepared Sarah for her work as an English teacher.

So even though Sarah’s professor has not personally supervised her student teaching others, she can offer insight into Sarah’s strengths on a personal and intellectual level. This perspective is very valuable, because Professor LaLonde has worked with Sarah during four classes and on her senior thesis paper. Because of all this time spent with Sarah, Professor LaLonde is able to assure the prospective employer that she is an ideal candidate for this position.

Keep that in mind when you’re writing a letter of recommendation or support for one of your students: tie it back to the position they’re applying for. It’s a bit like writing a short paper where your main idea is that this student is perfect for this job and you need to supply evidence to back up your claim.

Be sure to click here if you need to read over a few more examples before writing your own!

Letters of recommendation can be scary to ask for and sometimes even scarier to write. Looking for examples is a great way to give yourself an idea of how to organize your thoughts. Breaking down why each example works will help you write a letter of recommendation or support that your students will be proud to show off.

Are you having trouble writing a letter of recommendation? Do you have any other tips or tricks to share? Comment below and let us know!

Sign up for the newsletter

If you want relevant updates occasionally, sign up for the private newsletter. Your email is never shared.

What to Read Next

Exploring Open Curriculum Colleges: Benefits and How to Choose the Right One for You

Achieving Success: Setting and Reaching Goals for School

Exploring Private Colleges in California: Your Guide to Prestigious Education

Get The Most Important College Admissions Data In The Last 12 Months Delivered Straight To Your Inbox Now.

Hear direct admissions tips from Neha Gupta, Founder of College Shortcuts.

• Internet , Productivity

15 Sample Recommendation Letter Examples For Students

Every college student craves the moment when they will graduate and enter the workforce. At this point, they need a good recommendation letter to open the door to the right job and kick off an exciting career .

School students need a recommendation letter when applying for graduate school, university, or scholarship. They also need it when applying for a job that requires a reference or when enhancing their application.

Additionally, it’s a great privilege and honor to be asked to write such a letter for a student.

In this article, I’ll show you some examples of recommendation letters; however, before moving on to that, let us first understand what a recommendation letter is.

A recommendation letter is a document that highlights peoples’ character traits and work ethic. It is a document in which you attest a student’s experience, qualifications, and dedication to help them secure their desired position.

Now that we know what a recommendation letter is, let’s get straight to the samples.

Sample Recommendation Letter Examples For Students

1. sample recommendation letter from a teacher.

Image: furkanfdemir

Att. Katie Houghton

Re: Emma Johnson

Dear Ms. Houghton,

I am writing this recommendation at the request of Emma Johnson, applying for the Student Volunteer Program at St. Jude Hospital this summer.

I have known Emma for three years as I worked in the capacity of a teacher at Smoothville Middle School.

I took Emma through English and French classes, where she excelled with superior grades. I’d rate her performance as outstanding based on her grades, class participation, and attendance.

Emma has desirable strengths that I believe will be valuable to your organization. She is always interested in supporting others.

For instance, early this year, when our class conducted a community service project, Emma helped me collect and organize food for the food pantry. She was also at the forefront of ensuring that the elderly had their food before anybody else.

I highly recommend Emma Johnson because I believe that she will be a valuable asset to your organization. If you need any additional information, feel free to contact me at 555-5555 or email at [email protected] anytime.

Brian Smith

Teacher, Smoothville Middle School

2. Sample Recommendation Letter for College Student Peer Advisor

Image: Andrea Piacquadio

Recommendation for Emma Johnson

I have worked with Emma Johnson for three years as she served as a peer advisor in the academic achievement office at Brightstar College. Emma exhibited exemplary skills while building a record of outstanding performance in this role.

She mastered the often involving task of learning a vast collection of electronic and print resources and her diligence is commendable.

Ms. Johnson was unique in her emphasis on establishing rapport and reaching out to a range of customers from different backgrounds.

She attracted a good following of clients who purposefully sought her out since she was helpful to them (much like an excellent professional counselor does).

In my 20 years of professional experience, I’d say Emma stands out as one of the most resilient peer advisors who can cultivate client relationships. Emma is a good listener and conveys information clearly and effectively to individuals and groups.

You can tell that I hold Emma in very high regard. Therefore, I recommend her for graduate study to help tap the skills above. I’m confident that she has empathy, a caring nature, listening skills, and the intellectual capacity to become a fine professional counselor.

Feel free to contact me if further information may be needed regarding this outstanding young woman.

Erick Perkins

Tutor, Career Office

513-500-0000

[email protected]

Also Read : Best Student Strengths & Weaknesses Examples

3. Sample Character Recommendation Letter

Image: Mikhail Nilov

To Whom It May Concern :

I have had the pleasure of knowing Emma Johnson for five years. I have known her in many capacities as she has been helpful to many of my neighbors and me.

