college application letter of recommendation sample

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Letter of Recommendation for College Application (Guide and Sample)

3 sample letters of recommendation for college admissions.

Bonus Material: College Letter of Recommendation checklist

Applying to competitive universities this coming fall? Perhaps you’ve already put in the hard work on your grades, test scores, and even your college essays. But you want to make sure that you also do everything you can to improve the quality of your letters of recommendation.

Many students think of these as something they have no ability to affect, but the truth is you can do a lot to improve your letters of recommendation . And it matters: having stand-out letters of recommendation can set you apart from other applicants.

At PrepMaven, we’ve guided thousands of students to acceptances at elite universities. Over that time, we’ve developed a proven system for navigating college admissions. In this guide, we’ll cover 3 sample letters of rec, discuss what makes a good letter of recommendation, and explain what you can do to ensure you have one.

Below, you can download a sample letter of recommendation so you know what kind of work it takes to get one. In the meantime, keep reading to learn more about how you can maximize your chances of acceptance by improving your letter of recommendation.

Download PrepMaven’s College Letter of Recommendation Checklist

Jump to section: 3 Sample Letters of Recommendation for College How Can You Improve Your Letters of Recommendation for College? How Much Do College Recommendation Letters Matter? What Makes a Good Letter of Recommendation for College? Who to Ask for College Recommendation Letters When to Ask for College Recommendation Letters Next steps

3 Sample Letters of Recommendation for College

Let’s start by taking a look at 3 excellent sample letters of recommendation, each of which we’ll break down briefly. Look at these letters carefully, and think about what you can do to ensure your letters look like this.

college application letter of recommendation sample

Sample Letter 1

Dear Admissions Committee, As Lila’s eleventh grade AP Language teacher, I’m eager to take this opportunity to convey what makes her such an exceptional student and classmate. Her academic record in my class speaks for itself, but what I’d like to highlight is the uniquely passionate and incisive nature of her class contributions. I still remember (though this was last year) a class discussion of Martin Dressler by Steven Millhauser . While many students contributed meaningfully, I still distinctly recall Lila’s vociferous and insightful argument that Dressler’s character embodied everything wrong with the acquisitive, me-first mindset of deregulated business. Not everyone agreed, of course, but the energy behind her contribution sparked an intense class discussion that was one of the best of the year. Perhaps no less important was Lila’s openness to hearing other students’ opinions, even ultimately allowing her own perspective to change. That moment is indicative of what Lila brings to the classroom environment daily: passion, insight, and open-mindedness. While I would’ve been thrilled to hear that Lila plans to study English in college, I’m equally impressed by how detailed and invested she is when she speaks about her plans to major in Economics. When she spoke to me about the importance of understanding rhetoric and narrative when looking at economic crises, it became clear to me that she’s the kind of student able to seamlessly integrate her interests into the study of the things that fascinate her. Even though I’ve taught countless students, I can say that few have made such an impact on the energy and depth of classroom discussion as Lila has. I’m confident that any university will benefit from her presence as a thinker, writer, and peer. Sincerely, ———-

There are three key things to notice with this first sample.

First, it references a specific way that the student had an effect on the life of the classroom.
Second, it connects that instance in class with who Lila is overall as a student and thinker.
Third, it connects both of these elements with who Lila will be in college, and with what she wants to pursue.

Combining these three factors is what makes an excellent letter of recommendation. It shows the college that this student really had an impact on the class and the teacher. Importantly, it goes far beyond the generic letter of recommendation, standing out from the rest.

Sample Letter 2

Dear Admissions Officers, From the first week of my AP Biology class this year, it was clear how much Sanjit loved the material. During each of our class discussions, he’d raise questions that went beyond just clarification, connecting our subject matter with real-world issues he’d been following. While most students were content to take notes and answer the questions I posed, Sanjit was always looking to explore the links between what was in the textbook and what was happening in the wider world, whether in politics or in new studies on human health and longevity he’d been following. What most impressed me beyond his drive and desire to explore was how committed he was to helping other students find that same passion. During our labs this past year, Sanjit always prioritized helping his group members–and even the members of other groups–fine-tune their experiments. Indeed, during especially complex labs, I’d often find myself helping one group while another turned to Sanjit for assistance. He never did this to show off or prove something: what Sanjit exuded was a real passion and love for the material. In our class discussions, labs, and optional after-school review sessions, he constantly sought to use what we learned as the foundation for broader, more systemic explorations, even mentioning his desire to conduct independent research over the next summer. It really is a pleasure to hear that Sanjit plans to continue pursuing his talent for biology and to follow that talent all the way to medical school. While I’m not sure if his plans will change, I can attest to the fact that he entered my class already dedicated to exploring how he can make an impact on human health, and that I’ve rarely seen students so capable of bridging the gap between the textbook and the real world. Wherever he goes, whatever he does, Sanjit will make an incredible contribution to the classroom and the lab. Sincerely, ——-

This second letter addresses each of the same three things as the first: specificity, character, and bigger picture.

While the focus may be different, the ultimate upshot is clear: Sanjit is a student who impressed his teacher so much that she remembers specific ways he went above and beyond in the class.

Note that it isn’t just about what Sanjit does for himself: the letter makes a point of showing how Sanjit was always there to help other students (without being a know-it-all or teacher’s pet).

Sample Letter 3

To whom it may concern, Hearing that William plans to study French was tremendously gratifying. While I’m happy anytime one of my students plans to continue their French study at the college level, William was a special case. From what I know of his academic success, he excelled in most subjects, and I know he was quite torn between what field he really wanted to pursue. I never push my students one way or another, but I can tell you that William is the kind of student who will profoundly change every French class he enters. His language ability is, of course, fantastic, but that isn’t what makes him a great French student. During our classes, he showed a real fascination with the history, culture, and especially literature of Francophone countries. While most students saw the books and poetry we read in AP French as ways of learning the language, William always wanted to explore the texts themselves. In particular, he was fascinated by how the study of French language was connected with the history of French colonization. Reading The Stranger by Camus, William was the only student in class to quickly see the text’s connections to the French occupation of Algeria. He quickly became interested in the complexities inherent in speaking the language of an occupying country, and threw himself into research outside the classroom that he’d frequently integrate into our discussions. The short essay he wrote on our final exam was one of the best I’ve read in twenty years of teaching, especially in his ability to explore sophisticated and nuanced ideas in a foreign language. It’s clear to me that William doesn’t just have the technical facility to learn and study French language and culture: he has that rare creative instinct that allows him to make wholly original contributions to the field. Sincerely, —

You can certainly see the pattern by now: specificity, character, and big picture all come together to paint a picture of this student as a uniquely intelligent and capable scholar.

