How to Write a Letter of Recommendation for
Educational Purposes
Information & samples of college letters of
recommendation - writing letters, asking for letters, special tips, and persuasive writing
techniques.
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When students apply to undergraduate programs, the application process usually includes at least
two college letters of recommendation from teachers or others who can honestly evaluate the
student's academic ability and potential as a scholar. These letters count a lot in making
the decision on whether or not to accept the student so it is important that you provide the
admissions committee with the kind of information that is most helpful.
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Free Letter-Writing
Template
Get Instant Access to Our Free Template:
Step-by-Step Instructions for Writing a Powerful Letter of Recommendation
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Only agree to write college letters of recommendation if you can
write positive things about the candidate. It is best to be honest with the student and tell them to
asksomeone else if what you have to say is going to hurt their chances of acceptance.
Find out what the student's specific goals are before you begin writing the recommendation. You want to emphasize
the aspects of their personality and academic performance that relate to that goal.
The letter should include:
- Your status -- your position at the school or job title. How
long have you known the student and in what capacity (as a teacher, an adviser, a research supervisor,
etc.) The better you know the student, the more effective your recommendation will be.
- Examples -- Admission committees want specifics, NOT
generalizations. It is good to say that someone is hardworking and organized, but you need to back up
these statements with concrete examples.
- Expected Results -- Talk about what the student has done and
is capable of doing. What is it exactly about the student that makes her or him special? Why do you think
this student would benefit from studying at the school in question?
- Comparisons -- Evaluate the student by comparing him or her
with other students you have observed in your work. Quantify your impressions. Is the student in the top
5% of his or her classmates, top 10%, 25%, 50%? You can use phrases such as excellent, very good,
average, or below average.
The following is a suggestion of categories you may wish to use
for comparison:
- Intellectual Ability
- Work Habits
- Teaching Potential
- Seriousness of Purpose
- Knowledge of Field
- Emotional Maturity
- Resourcefulness and Initiative
- Adaptability to New Situations
- Motivation to Pursue Graduate Study
- Potential for Contribution in Field
One page is sufficient for most college letters of
recommendation. Quality, not quantity, is what is important. Make every sentence count. Do not put something
in if an immediate connection cannot be made between that information and the student's ability to
participate in the program.
Technically, students are not supposed to see college letters of
recommendation. Most schools ask that the recommender put the letter in an envelope, seal it shut, and sign
over the seal. Nevertheless, it is generally a good idea to go over at least an initial draft in person with
the student. If the student is not happy with your letter, then she should have the option of looking
elsewhere.
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Free Letter-Writing Template
Get Instant Access to Our Free Template:
Step-by-Step Instructions for Writing a Powerful Letter of Recommendation
|
| 