Since I had trouble getting around, Emma always came to my house to offer help in running errands. She would ask if I needed help mowing my lawn and her cheerful and friendly character made me appreciate her even more.

Emma has also helped me carry out various tasks at my retail business. She worked on inventories, our newsletter, mailing list, and our customer interface.

Emma never complains about work. For the various times we talked about her education, it was evident that she did well and garnered a high grade point average. She is intelligent, creative, and a good person who’ll do well in her chosen career.

I am happy and confident to provide this reference, and in case you have any questions or wish to know more about my experience with Emma, please feel free to call or email me.

Chloe Hailey

[email protected]

523-000-1111

Also Read : Best Goal Examples For Students

4. Sample Recommendation Letter for Undergraduate Students

Image: Karolina Grabowska

Attn: Dave Brown

I feel honored to recommend Ms. Emma Johnson to your school. As her law professor in her pre-law undergraduate degree, I have seen her demonstrate diligence and an impressive work ethic.

Emma is an extraordinary young woman who maintained excellent grades and graduated at the top of her class. I want to recommend her as her qualities are not only in written examinations but also because she’s equipped with organizational skills.

She also possesses the ability to complete multiple tasks and deliver favorable results regardless of deadline pressure.

In her semester project, Emma developed an innovative and collaborative novel with her classmates, which is now being considered for publication.

Her competence in public speaking propelled her to become the vice president of the student council in her college. As a lawyer, I believe these qualities are essential for career success.

I know that Ms. Johnson will gain the needed knowledge and skills to become an excellent lawyer by being a student in your esteemed institution. I would like to restate my strong recommendation for Emma Johnson and sincerely hope she will be accepted.

If you have questions regarding Ms. Johnson’s skills and abilities, please do not hesitate to use the contact information on the letterhead to reach out.

Respectfully,

Prof. Morris Fletcher

Check Out : What Is Hybrid Learning? A Guide

5. Sample Recommendation Letter to the Review Committee

Image: Ketut Subiyanto

Attn: Review Committee

I am pleased to recommend Emma Johnson, an honors undergraduate student in our program. I have known Emma for over three years, and she’s always stood out as a dedicated and resilient student.

I interacted with Emma more as a student in my Economic Geography course. During the summer, I hired her to work on an NSF-sponsored research project on Human Dimensions of Global Environmental Change, where she delivered exemplary results.

From discussions with my colleagues and various graduate students in my department, we all believe that Emma is an exceptional student and that she will be a dedicated student and a competent professional. I highly recommend her without reservation.

Christie Lewis

Professor of Geography

Explore : Best Free Plagiarism Checkers For Students

6. Sample Recommendation Letter for Graduate School for PhD

Image: Anete Lusina

Dear Madam,

I recommend Ms. Emma Johnson for your institution’s Ph.D. position in Research Studies. I have taught Emma for the past two years in the area of Economics, and it gives me much joy to see her excel in this field.

Emma completed a research project on Sustainable Economy under my supervision, cleared the entrance examination for your institution’s researchers, and was at the top of her class last year.

Emma is very interested in her studies and keen to join the St. Gregory Economic Service to serve the nation. I have witnessed her work efficiency, curiosity, and critical thinking ability, and I am sure she will realize her dreams soon with her hard work.

I will be delighted if my recommendation helps her obtain admission to the Research Study program at your institution.

If you have any queries regarding academics, research, and other areas of Emma’s candidature, don’t hesitate to contact me by phone or email, as shared below. I am usually available on the phone Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 4 pm.

Dr. Sam Moore

Brightstar College

555 6111 200

Also Read : Best Student Blog Examples

7. Sample Recommendation Letter for Admission Committee

Image: Michael Burrows

Dear Admissions Committee:

I am writing this letter to support Emma’s application to the online master’s program in education offered at Princeton Ivy College. Emma has been a student in online courses and enrolled in the Introduction to Education (ED 100) online course in the summer of 2019.

As you are aware, online courses require high motivation and concentration, mainly because of the lack of face-to-face interaction.

The study was structured so that for each unit, students were required to read their textbook and lectures that I had written, hold discussion forums where they converse with other students about issues raised through the readings, and complete one or two essays.

During the fall of the same year, Emma enrolled in the Early Childhood Education (ED 211) online course, where she continued with her above-average performance, earning a final score of 87 points.

Throughout the courses, she consistently submitted her work on time and actively participated in discussions with other students.

I might not have met Emma face-to-face, but from our online interactions, I can attest to her ability to complete the academic requirements of Princeton Ivy College’s online master’s program in education.