You might notice that every one of these letters ends by articulating that this student isn’t just smart : they’re driven, they’re original, and they stand out from the rest of the intelligent students these teachers have had.

If you want a letter like one of these–and you should–you might be wondering how you can possibly affect what your teachers write about you. The good news is that you can : read on below to see how you can help your teachers improve the letters of recommendation they write for your college applications.

How Can You Improve Your Letters of Recommendation for College?

You might think this sounds strange: after all, you’re not writing your letters of recommendation, and in most cases you won’t even see them.

So, how can you do anything to improve them? It all has to do with what information you give to your letter of recommendation writers.

Many students think that just politely asking a teacher for a college letter of recommendation is where the process begins and ends. But if you don’t give your teacher specific information, you’re very likely to get a generic letter of recommendation.

It’ll probably say nice things: that you’re a good student, that you excel in class, that you’re dedicated and always pay attention, and so on.

Can you imagine how many times college admissions officers at large universities or elite colleges read phrases like that? (Hint: too many!) No matter how positive the letter is, it needs to be unique and specific if you want admissions committees to remember a word of it!

So, what can you do to help your recommendation letter writers produce better letters? Give them some personal, specific information!

Ask your teacher to sit down for a short conversation before they begin writing your letter. Yes, it could be awkward, but we guarantee you that it’ll pay off!
Were there concepts that really stood out to you?
Did they help you overcome a challenge?
Did they open your eyes to something new that stuck with you?
Did their class influence your choice of major or career?
If not, did the class affect how you see yourself as a student and thinker?
Can you find a connection between your major and the teacher’s class?

Not only will your teacher love hearing this (flattery always works!), but it’ll give them ideas for things they could mention in their letter. Instead of just talking about what a good student you are, they can draw on specific examples that you bring up in your conversation.

Another option is to simply send the recommendation letter writer a short email where you describe why you’re asking them for a letter and what you gained from the class.

The more specific you are, the easier it’ll be for them to write you a great letter!

How Much Do College Recommendation Letters Matter?

The key to a strong college application is understanding the 3 pillars of a successful college application . In a nutshell, these are the three key elements by which admissions committees will evaluate you:

Academic achievement
Extracurricular distinction
Character and personal qualities

While these overlap a little bit, here’s an easy way to understand them.

Academic achievement is conveyed by your grades, test scores, and the rigor of your curriculum.

Extracurricular distinction is conveyed by your achievements in the various activities you’ve been involved with.

Character is conveyed in your essays and letters of recommendation.

Often, it’s character that makes the difference between a good application and a great one–especially at top tier universities like Ivies!

Note that the letter of recommendation is not there to highlight your academic achievement. Why? Because college admissions committees already have your grades and transcript!

Instead, the recommendation letter should highlight your personal attributes. What kind of student and classmate are you? How do you contribute to the intellectual life of a school? What makes you the kind of person a professor would want to have in their class?

For a successful college application, it’s crucial that all three pillars come together. Because character is primarily conveyed in your essays and recommendation letters, you don’t have many opportunities to really convey this to elite college admissions committees.

The data bears this out. By looking at the Common Data Set for elite universities, we identified how elite colleges like Princeton prioritize letters of recommendation.

Each school ranks the elements of a college application in one of four categories:

Very important
Not considered

At Princeton, for example, the letters of recommendation are considered “very important,” just like test scores and grades!

At Yale, letters of recommendation are also considered “very important,” whereas standardized test scores are only “considered.”

At Dartmouth, letters of recommendation are, once again, considered “very important.”

Are you picking up on the pattern yet? It might be easy to think of college recommendation letters as a tiny part of your application, but nearly every elite university considers letters of recommendation a very important part of your application!

What Makes a Good Letter of Recommendation for College?

So, with all that in mind, we can now identify a little more precisely what makes a good college recommendation letter.

A compelling letter of recommendation for college:

Avoids generic phrases and claims.
Uses specific examples to explain how you stood out in the class.
Focuses on your character, not your grades.

The criteria for a strong letter of recommendation are simple, but in our experience, the vast majority of recommendation letters fail this test!

You won’t be able to see your recommendation letter, but you can affect what information your letter writer uses. Make sure to give them the kind of detailed, specific information that aligns with those three bullet points, focusing on instances where you really demonstrated your character in the class.

If you want to read a sample of an excellent recommendation letter, take a look at the link below: it’s short, simple, and effective!

Who to Ask for College recommendation Letters

Our advice here is simple, but serious.

First, make sure you ask two teachers for your academic recommendation letters, then ask a third person to write your non-academic recommendation letter (which most schools also accept).

This third recommender can be a bit more flexible: a supervisor at work, a sports coach, or the coach of an extracurricular activity you’re involved with are all great options.

For the two academic recommenders, pick teachers who know you best. These should be teachers you’ve had recently: don’t pick a teacher from freshman year, since that really won’t be telling college admissions committees much about your character now.

You should also pick teachers in subjects that align with your planned area of study. If you’re going all in on a STEM field, you’re best off picking teachers whose letters can support the narrative of you as an exceptional scientific and mathematical thinker.

If you’re more humanities focused, you’ll definitely want one letter from a teacher whose class was writing-intensive. For the second letter, you might want to think about what complements your overall story. Don’t just go for another humanities class: think about what other interests drive you, and pick a teacher who can speak to that passion.

More than anything, however, the critical question is which teachers can best speak to your personal attributes now . Pick those teachers, speak to them, and you’ll be likely to get a great recommendation letter like the one in our free sample here .

When to Ask for College recommendation Letters

The earlier, the better! It’s as simple as that. Once you’ve settled on your recommenders and had your conversations with them, ask them to draft your recommendation letters.

You should do this before the summer break after your junior year. You’ll want your recommendation letters done by the end of summer. Once this pushes on into the fall, your letter-writers will be flooded with requests, and the quality of your letter will suffer.

Speak to your teachers before summer vacation, and set a clear deadline while being respectful. Make it clear that you’ll be applying to programs early, and you’d really appreciate the letter being done by the end of the summer.

In most cases, the teachers will appreciate this themselves. If a teacher tells you that’s impossible, make sure to respect their decision, and simply ask what timeline works for them.