Prof. Tom Cage

8. Sample Recommendation Letter for Scholarship 

To the Harrison Scholarship Selection Committee:

I am writing this letter on behalf of Ms. Emma Johnson, an international studies student at Princeton Ivy College applying for the Harrison Scholarship. Emma, without a doubt, is one of the most vital undergraduate students I have had the pleasure to work with at Princeton Ivy College.

I am Emma’s co-advisor for her honors thesis, and she has enrolled in several of my classes. Recently, Emma was the sole undergraduate student in a graduate seminar I taught called Qualitative Methods. Her performance was exemplary.

I enjoyed watching her push her way through some complex readings in the area of social theory. Additionally, she was a discussion leader where she grounded complex theories that helped alleviate initial nervousness among students in her class.

From her discussions, I noted that she is one of the rare students who can operate at an advanced theoretical level while firmly rooted in an empirical realm.

Having reviewed Emma’s performance, I can affirm that her work is top-notch and is on par with the graduate students in the geography department. Finally, Emma has a strong understanding of political theory and a solid intellectual facility.

She is a prowess writer, a rare and gifted scholar with my most vital support. She is one in a million.

Christine Thomson

Assistant Professor of Geography and Women’s Studies

Also Read : Education Software Examples

9. Sample Postgraduate Recommendation Letter

Image: Nicola Barts

Dear Mr. Michael Jenkins,

I am writing this letter to recommend Ms. Emma Johnson for the post-graduate law course at your law school.

As the head of the law department at Princeton Ivy College, I understand that your law school is one of the top-rated ones in the United States, and I believe that Emma deserves a place in it.

I have known Emma for four years as I was not only the department head at Princeton Ivy College but also taught her two significant subjects during the graduation program.

Ms. Johnson comes out as a strong-headed, intelligent, dedicated, and hardworking student with a natural knack for the field of law and puts her best at whatever she does. Her passion for law and zest for becoming a corporate lawyer makes her a perfect choice for this course.

I believe she can be an asset to the university if given a chance.

Patricia Morgan

570 935 0011

Explore : Best Websites Like Sparknotes

10. Sample Academic Recommendation Letter

Image: Ivan Samkov

Dear Admissions Committee Members:

With great pleasure and enthusiasm, I write to you to support the candidacy of Emma Johnson for admission to the English Department’s Graduate Program at Princeton Ivy College.

I first met Emma when she enrolled in my sophomore-level course in Victorian Literature at Townbridge University. Here, she demonstrated writing analysis talents beyond most of her peers.

Her enthusiasm for critical analysis led her to complete other advanced Victorian studies classes with me, and it was an honor to serve as an advisor for her honors project.

Emma’s focused mind allows her to grasp the basics of our curriculum and formulate original, persuasive, and interpretative arguments.

She demonstrates excellent organizational and leadership skills and is one of our most highly esteemed undergraduate teaching assistants in our English 101 courses.

She is also an engaging speaker and has presented two well-received papers at the annual Victorian Studies conference at the University of TX.

I am thus convinced that Emma will prove herself to be a valuable contributor to your English Department, both as a graduate student and as a Teaching or Research Assistant.

Emma deserves any financial assistance you may offer to help her complete her Master’s and Doctoral degrees.

Kindly let me know if there is a need for additional information I can provide to support the decision-making process.

Dr. Richard Craig

Explore : Best Chegg Alternatives

11. Sample Skills Recommendation Letter Supporting Admission Application for the Entry Class

Dear Admission Committee:

With great pleasure, I write to recommend Emma Johnson as a beautiful and promising person. I taught Emma Math through her high school years, and she was a student full of drive with a winning attitude. Emma is kind, attentive, and always engaged with the class.

Ms. Johnson was a top performer in her final high school year and was among the top five students in two previous years. Emma can understand complex problems and solves them faster than an average student.

Emma manages her time well and is always willing to give a helping hand to her fellow students. She possesses the qualities of a leader but remains humble in her interactions.

While math is her main focus, she also performs well in music. She plays saxophone in our jazz band and knows how to balance math and music. With the attributes that Emma possesses, I am confident that any college would be happy to enroll her.

I will be glad to answer any other questions you may have concerning Emma’s skills and abilities.

Teacher Gregory

Check Out : Best Memorized Speech Examples

12. Sample Recommendation Letter for a Former High School Student

To Whom It May Concern ,

I have known Emma Johnson for the past three years. Having served as her teacher of English and Arts at Bakehand High School, I believe that Emma will be an excellent addition to your institution.

Emma is a bright young lady who demonstrates her intelligence and capability as a student with great potential. She has always been at the top of her class, and I am confident she will thrive in any academic program she chooses to pursue.

Emma greatly enriched our high school life by engaging in extracurricular activities. She initiated a Bridge Club where students met to teach each other the ins and outs of the card game. I am convinced that Emma Johnson will make a valuable contribution to your university.

If you have further questions regarding Emma, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Annabel Johns

Bakehand High School

Explore : Best Chemistry Websites

13. Sample Recommendation Letter for Engineering Students

Image: RF._.studio

Dear Admissions team,

I am Scott Brown, the Branch Manager-BKV Chemicals. I recommend Emma Johnson, one of our employees, for a place in the M.Eng Chemical Engineering Course offered by Princeton Ivy College.

Emma completed her B.Tech in Chemical Engineering from Brightstar College, where she excelled with first-class honors.

She later joined BKV-Chemicals in 2019 as a trainee chemist, completed her training successfully, and has since grown into a full-fledged chemical production supervisor.

Emma is honest, hardworking, and aspires to complete a post-graduate course in chemical engineering to boost her competence.

For the period I have worked with her, she has been instrumental in helping our company exceed the turnover targets for two years in a row. She possesses excellent communication skills and is a proven team leader who motivates her team to excel.

She dreams of pursuing her post-graduate course in the United States, and Princeton Ivy College is her best choice.

I recommend Emma for the M.Eng Chemical Engineering Course and wish her the best in her studies.

Scott Brown

Branch Manager

BKV-Chemicals

Also Read : Best Apps Like Photomath

14. Sample Recommendation Letter Student Council

Image: Yaroslav Shuraev

It gives me great pleasure to write to you to recommend Emma Johnson to be named as a certified student leader through the student leadership program.

In addition to meeting the required criteria, Emma has demonstrated to be an outstanding leader committed to the student council.

I have had the pleasure of working with and observing Ms. Johnson. For the past two years, I have witnessed her outstanding leadership in action.

One incident that illustrates her strong leadership skills is when she assisted in the local blood drive, where she rallied over 300 students to volunteer for the campaign and recruited others to be part of the drive.

For these and other compelling reasons, I recommend Emma Johnson for the honor of being recognized as a distinguished student.

David Scott

Check Out : Best WolframAlpha Alternatives

15. Sample Recommendation Letter for Internship

Image: RODNAE Productions

Dear station manager,

I feel compelled to write this letter to recommend Emma Johnson for your communication internship. I believe that Emma’s passion for communication, recording, and broadcasting makes her the ideal candidate for the position.

Emma started as a news writer at our school radio station and quickly became the station’s student manager. She has attended several broadcast seminars and represented the school well.

The feedback I often get about her is that her dedication to broadcasting and sense of responsibility makes her a solid asset to any team.

Emma is a responsible young lady who hardly misses her time at the station. In my Broadcast communication class, she is the top student among all her peers. I urge you to accept her for your internship and watch her work for your benefit.

If you need any information regarding her character and qualifications, please don’t hesitate to contact me by email at  [email protected] .

Walter Kingston

Broadcast Communication Tutor

Princeton Ivy College

Also Read : Best Textsheet Alternatives

Final Thoughts

While the above samples are about different aspects of recommendation with different interests and values, they all share fundamental features. They communicate enthusiasm; they have back-to-back examples and outline students’ personal and academic strengths.

As you recommend, ensure that you include these features and work closely with the students you recommend to give a holistic view of their strengths.

Tom loves to write on technology, e-commerce & internet marketing. I started my first e-commerce company in college, designing and selling t-shirts for my campus bar crawl using print-on-demand. Having successfully established multiple 6 & 7-figure e-commerce businesses (in women’s fashion and hiking gear), I think I can share a tip or 2 to help you succeed.

• Search Site
• Search Campus Directory
• Search Odum Library
• Online Campus

About Valdosta State

Administration, employment opportunities, majors and degrees, academic resources, admission to vsu, paying for college, blazer athletics, campus life, life at vsu, housing and residence life, student services, alumni & giving, vsu alumni association, make a gift, alumni & friends, strategic priorities, a culture of excellence, resources for.

• Current Students
• Faculty/Staff
• Close navigation

Letter of Recommendation Sample

SALUTATION:

Dear [Name of Employer] or [To Whom it May Concern]

PARAGRAPH 1:

This reference letter is provided at the request of [name of student] , who has asked me to serve as a reference on [his/her] behalf. I have known [name of student] for the past [years, semesters] as [he/she] has taken the following courses that I teach: [list courses, give brief description of content of courses]

PARAGRAPH 2:

I was initially impressed with [student’s name] [type of skills] skills when I met [him/her] in [name of class] [his/her] first class under my instruction. [He/she] took charge of the class project and served as an excellent example to [his/her] fellow classmates. [Student’s name] is a highly motivated individual who always puts forth [his/her] best effort in all assigned tasks. [His/her] enthusiasm for the field of [academic major] is remarkable and served [him/her] well as President of the [academic major club] . Recently, [his/her] passion for the field was further demonstrated in my capstone class as [he/she] related practical skills developed from [his/her] internship to theoretical knowledge obtained from the classroom.