In general, however, set the end of summer as the deadline for your recommendation letters.

If you’re already thinking about your college recommendation letters, that means you’re taking the college application process seriously. That’s great, but have you done everything you can to maximize your chances and perfect your application?

For a college application to work, every element of your academics, extracurriculars, and character has to come together. If your test scores, grades, or college essays are weak, you’ll need to put in the work to improve them.

There’s no better way to do so than by working with one of our expert tutors. Our tutors range from exceptional undergraduates at Ivy League universities to graduate students with years of tutoring experience.

Once you know what you need help with, we’ll pair you with the best tutor for your needs. All you have to do is contact us.

In the meantime, read over the free sample letter of recommendation below, and take notes on what makes this so effective.

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How To Write A Letter Of Recommendation For A College Application

Updated: Aug 3, 2023, 10:38am

How To Write A Letter Of Recommendation For A College Application

Letters of recommendation are crucial to the college application process at both the undergraduate and the graduate level. As a teacher, professor, employer or mentor, you can attest to an applicant’s qualifications and character by writing a letter of recommendation that highlights their academic performance and rounds out their college application.

As admission cycles begin, a student may ask you to write a letter of recommendation for their application. If you’re unsure how to write a letter of recommendation, start by telling the admissions committee something about the applicant that they’re unlikely to glean from a résumé or transcript.

Read on to learn more about how to write a letter of recommendation for college admissions.

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What’s the Purpose of a Recommendation Letter?

Schools count on letters of recommendation to present admissions officers with a more rounded picture of an applicant. These letters should cover the applicant’s skills and accomplishments and reveal something of the applicant’s character.

Letters offer a platform to highlight human qualities that even the most impressive GPA or list of extracurriculars can’t convey. Essentially, the recommendation letter helps an applicant stand out against the competition.

What to Expect from a Letter of Recommendation Request

Being asked to write a letter of recommendation can feel honorable, but if asked last-minute or without materials, it might feel more like a burden.

Applicants should demonstrate a respect for your time by giving you advanced notice. Six to eight weeks is the standard for academic references.

Applicants should also provide basic reference material for your letter—at least an up-to-date and properly formatted résumé, work samples or a portfolio. A “brag sheet” listing an applicant’s noteworthy awards or achievements can help direct the letter.

Don’t hesitate to ask for these materials if the applicant hasn’t provided them, or pass on the letter if the request feels too last minute.

Questions to Consider Before Saying ‘Yes:’

Did the applicant give you enough notice.

Ask yourself if you have enough time to write a good letter. Decide whether a late request merits the same consideration you’d give to an applicant who submitted a request on time.

Do You Have Enough Experience With the Applicant?

Remember that your own credibility, not just the applicant’s, is at stake in a recommendation letter. A sincere recommendation describes your direct experience with the applicant.

Before agreeing to write the letter, recall times when you supervised or advised the student on projects or papers. Did their work display skills and strengths you can discuss?

If you conclude that you don’t have adequate experience with the applicant, you’re most likely not the best choice to write the letter of recommendation.

Are You Excited to Recommend the Applicant?

Any hesitation on your part may be a warning sign. If your gut is telling you that you can’t provide unqualified support, or write an adequate recommendation with the materials or timeline provided, it’s probably better for both parties if you decline the request.

What to Do if the Answer Is ‘No’

Let the applicant know quickly and politely, so they have time to find an alternate recommender.

How to Write a Letter of Recommendation

Begin with the traditional components of a business letter in the standard format. On separate lines, first include the date followed by the recipient’s name, title and address. If you’re submitting a print letter, make sure it’s printed on your institution’s official letterhead.

If possible, address the recipient by name, using “Mr.” or “Ms.” If you don’t have an actual name, use “To Whom It May Concern.” In both cases, follow the salutation with a colon instead of a comma.

Introduction

Open by introducing yourself and describing your relationship to the applicant. Give a concise account of your professional experience and expertise.

Recommendation Overview

Summarize your experience with the applicant, describe their strengths (including examples), and explain their relevance to the undergraduate or graduate school application at hand. Cite academic abilities and qualifications while highlighting characteristics like a talent for problem-solving or collaborating with others.

Personal Anecdote

This is where you can make your letter personal. What was it like to teach or work with the applicant? Include firsthand observations and specific details from your time together.

Think about how you can humanize the student. Mention one or two personal traits relevant to an academic career (curiosity and persistence, for instance), and address any hurdles the applicant has overcome—both in and out of the classroom—that have contributed to their growth.

Finish with a statement summarizing your recommendation, then provide contact information and encourage the school to reach out to you for any follow-up questions. Use a straightforward and professional signoff, like “sincerely” or “best regards.” Follow your printed name with your full title and the name of your school or institution.

Tips for Writing a Recommendation Letter

Examples are key.

The human element counts for a lot in a recommendation letter. Your letter should help the reader better understand the person you are recommending. Provide specific examples related to the applicant’s class performance while highlighting intellectual attributes and personal qualities that distinguish the applicant.

Focus on the Positives

Your recommendation should be a sincere show of support, so avoid criticism or commentary that allows for negative interpretation. Convey genuine enthusiasm through your choice of adjectives and verbs.

Additionally, avoid “faint praise” such as mentioning the student’s attendance record or ability to complete assigned readings—these are baseline requirements that every candidate is expected to fulfill.

If a superlative comparison between the applicant and other students is warranted, include it. (For example, “She is one of the most promising researchers I have ever encountered in my academic career.”)

Maintain a Formal Tone

Adhere to a formal, polite tone throughout your recommendation, much as you would in a standard business letter. Concision counts: Aim for a length of one to two pages unless the institution specifies a length. The admissions committee may regard anything longer as overkill.

Similar principles apply to formatting. Whether submitted in print or electronically, a recommendation letter should use a business-like font like Times New Roman or Arial (in other words, this is not the place for Comic Sans). Stick to an 11- or 12-point font size or email equivalent (“Normal” in Gmail, for instance).

Pay Attention to the Instructions

The applicant should provide specifications on how to submit the letter, including content, length and deadline. Look for instructions regarding format and whether the institution expects to receive a hard copy, an email, or (less likely) submission via an online form. Above all, keep the due date in mind.

Carefully proofread the letter to catch any grammatical mistakes or typos. Print a hard copy and read it out loud; that way, you’re less likely to overlook errors. To be truly thorough, let someone else review a draft of your letter before you send it off.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About How to Write a Letter of Recommendation

How do i write a good letter of recommendation.