PARAGRAPH 3:

I also had the opportunity to serve as [student’s name] academic advisor for the past three years. I have witnessed [student’s name] take advantage of opportunities both in the classroom and through extracurricular activities offered by the university. In conclusion, if [his/her] performance in [my class, organization] is any indication of how [she/he’d] perform in your organization, [student name] would be a positive addition to your staff.

• First Destination Survey
• Employer Career Day Registration
• Credit Card Payments

Career Opportunities

• Student Union, 2nd Floor, Room 2218 Valdosta, Georgia 31698
• Mailing Address 1500 N. Patterson St. Valdosta, GA 31698
• Phone: 229.333.5942
• Fax: 229.259.5515

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 4 amazing recommendation letter samples for students.

Letters of Recommendation

How important are recommendation letters in a college application? According to William Fitzsimmons, dean of admissions and financial aid at Harvard, they are "extremely important."

If you're a student, examples of great letters of recommendation can help you understand how to get strong letters yourself from your teachers. If you're a teacher, the examples in this guide will inspire you to support your students strongly as they apply to college. Keep reading for four excellent letters from teachers that will get anyone into college , along with expert analysis on why they're so strong.

Important Note: Are you looking for job recommendation letters? If so, check out my great post here!

First, let's understand the role of recommendation letters in your application.

Why are Recommendation Letters Important?

The majority of admissions officers at four-year colleges, especially private schools, emphasize that their process is holistic . They seek to gain a sense of the student as a "whole person," rather than focusing on pieces of who she is based solely on grades and test scores. Since they rarely meet the student in person, the recommendation letters, along with the student's own personal essay, play a huge role in illuminating her intellectual and personal qualities.

That's why recommendation letters from teachers, especially those who know their students well, carry a great deal of weight in applications. A letter that expresses a strong vote of support, as well as highlights a student's impressive academic and personal strengths , can have a powerful effect on that student's chances of admission.

Let's look at some samples of strong recommendation letters, one from an English teacher, another from a physics teacher, the third from a history teacher, and the final one from a math teacher. Then we'll break down exactly why these letters of recommendation are effective.

The first example recommends Sara, a senior who loves to write and read poetry.

Sample Letter #1: Sara the Poet

Dear Admissions Committee, I had the pleasure of teaching Sara in her 11th grade honors English class at Mark Twain High School. From the first day of class, Sara impressed me with her ability to be articulate about difficult concepts and texts, her sensitivity to the nuances within literature, and her passion for reading, writing, and creative expression- both in and out of the classroom. Sara is a talented literary critic and poet, and she has my highest recommendation as a student and writer. Sara is talented at considering the subtleties within literature and the purpose behind authors' works. She produced an extraordinary year-long thesis paper on creative identity development, in which she compared works from three different time periods and synthesized cultural and historical perspectives to inform her analysis. When called upon to give her thesis defense in front of her peers, Sara spoke clearly and eloquently about her conclusions and responded to questions in a thoughtful way. Outside of the classroom, Sara is dedicated to her literary pursuits, especially to poetry. She publishes her poetry in our school's literary magazine, as well as in online magazines. She is an insightful, sensitive, and deeply self-aware individual driven to explore art, writing, and a deeper understanding of the human condition. Throughout the year Sara was an active participant in our discussions, and she always supported her peers. Her caring nature and personality allow her to work well with others in a team setting, as she always respects others' opinions even when they differ from her own. When we held a class debate about gun laws, Sara opted to speak for the side opposite her own views. She explained her choice as motivated by a desire to put herself in other people's shoes, view the issues from a new perspective, and gain a clearer sense of the issue from all angles. Throughout the year, Sara demonstrated this openness to and empathy for the opinions, feelings, and perspectives of others, along with shrewd powers of observation, all qualities that makes her outstanding as a student of literature and burgeoning writer. I am certain that Sara is going to continue to do great and creative things in her future. I highly recommend her for admission to your undergraduate program. She is talented, caring, intuitive, dedicated, and focused in her pursuits. Sara consistently seeks out constructive feedback so she can improve her writing skills, which is a rare and impressive quality in a high school student. Sara is truly a stand-out individual who will impress everyone she meets. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions at [email protected]. Sincerely, Ms. Scribe English Teacher Mark Twain High School

This is a thorough, glowing recommendation for a student that Ms. Scribe clearly knows well. What other features make it stand out as a strong letter of rec?

The Breakdown

Ms. Scribe has a high opinion of Sara and her skills at writing and literary analysis. One way that she expresses this is by using powerful and specific language. She doesn't merely say Sara is a good writer. She says she's articulate about difficult concepts and sensitive to the nuances within literature. She calls her insightful and self-aware with shrewd powers of observation.