A successful letter of recommendation adopts a formal, polite tone and demonstrates the writer’s personal experience with the applicant in one to two pages. The letter should round out the applicant’s college application alongside their transcript and résumé. It should highlight firsthand evidence of the applicant’s abilities and personal characteristics.

How do I write a simple letter of recommendation?

Begin by introducing yourself and describing your credentials. Tell the reader whom you recommend, how long you’ve known the student and in what contexts you’ve interacted with them. From your perspective as a teacher or mentor, describe the applicant’s strongest qualities and share a few details about what the applicant is like as a person.

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How to Get a Great Letter of Recommendation

Find the right college for you..

Some colleges will ask for two or three letters of recommendation during the application process. These letters should be written by someone who can describe your skills, accomplishments, and personality.

Why do colleges ask for recommendations? Colleges value recommendations because they:

Show your talents beyond test scores and grades.
Describe real-life examples of your personality and character .
Discuss your relationships in the academic community.

A recommendation letter can help your application stand out, especially when it highlights your skills, accomplishments, and positive attitude toward education.

When Should I Ask for a Recommendation Letter?

Teachers need as much time as possible to complete a recommendation letter. They often have many recommendation letters to write, along with lesson planning and grading.

You should try to get your request to them as soon as possible, but give your references at least a month to complete and submit your letters. The start of your senior year is a good time to begin asking teachers for recommendation letters, especially if you’re applying for early decision. Remember, the more time your teacher has, the more likely they'll write you a thoughtful, detailed letter.

Who Should I Ask to Write a Letter of Recommendation?

It's up to you to find people to write academic letters of recommendation. These tips can help you through the process:

Read each of your college applications carefully. Schools often ask for letters of rec from a specific person, such as a core subject teacher, specific subject teacher, or school counselor.
Get advice from teachers, counselors, and family members on who would be best to write your recommendation letters.
Be sure to select a current teacher or one from your junior year, preferably one who knows you well. Don't choose teachers you had several years ago, since colleges want to know who you are and what you are like now.
Teachers who know you outside of the classroom are a good choice. Consider a teacher who led a club you were in.
If requested by the college, you can also think about other adults who know you well. A coach, employer, or club adviser can say a lot about your skills and character. Ask your admissions officer if it okay to submit recommendations beyond what is required by the college.
Above all else, choose someone who will be enthusiastic about writing your letter.
If you’re unsure about asking someone in particular, politely ask if he or she feels comfortable recommending you. That’s a good way to avoid letters that sound weak or forced.

How to Be Sure You Get a Glowing Letter of Recommendation

Some teachers write many recommendation letters each year. While teachers don't intend to, their letters can start to seem generic after a while. Make it easy for them to give positive, detailed information about your achievements and your potential by refreshing their memory so that they can share specific details about your school career.

It can also be helpful to provide your teacher with a resume or “brag sheet.” Something you might want to include on your brag sheet or in your discussion with your teacher include:

Your class participation
Some of your best work/projects
What you learned in their class
Anything they need to discuss for specific work examples

If you need to get a college letter of recommendation from a counselor, be sure to do the following:

Make an appointment to meet with your counselor if that’s an option, or follow your school’s specific process for receiving a counselor recommendation.
Discuss your skills, accomplishments, and hobbies. Also, talk about what you want to do in college and beyond.
If you have low grades or any other issues on your transcript, talk to your counselor about what happened and what you've done to improve.

It's also a good idea to follow up with your teacher or counselor to see if they have any questions on what is listed on the brag sheet or need more information. And don’t forget to say, “Thank you!”

Final Recommendation Tips

Before asking for a letter of recommendation, remember these tips:

Waive your right to view recommendation letters on your application forms. Admission officers will trust them more if you haven’t seen them.
Requests for recommendations are often sent via email. Make sure that they have the correct email address of the recommender.
Let teachers know the deadline for each college and ask them about their preferred turnaround time.
You can keep track of your letter of recommendation submissions in your application portal. You can politely follow up with your teacher if the deadline is approaching but you see your letter has not been submitted yet.
Once your letters are complete, write a thank-you note to your references. Once you decide which college to attend, you can also tell your references where you’re going and let them know how much you appreciate their support.

Below are some of students' most-asked questions about how to ask for a college letter of recommendation.

How do I address a recommendation letter?

Be sure to give your teacher or counselor the instructions for how the recommendation will be submitted, but most recommendations are sent through an application portal. Instructions are usually provided to the recommender in the electronic request they receive from the portal.

How do I ask teachers for letters of recommendation?

It can seem daunting to ask a teacher for a recommendation, but remember that your teachers are among your biggest supporters and they want you to succeed.

The best way to ask is to simply ask. Find a time when your teacher isn't busy and ask them directly. Don't go with friends, and try to avoid emailing. Be sure you have any information your teacher may need to write the recommendation and give them plenty of time to complete it.

How should I ask for a letter of recommendation by email?

Try to avoid asking by email if at all possible. However, if you're in an unavoidable situation—for example, you or your teacher changed schools—then emailing is fine. Start by reminding them of who you are, and tell them something specific you liked about their class.

Be sure to include any links they may need. In most cases, once you have asked your teacher or counselor if they are willing to write a letter of recommendation, you will then submit the recommendation request via your application platform, like Common App. Your teacher or counselor will receive the request directly from the portal. You should confirm specific instructions for each institution or scholarship that you need a recommendation for. If the letter has to be sent through the mail, get their mailing address so that you can send them the information plus an addressed and stamped envelope.

How do I politely ask for a letter of recommendation for college?

Some teachers get so many requests for college recommendation letters that they simply can't accept them all. You can often make yourself stand out just by being polite.

Ask your teacher at an appropriate time during the day, and be sure to ask as far in advance as possible. Provide your teacher with anything they may need, like an email address or letter template, work samples, resume, and anything else that can be helpful. When you make it easy on your teacher, they'll be more likely to say yes.

How do I request a letter of recommendation from a principal?

Stop by the school office or send an email requesting a meeting with your principal. Be direct, and ask politely. As your principal probably won't have as much knowledge of your academics, you should prepare a summary and a resume. Don't forget to ask your principal as far in advance of the letter's due date as possible.

How do I ask for a letter of recommendation from someone I don't know well?