These descriptors don't happen by accident. Ms. Scribe took the time to choose her words carefully , and that effort paid off with a strong letter that captures Sara's special qualities.

Ms. Scribe also supports her characterization of Sara with examples . She describes her thesis paper and how she responded to questions thoughtfully under the pressured situation of her thesis defense. She gives the example of the debate on gun laws to illustrate Sara's openness to many different points of view.

In addition to illuminating her intellectual and personal strengths and supporting them with specific examples, Ms. Scribe speaks to Sara's goals for the future. She points out that she is talented at writing, poetry specifically, and that she is committed to continuing to improve as a writer in her future.

This letter, by virtue of its wording, length, and specificity, shows that Ms. Scribe took the time and effort to recommend Sara thoughtfully and with conviction. The fact that she knows Sara well and is committed to helping her application succeed with a thoughtful letter further adds weight to her assessment.

This letter would be a boon to Sara's application, especially if she's applying to study writing or English. She clearly impressed her English teacher and, in return, got a memorable, complimentary letter of recommendation for her college application.

This next example is similarly enthusiastic and detailed. It's for a student applying to an engineering program.

Sample Letter #2: Stacy the Engineer

Dear Admissions Committee, It is a great pleasure to recommend Stacy for admission to your engineering program. She is one of the most exceptional students I have encountered in my 15 years of teaching. I taught Stacy in my 11th grade honors physics class and advised her in Robotics Club. I am not surprised to find out she is now ranked at the top of an extraordinarily capable class of seniors. She has a keen interest in and talent for physics, math, and scientific inquiry. Her advanced skills and passion for the subject make her an ideal fit for your rigorous engineering program. Stacy is a perceptive, sharp, quick individual with a high aptitude for math and science. She is driven to understand how things work, whether they be the old computer hard drives in the school library or the forces that hold our universe together. Her final project in class was especially impressive, an investigation of frequency-dependent sound absorption, an idea that she said was sparked by not wanting to bother her parents with her hours of guitar practice at home. She's been a strong leader in Robotics Club, eager to share her knowledge with others and learn new skills. I have the students in the club prepare lessons and take turns leading our after-school meetings. When it was Stacy's turn, she showed up prepared with a fascinating lecture on lunar nautics and fun activities that got everyone moving and talking. She was our only student teacher to be met with much deserved applause at the end of her lesson. Stacy's personal strengths are as impressive as her intellectual accomplishments. She's an active, outgoing presence in class with a great sense of humor. Stacy's the perfect person to get a group project rolling, but she also knows how to sit back and let others take the lead. Her cheerful nature and openness to feedback means she's always learning and growing as a learner, an impressive strength that will continue to serve her well in college and beyond. Stacy is just the kind of driven, engaging, and curious student that helped make our classroom a lively environment and safe place to take intellectual risks. Stacy has my highest recommendation for admission to your engineering program. She has demonstrated excellence in all that she puts her mind to, whether it's designing an experiment, collaborating with others, or teaching herself to play classical and electrical guitar. Stacy's endless curiosity, combined with her willingness to take risks, leads me to believe there will be no limit to her growth and achievements in college and beyond. Please don't hesitate to contact me at [email protected] if you have any questions. Sincerely, Ms. Randall Physics Teacher Marie Curie High School

Ms. Randall is clearly as much of a fan of Stacy as she is of Mileva Marić. How does she communicate her recommendation?

Ms. Randall plugs for Stacy right off the bat with a statement of outstanding ranking : Stacy is one of the most exceptional students she's had in 15 years of teaching. A statement like this is pretty extraordinary and will make an impact in the mind of its readers. Stacy sounds like a special student, and she chose her recommender well.

Like in the last example, this letter uses strong, specific language , calling Stacy a perceptive and sharp person who has the confidence and good humor to take intellectual risks. Through its accurate and expressive language, this letter helps Stacy come to life in the mind of the reader.

Beyond the evaluation, Ms. Randall gives specific examples of Stacy's academic and personal strengths. She talks about her successful teaching in Robotics Club, her leadership in group projects, and her dedicated practice to teaching herself to play the guitar.

Rather than spreading the letter too thin, Ms. Randall highlights a few core themes. She connects Stacy's love of music with her passion for physics by talking about the frequency-dependent sound absorption project. All the threads tie together in a nice, memorable bow.

This letter is a strong vote of support for Stacy's application to an engineering program. Her physics teacher admires Stacy's skills and goals, and she made it clear that Stacy had her highest recommendation in this letter.

This next example also comes from a teacher who's extremely impressed with his student. It focuses on the student's performance in class and his volunteer work outside the classroom.

Sample Letter #3: William the History Buff and Social Organizer

Dear Admissions Committee, It is hard to overstate the meaningful contributions that William has made to our school and surrounding community. As both his 10th and 11th grade History teacher, I've had the pleasure of seeing William make profound contributions both in and out of the classroom. His school and community service is motivated by a strong sense of social justice, which he informs through a nuanced and sophisticated understanding of historical trends and events. I can say with confidence that William is one of the most caring and driven students I've ever taught in my fifteen years at the school. As a child of immigrant parents, William is especially drawn to understand the immigrant experience. He produced an extraordinary semester-long research paper on the treatment of Japanese-Americans in the U.S. during WWII, in which he went beyond all expectations to conduct Skype interviews with relatives of his featured subjects to incorporate into his paper. William has a great capacity to draw connections between past and present and to ground his understanding of current issues in the context of historical events. He never retreats to a simple answer or explanation, but is comfortable dealing with ambiguity. William's fascination with U.S. and World History and skill for deep analysis have him an exemplary scholar, as a well as a motivated activist driven to promote civil rights and work towards social equity. In sophomore year, William noticed that the college planning seminars students attended included little information for first generation or immigrant students. Always thinking about how institutions can better serve people, William spoke with counselors and ESL teachers about his ideas to better support all students. He helped collect resources and design a college planning curriculum for immigrant and undocumented students to enhance their college access. He further helped organize a group that connected ESL students with native English speakers, stating his mission to be helping ELLs improve their English and increasing multicultural awareness and social cohesion at the school as a whole. William identified a need and worked with students and faculty alike to meet it in an extremely effective and beneficial way. Ever the history scholar, he did plenty of research to back up his ideas. William believes passionately in social progress and working for the common good. His own personal experiences, along with his profound grasp on social history, drive his advocacy work. He is a talented, intelligent student with the charisma, confidence, strong values, and respect for others to make a huge difference in the world around him. I'm looking forward to seeing all the good that William continues to do for his fellow humanity in college and beyond, as well as the excellent work that he will produce at the college level. William has my highest recommendation. If you have any questions, please contact me at [email protected]. Sincerely, Mr. Jackson History Teacher Martin Luther King, Jr. High School

Mr. Jackson's letter makes William sound like a pretty amazing student and person. How does he go about expressing his admiration for William in this rec letter?

Like Ms. Randall did in her letter, Mr. Jackson provides a statement of outstanding ranking for William, calling him one of the most caring and driven students he's ever taught. Considering his long teaching career of 15 years, this says a lot about William as a student and a person.

Also like in the last example, Mr. Jackson focuses on a few core aspects of William's character. He talks about his love of history and how it informs his social activism. He comments on his exceptional historical scholarship, as well as his personal qualities of caring for those around him and working for the social good.

Mr. Jackson also gives insight into William's personal life , explaining how he has a personal connection to his projects and volunteer work as the child of immigrant parents. This letter reveals that William is a thoughtful, motivated individual who connects his own experiences with his learning and desire to contribute to his community.

The letter also showcases William's exceptional accomplishments by giving specific examples of William's research paper and his work supporting the academic and personal needs of ELL students. Mr. Jackson expresses his enthusiastic recommendation while illuminating William's love of learning and strength of character. This letter would be both impressive and memorable to admissions officers considering William for admission to their school.

This next example comes from a math teacher. Let's see what Mr. Wiles has to say about Joe.

Sample Letter #4: Joe the Hard Worker

Dear Admissions Committee, It is my pleasure to recommend Joe, who I taught in my 11th grade math class. Joe demonstrated tremendous effort and growth throughout the year and brought a great energy to class. He has that combination of a positive attitude and the belief that he can always improve that's rare in a high school student, but so essential to the learning process. I am confident that he will continue to display the same commitment and diligence in everything he does. I highly recommend Joe for admission to your school. Joe would not describe himself as a math person. He's told me on several occasions that all the numbers and variables make his mind go fuzzy. Joe did, in fact, struggle to comprehend the material at the beginning of the year, but his response to this is what really struck me. Where so many others have given up, Joe took on this class as a welcome challenge. He stayed after school for extra help, got extra tutoring at the nearby college, and asked questions in and out of class. Due to all his hard work, Joe not only raised his grades, but he also inspired some of his classmates to stay after for extra help, as well. Joe truly demonstrated a growth mindset, and he inspired his peers to adopt that valuable perspective, too. Joe helped contribute to our classroom environment as one where all students can feel supported and able to ask questions. Joe's strong belief in his ability to acquire new skills and improve through practice was likely shaped by his years as a baseball player. He's played all through high school and is one of the team's most valuable players. In his final for our class, Joe designed an impressive project calculating and analyzing batting averages. While he initially described himself as not a math person, Joe reaped the benefits of his tremendous effort and found a way to make the subject come alive for him in a way that he was personally invested in. As a teacher, it is incredibly fulfilling to witness a student make this kind of academic and personal progress. Joe is a trustworthy, reliable, good-humored student and friend who supports others in and out of the classroom. He was a pleasure to have in class, and his positive attitude and belief in himself, even in the face of difficulty, is an immensely admirable asset. I'm confident that he will continue to demonstrate the same diligence, perseverance, and optimism that he showed myself and his peers. I highly recommend Joe for admission to your undergraduate program. Please feel free to contact me with any further questions at [email protected]. Sincerely, Mr. Wiles Math Teacher Euclid High School