While you should always try to choose teachers who know you well for your recommendation letters, sometimes, you have no option. You should only use this option if the school you are applying to requires a letter of recommendation and you have not established a relationship with any teachers or counselors. Otherwise, you should always ask someone who knows you well. When asking someone you don't know well, the best option can often be asking them in person and then telling them more about who you are.

If the first conversation goes well, you can send a follow up email more information and consider requesting another meeting. Since they don't know you well, be sure to have a resume and a summary of your time and accomplishments in their class.

Who should I not ask for a letter of recommendation?

You may be tempted to ask a well-known teacher, but if that teacher doesn't know you well, the letter won't mean a lot. You should also avoid teachers that you had several years ago.

Don't ask a family member or a friend for a recommendation as a college may not take them seriously. You should always follow the guidelines from the colleges you are applying to when choosing who to write your letter of recommendation. Finally, if you have a teacher that doesn't have the best opinion of you, avoid asking them for a recommendation letter.

What should a college letter of recommendation include?

A recommendation letter should feel personal to the school: The teacher should state why you'd be a good fit for that particular college, and should include information that will not be found elsewhere on your application. For example, your letter of recommendation shouldn’t repeat the list of student activities already on your college application. It should include any relevant projects or work you've done. Experiences that relate to your character and academic potential are helpful, too. The teacher should include specific details about their experiences with you. Letters of recommendations can be brief and bullet points are fine! Remember that admissions officers are reading thousands of these letters, so sometimes less is more.

College Recommendation Letter Samples & Writing Guide

It's important to review college recommendation letter samples if you are applying to college soon or if you have been asked to write a letter for a prospective student. In this increasingly competitive admissions climate, college letters of recommendation as just as important as college essays and GPA. Keep reading to learn more about college recommendation letters, how to make sure you secure and write a compelling one, as well as examples of great letters of recommendation that will definitely inspire your own.

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Article Contents 14 min read

What are college recommendation letters and why do they matter.

As the name suggests, college recommendation letters are essentially positive endorsements of an applicant's skills and qualities. Their aim is to recommend the applicant in question for a particular college or university. Most four-year colleges, like the easiest ivy schools to get into , or the best undergraduate business schools, for example, have a holistic admissions process. This means that they want to know the "whole person" behind the IB or AP courses, grades, and test scores. Recommendation letters and personal essays play a significant role in making that happen. They give the admissions board more information about how students view themselves and how others see them.

A strong letter of recommendation holds substantial weight in admissions decisions. It allows the admissions committee to get a better idea of who you are as a person and what you would be like as a student. A strong letter can be the deciding factor between receiving an acceptance letter, an interview invitation, or a rejection letter when the school is faced with two equally qualified applicants.

College recommendation letters should be written by someone familiar with your work, character, and accomplishments. Someone who knows you well enough to illuminate your intellectual and personal qualities will write a better letter than someone who has little knowledge of who you are. Depending on your academic and professional background, there are three main types of letters that you can request from various referees.

A personal reference, also called a character reference, is a letter written by a friend, family member, mentor, neighbor, or anyone who knows the candidate well enough personally and who can attest to the traits that would make them a good addition to the school or program that they are applying to. This type of letter should explain how the writer knows the applicant and discuss the qualities and attributes that make them the ideal candidate. ","label":"Personal references","title":"Personal references"}]" code="tab1" template="BlogArticle">

Regardless of the type of letter you are requesting, one important thing keeps coming up: the referee should know you well! You do not want writers with whom you have not worked personally or with whom you’ve only had brief interactions. These have not had time to evaluate you and your skills, so they will most likely end up writing a very generic sounding letter. Remember that the recommendation letter is supposed to give the admissions team information about you that can't be found anywhere else in your application.

Before we get into the structure of a recommendation letter, what it needs to include, and those examples that we promised, we want to go over a few things that you need to keep in mind if you want to have recommendation letters that stand out.

The earlier, the better: Any good college advisor will tell you that you need to start planning and working on your college applications early. College applications have a lot of components that require time and focus to get right. That's why it is ideal for you to request your recommendation letters early, as it gives you more time to focus on other aspects of your college application, like writing your common app essay or reviewing common college interview questions . Furthermore, the earlier you speak with your chosen writers about your reference letter, the sooner they can start working on it. Therefore, the higher your chances of getting a strong letter of recommendation.
Ask tactfully: It's important to remember that when you're asking for a letter of recommendation, you are essentially asking for a professional favor. It's therefore important to be courteous and professional when asking your chosen writers for one. We recommend doing it face to face whenever possible, but if that's not an option for you, then you may send the request by email. In both cases, you should explicitly ask for a letter of recommendation and provide them with all the information they may need. This brings us to our last point...
It's your responsibility: As the applicant, it is your responsibility to provide your chosen writers with everything they need to write the strongest letter they can. You should provide them with supporting documents like your supplemental essay, high school resume if you have one, and a short biography to fill in any gaps. They also need to know what format the letter should be in, if anything specific is required by the school, whom they should send the letter to, and when. You should also make sure they have your contact information to get in touch with you if they need additional information. At the end of the day, this is your college application, so you need to follow up with every single component, even if you are not writing your own letter of recommendation .

There is no golden template for college recommendation letters. You just need to make sure that the letter is grammatically correct, easy to read and follow, and communicates the right information. It is important to check the guidelines and instructions given by the school you are applying to. Some colleges can request that references be submitted in a specific format, and it is your responsibility to inform your chosen writers of this. You may have a form that your selected referee will need to fill out or specific questions that the school requires them to answer in their letter.

Unless otherwise stated, we recommend using the following format:

A letter of recommendation is a document that is supposed to highlight an applicant\u2019s positive attributes, skills, and accomplishments. A strong letter will be clear and provide specific examples to back up any claims made about the student. People tend to remember narratives, so this is one of those instances where it is better to show instead of telling. We recommend using brief anecdotes and specific examples of exceptional projects or meaningful interactions. "}]">

Conclusion and college recommendation letter examples

College letters of recommendation are challenging. Whether you're requesting a letter of recommendation or have been asked to write one for a prospective college student, there are a lot of things that you need to keep in mind. It's important to use a format that is easy to read, a structure that is easy to follow, and to have specific examples that will show the admissions board why a candidate belongs in their school or university. Following the tips outlined above will definitely help you come up with a recommendation letter that is as compelling or maybe even better than the outstanding examples that we'll share with you below.