While the students featured in the first three examples were top of their class or demonstrated leadership in the school, Joe isn't a top achiever in the traditional sense. However, this recommendation is still a strong one, even if it says he struggled in the teacher's class. What does Mr. Wiles focus on to recommend Joe?

Mr. Wiles writes a strong letter for Joe, with the same kind of enthusiasm and specific examples as the other three letters. Even though Joe may not have gotten the strongest grades in his math class, he found an enthusiastic recommender in his math teacher. Mr. Wiles was extremely impressed with Joe's attitude, effort, and growth mindset , which he demonstrated throughout the year and inspired in his fellow classmates.

Mr. Wiles focuses on Joe's substantial personal strengths, ones that would likely be impressive to his future educators. Even in a subject that may not come naturally to him, Joe is diligent and committed. He's not self-conscious about asking questions or seeking extra help, and he retains a strong belief in himself that he can continuously learn, improve, and acquire new skills.

This letter, like the others, is effective because it is focused, supportive, and backed up with examples. As you can tell from these examples, recommendations can communicate a great deal about a student. Because of this, they can have a powerful impact on a student's chances of admission. So what can teachers and students do to make sure they are sending a strong recommendation letter that will help their chances?

Enthusiasm is key.

How to Get a Strong Recommendation Letter

While these letters are about different students with different interests, they share certain fundamental features. One, they sound excited and enthusiastic. The teachers clearly communicate that they are impressed by these students and eager to help them get into college.

At the same time, the letters don't go overboard because they have examples to back up their assessments. Specific examples and stories are key for backing up the assessment. Plus, they make a letter more interesting and memorable. Rather than just another engineering applicant, Stacy is the student who researched sound-absorption to spare her parents from hours of guitar scales.

Finally, the teachers all discuss their students' personal strengths , along with their academic strengths. They present the holistic view that admissions officers are looking for, along with their strong vote of confidence in the students' future success.

Teachers should incorporate all these features into their letters, and students should help provide them with the raw material to write about. While students should choose a teacher who knows them well and has stories and observations to share, they should also give their teachers a detailed "brag sheet" and let them know what would go into their ideal letter. That way it can be even more personalized and complement the story the student is telling in the rest of her application.

While recommenders may or may not share their letters with students, there should still be open, two-way communication when the student makes her request . That way students and teachers can work together to produce an insightful, enthusiastic, and specific letter of recommendation to send to colleges.

What's Next?

Are you a teacher writing recommendations for your students? Read all about how to write an outstanding recommendation letter for your students , along with what not to include.

Are you or a student you work with applying to a selective school, like Harvard? Learn about what kind of letter she should get for the Ivy League.

Now that you've read these examples of strong teacher recommendation letters, check out these examples of bad ones . Warning: rec letters may appear better than they actually are.

Rebecca graduated with her Master's in Adolescent Counseling from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She has years of teaching and college counseling experience and is passionate about helping students achieve their goals and improve their well-being. She graduated magna cum laude from Tufts University and scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT.

Student and Parent Forum

Our new student and parent forum, at ExpertHub.PrepScholar.com , allow you to interact with your peers and the PrepScholar staff. See how other students and parents are navigating high school, college, and the college admissions process. Ask questions; get answers.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

Improve With Our Famous Guides

• For All Students

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points

How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 800 on Each SAT Section:

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading

Score 800 on SAT Writing

Series: How to Get to 600 on Each SAT Section:

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading

Score 600 on SAT Writing

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For?

15 Strategies to Improve Your SAT Essay

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points

How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 36 on Each ACT Section:

36 on ACT English

36 on ACT Math

36 on ACT Reading

36 on ACT Science

Series: How to Get to 24 on Each ACT Section:

24 on ACT English

24 on ACT Math

24 on ACT Reading

24 on ACT Science

What ACT target score should you be aiming for?

ACT Vocabulary You Must Know

ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

Is the ACT easier than the SAT? A Comprehensive Guide

Should you retake your SAT or ACT?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Looking for Graduate School Test Prep?

Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here:

GRE Online Prep Blog

GMAT Online Prep Blog

TOEFL Online Prep Blog

Holly R. "I am absolutely overjoyed and cannot thank you enough for helping me!”