College recommendation letter sample # 1

To whom it may concern,

It is with great pleasure that I write this letter of recommendation on behalf of Jane Doe. I have known her for three years, having served as both her English teacher and her supervisor on the XYZ High School newspaper. I firmly believe that Jane would be an excellent addition to the XX College English program.

 I have watched Jane grow into a capable and confident leader. She started as one of the junior writers of our high school paper, and from the very beginning, Jane was always early to newspaper meetings, and she always came prepared. Whether it was with research for the stories she wanted to pitch or a pen and paper to take notes on whatever assignment she would get. She worked her way up to features editor and she has been occupying this role for one year. 

Her leadership skills are reflected every day in how she delegates work to her assistant staff and motivates the other writers on her team with words and creative contests that appeal to their competitive side. For example, she recently bought two tickets to a concert and offered them as a prize for the junior writer who came up with the most interesting angle for a story about renovating the school cafeteria. All of the writers had been staying away from it because it seemed like a pretty boring subject but now, they are all looking for ways to make it interesting.

She has also been able to manage her commitments to the school paper and the cheerleading team without compromising her grades, which is a testament to her organizational skills. She has consistently been an active participant in class discussions and has demonstrated her impressive written and verbal communication skills through numerous research papers, newspaper articles, and class presentations. Jane intends to spend her years in university honing those communication skills and learning how to be a better journalist, something that I know she is very passionate about and will excel at.

I am confident that Jane would be a great addition to your school, as she has so much to offer, both inside and outside the classroom.  If you have any questions regarding Jane's qualifications, please feel free to contact me at (514) 123-4567 or [email protected] .

Regards,

Izzie Stevens,

English teacher, XYZ high school

College recommendation letter sample # 2

To Whom It May Concern,

I have had the pleasure of supervising George Yang at BBG Auto dealership for a little over two years now, and I can say without a doubt that he would make a great addition to the student body of ABC program.

I have been impressed with how reliable and responsible George is. Many part-timers in the car dealership business are high school or college students, and often, they require a certain amount of handholding, but this has never been the case with George. From the very beginning, he was always punctual and respectful with customers. One gentleman in particular was so impressed with the service that he received that he booked a separate appointment with me, just to tell me how friendly and helpful George was as he went through the process of buying his daughter’s first car. The customer insisted that George deserved a raise.

Moreover, when he is not using his downtime to catch up on schoolwork, he is either taking initiative and cold calling potential customers to tell them about upcoming promotions that might interest them or helping his coworkers complete additional tasks, like cleaning up the cars in the showroom, updating the price tags on the cars and sometimes even helping the other salespeople close on a deal.

In addition to being a team player, he also shows great leadership potential. At his request, I gave him the opportunity to run one of our promotional campaigns, and he did a fantastic job. He came up with a marketing plan that attracted over 60 customers to the dealership in one day, and he delegated tasks when he had to make sure things ran smoothly. Furthermore, and perhaps most importantly, in my opinion, he sought help from myself and other members of management whenever he needed it. 

George has mentioned that he is interested in pursuing a degree in business, a niche in which I am positive he will excel. His dedication to learning makes him a focused student, and I am optimistic that he will graduate with flying colors. 

I give George my highest recommendation for enrollment in the business program in your college, without reservation. Please feel free to contact me at (819) 123-5678 or [email protected] for any further information.

Sincerely,

Jacob Blake

Sales Manager, BBG Auto Dealership

To Whom It May Concern

I am writing this recommendation letter at the request of Jonathan Smith, who is applying for admission to X university. Jonathan has been a student at JKL High School for three years and the captain of our football team for a year now. As the team's coach, I have had the pleasure of getting to know him as an athlete but also as a person and a student.

As an athlete, it is evident that Jonathan strives to win and enjoys the sport in its pure form. As a person, I have watched him learn to be a better leader by listening to his teammates and often asking questions that gave me a pause. I remember a particular instance where he sat next to me on the bus as we were coming back from a game and asked if it was his role to intervene when two team members were having a personal dispute that could potentially affect the game but had not gotten to that point yet. It was one of those moments that showed me that he takes his role as a captain seriously.

As a student, Jonathan is always eager to learn. I have noticed it when we study plays, and he takes careful notes and asks follow-up questions. Many of my colleagues at JKL high school have also commented on his ability to quickly grasp concepts and follow up on the rare occasions where he is not able to do so on the first try. It is one of the main reasons why he was able to secure an ‘A’ in his AP Biology class even though he joined the class later than the other students.

As you can probably tell from the few stories that I have shared with you, Jonathan is a focused young man who takes his responsibilities and commitments very seriously. He has assured me that he is committed to becoming one of the best physical therapists in the country and that X university gives him the best chance of achieving this goal.

I recommend Jonathan for your program without any reservations, as I am confident that he will contribute to your alma matter in great ways, both in and out of the classroom and on the football field. I can be reached by phone at (800) 123-8888 or email at [email protected] if you require any further information.

Tucker O'Malley,

JKL High School

College recommendation letter sample # 4

It is without hesitation and with great pleasure that I write to you today regarding Aisha Bellgam's application to your prestigious institution. I have been a counselor at XYZ high school for over ten years, and Aisha is one of the most promising students that I have had the pleasure of working with. 

Aisha first came to me for guidance during her first year of high school. She was new to the country, unfamiliar with our educational system, and dealing with some pretty heavy family problems that made it difficult for her to focus in school. The reality of my job is that I often have to offer my help to students who need it, or other teachers have to send them to my office. So, as you can imagine, I was pleasantly surprised that Aisha had decided to take this step by herself. 

Over the years, I have noticed that taking this kind of initiative comes naturally to her. For example, once we had worked through her issues and she was more comfortable in school, she decided to help other students like her. Our school is located in an urban community with many children from immigrant families. Being one herself, Aisha is uniquely qualified to identify some of the things that make it difficult for these children to adapt to their new environment, and she recognized that. In her sophomore year, she came to me and asked if she could volunteer in my office and provide resources to help students new to the country integrate faster. 

Furthermore, many of her teachers have commended her for often taking the time to tutor other students after school. Her compassion, willingness to help, and amicable nature are why she was elected president of the student council. They are also the reason I believe that she will excel in college and go on to change many lives for the better after graduation if she is admitted into your social work program. 

I am writing this letter today because I wholeheartedly believe that Aisha will be a fantastic addition to your social work program. I have watched her grow into a confident, compassionate young woman who is continually working to better herself and those around her. I look forward to seeing her continue to do so in college and beyond. 

Please do not hesitate to contact me by phone at (204) 123-4567 or email at [email protected] for any additional information regarding this application. 

Sincerely,

Iris Doe

XYZ High School counselor

College recommendation letter sample # 5

My name is Jonathan Sheperd, and I am writing to you today in support of Mr. James Doe's application to the pre-med program at X university. 

I have been a family physician for over twenty-five years. I currently own and operate a small walk-in clinic in downtown Toronto, and James has been volunteering with us since January 20xx. I have had the pleasure of supervising him and observing him work for over a year now, and I can confidently say that he will make an excellent doctor in the future. 

I personally believe that bedside manner is one of the hardest things to teach future doctors, but I do not think that will be the case with James. He is always patient, friendly, and courteous with the incoming patients. I realized this during one of his first full shifts at the clinic when a patient who was having a problem controlling their bowel movements came into the clinic and was looking for assistance. Even some of the most experienced members of my staff were having a hard time staying professional, but James volunteered to help this young man with no complaints, and he did so with a smile. In the end, I heard the patient thank him for helping him through one of the most embarrassing days of his life. 

This is the type of great impression that James leaves with patients and colleagues as well. Even though he only works the front desk at the clinic for 20 hours every other week, the entirety of my staff has acknowledged that his willingness to help and work ethic are things we can always rely on. He has often volunteered to work longer hours when we need extra help, and he always accepts new assignments with enthusiasm.

He recently informed me that he made the dean's list again this spring. It did not surprise me because I know that he brings the same level of dedication and work ethic to his studies. He has a very curious mind that is always at work. We actually have a running joke in the office about the little notebook that he carries around and writes in constantly. When I finally asked him about it, he told me that he likes to write down some of the terms that he repeatedly hears in the office so that he can research them or ask his biology teacher about them. 

His work ethic and eagerness to learn are undeniable, and I am convinced that they will help him succeed as a student and, later on, as a physician. I strongly recommend this applicant for your pre-medicine program as I believe that his professionalism, positive learning attitude, and thirst for knowledge will make him a great addition to your student body. 

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any additional questions. You can reach me by phone at (618) 123-3698 or email at [email protected] .  

Dr. Jonathan Sheperd

FAQs

It's a document that highlights a candidate's skills and qualifications and recommends that they be admitted to a particular college or university.

Very important! College admission boards like to get a sense of who is the applicant is beyond their academic background, and college essays and letters of recommendation allow them to do just that. In other words, a strong letter of recommendation can mean the difference between an acceptance letter and a rejection one.

You can ask your high school teachers, school counselors, mentors, supervisors, etc. Just make sure that it is someone who knows you well enough to talk about your skills and other positive attributes.

The earlier, the better. You should ask for your recommendation letters at the very beginning of your college application process. You can even mention it to your chosen writers before then and simply remind them when it comes time to apply to colleges.

We recommend that you ask for a letter of recommendation face to face. Remember to be polite and professional, be specific in your ask, and provide all the information your referee will need to write a strong letter.

You should provide your chosen writer with supporting documents about your background, like your personal essay or high school resume, and information about the letter format, content, and submission deadline.

Ideally, college recommendation letters shouldn't be longer than one page.

In short, a narrative and specific example. Instead of just telling the admissions board that the applicant is a capable student with leadership skills, it would be best to share an example or a brief anecdote that shows that they are.

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Please can the recommender's email be personal?.

BeMo Academic Consulting

Hello Valetine! Thanks for your comment. It is always best to put down the professional email of your referees, so do your best to include them instead of personal email. However, if your referee is no longer working in an official capacity (retired, for example), you can use their personal email. Though we always recommend using a professional address.

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College Recommendation Letter Sample & FAQs

The college recommendation letter – an introduction.

As you begin your college application process, you will likely hear a lot about college recommendation letters. In this guide, with insight from CollegeAdvisor’s expert Admission Officers, we’ll explain exactly what a college recommendation letter is. We will also cover how to request a recommendation letter for college. And, we will present an example of what a strong college recommendation letter sample looks like.

After reading this guide, hopefully you will understand the importance of the recommendation letter for college. Above all, you will want your college recommendation letter to be written by someone who knows you well. That way, your letter of recommendation for college will be the strongest it can possibly be. As you’ll see in the college recommendation letter sample that helped one student earn admission to Harvard University , a strong letter of recommendation can help you attend your dream school . But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Let’s begin with the most important question: what is a letter of recommendation for college?

What is a college recommendation letter?

A college recommendation letter is exactly what it sounds like. It’s an opportunity for those who know you in an educational setting to explain to an admissions committee the ways you stand out. It also helps them highlight why you would be a good candidate for college admission.

Your recommendation letter for college admission will help admissions officers get to know you from a third party perspective. They will glean insight into you beyond your personal essay , academics , and extracurricular achievements . It will help admissions officers understand: What are you like in the classroom? How do you lead your peers? What qualities do you have that would make you a great fit for the university you want to attend? A good recommendation letter for college will answer these questions and more.

Later in this guide, you’ll see a sample college recommendation letter that will demonstrate this. The college recommendation letter sample will show you first hand the type of content your teachers will be writing about you. The letter in this guide is a real recommendation that helped a student earn admission to Harvard University !

These 4 steps break down how to get a great letter of recommendation for college in more depth. And, here are some more FAQs about the letter of recommendation for college admission. For now, let’s discuss why a letter of recommendation for college matters so much.

Why is a college recommendation letter important?

Not all colleges will require a letter of recommendation, but the majority do. So, it’s generally best to plan to secure them as part of your college application process. It’s impossible to weigh the role letters of recommendation play in the overall admissions process. It will vary a bit by school. However, many schools have shifted to a holistic admissions strategy as they review college applications. A holistic admissions approach means that colleges will consider all components of your college application more evenly. This includes your academics, your extracurriculars, and especially the recommendation letter for college.

According to Inside Higher Ed , more than 60% of colleges reported that the counselor recommendation had at least ‘moderate importance’ in admissions decisions. The article explores the fairness and validity of letters of recommendation. However, one thing is for certain: they will continue to be used in the application process.

So, it is worth understanding how to secure strong college recommendation letters. Due to COVID-19 , standardized testing has taken a back seat and some high schools are resorting to pass/fail grades. Therefore, letters of recommendation may matter even more in the admissions process, especially at more selective schools.

Let’s take a look at the times when a letter of recommendation for college admission can play an even more important role in college admission decisions.

When might a letter of recommendation for college matter most?

A few scenarios can play out where your letter of recommendation for college could be a deciding factor in an admission decision. Firstly, at highly selective schools , where each component of the application process counts, this may very well be the case. Let’s say for instance the admissions committee is deciding between two candidates. Both applicants have similar profiles in terms of academic interests, extracurricular involvement, test scores (if applicable), GPA, and curriculum. A strong letter of recommendation for college admission just may be the deciding factor.

In a second scenario, let’s take a less selective school with a truly holistic admissions process. A candidate might seem like an average student, but a strong letter of recommendation for college might show admissions how the student excels beyond grades. A strong letter of recommendation might motivate an admissions officer to take a chance on that candidate.

The deciding factor

Lastly, a common scenario at selective schools is one in which a candidate may be on the cusp. Academically, they aren’t strong enough for a definite offer of admission, so the decision can go either way. That’s when a recommendation letter for college or a personal essay can really make all the difference. A strong combination of the two can provide that boost admissions officers need to settle on a decision to admit.

At the end of the day, while a required recommendation letter for college isn’t the end-all be-all in the college application process, these letters can play an important role in the final decision. They are a third-party testament to your ability to excel. This insight can be an important addition to your college application packet. As such, it’s best to ensure your letters are as strong as possible. You’ll see an example of that in our college recommendation letter sample.

Asking for a recommendation letter for college: Things to know

Now that we’ve explained the basics of the letter of recommendation for college admission, let’s get into some more detail. We’ll even look at a sample college recommendation letter later on to give you a clear idea of what these letters look like!

Check out this step-by-step guide to the process, and keep reading to see our college recommendation letter sample later in this guide.

Who should I ask for a letter of recommendation for college?

This is probably the most important question you will ask yourself as you begin to think about your college recommendation letters. Deciding who should write your letter of recommendation for college admission requires careful consideration. It sounds a bit transactional, but you should take inventory of your teachers early in your junior year . The college application process requires planning , so you need to assess every step of the way. Be intentional about building strong relationships with your teachers with your letter of recommendation for college in mind.

Do you already know what particular school, major, or program you will be applying to? If so, you will certainly want to ask a teacher in the appropriate subject. If two letters are required, we suggest one letter of recommendation for college from a math or science teacher and another recommendation letter for college from a humanities teacher. Our college recommendation letter sample below is from a math teacher, so the best contrasting letter would be an English or history teacher.

Junior-year teachers are best

Junior year teachers are ideal candidates to write your letter of recommendation for college admission. This is because they are the last ones to have taught you for a full year before the application process, and your classes are more rigorous. If you are lucky enough to have a junior year teacher that you had in previous years, that could certainly be an advantage. Either way, make sure to forge relationships with your teachers throughout your junior year. Let them know your interests, go to see them during their office hours, and be an active participant in class discussions.

Do you have the opportunity to work with one of your teachers outside of your class? Perhaps your history teacher advises the Yearbook committee, or your calculus teacher advises the Black Student Association. It’s a good idea to join the clubs your teachers advise so they can get to know you better outside of the classroom. Of course, these should be activities that you’re genuinely interested in.

Counselor recommendations

In addition to the teachers you will ask for a letter, your school counselor will also submit a letter of recommendation for college. This letter of recommendation for college admission will typically provide an overview of your years as a high school student. It will discuss your academics, extracurricular involvement and impact, as well as your personal traits and growth throughout the years. For that reason, even if you do work with an outside advisor (such as one of CollegeAdvisor.com’s Advisors ), it is also important to form a relationship with your school-assigned counselor.

Your counselor’s recommendation letter for college can help fill in gaps in your application story by providing contextual information. For example, if your GPA suffered your sophomore year due to your parents’/guardians’ divorce or separation, or a death in the family, your counselor can include that information. For some information, such as medical conditions, your counselor will require written consent to include said information in your letter of recommendation for college.

Some colleges and universities will allow you to submit a supplemental letter of recommendation for college admission. The amount will vary by school, but one is typically enough.

This letter could come from:

Supervisors
Religious mentors
Community leaders
Research advisors
Band teachers

You will want the person writing your supplemental recommendation letter for college to provide a unique perspective different from your other letters. A word of caution: be sure to check the individual college’s policy on the submission of a supplemental letter of recommendation for college admission. Not all schools welcome them, so do not have an additional letter of recommendation for college sent if they specify that it is not wanted.

Keep reading to see a favorite college recommendation letter sample of ours!

How to ask for a letter of recommendation for college?

You should try to ask for a college recommendation letter face-to-face rather than over email. If possible, ask your potential recommenders in person or ask to set up a meeting online. Understand that your teachers can decline your request to have them write a letter of recommendation for college. However, teachers know about the process of writing a recommendation letter for college and will be open to writing one for you.

One important thing to do ahead of time when asking for a college recommendation letter is to prepare a resume and a list of key extracurricular activities and awards to give your potential recommenders. This will make their job much easier! They’ll know exactly what they should be highlighting as they write your letter. As you’ll see below in our sample Harvard recommendation letter, the student’s recommender lists her extracurriculars in the letter. This helps paint a more well-rounded picture of the student for admissions officers.

Verify in the portal

Once you’ve confirmed who your recommenders will be, you will need to verify them through your application portal. For example, on the Common App, you invite the recommender to write you a letter by putting their email into the recommendation section of the application. The recommenders will receive a notification and be able to upload their letter of recommendation for college admission directly to the application portal.

Looking for more information on how to ask for a letter of recommendation for college admission? Check out this article. And, keep reading to see us analyze a strong college recommendation letter sample.

When should I ask for a college recommendation letter?

We cannot stress enough the importance of respecting your teachers’ time when asking for a letter of recommendation for college admission. While you should ask four weeks in advance at minimum , we advise asking in May or June before the end of the school year . Many teachers will use their free time during the summer to write college recommendation letters, so the earlier the better.

You don’t want to be the student asking your teachers for a letter of recommendation for college admission just days before the application deadline; your teachers have enough to juggle. Ask your teachers in person if possible, and understand that they can decline.

What is the deadline for teachers to submit college recommendation letters?

If you are applying to schools with a November deadline, your teachers and counselor will generally submit your letters by then. Likewise for applications with a January deadline.

A letter of recommendation for college admission can generally come in after the deadline , within reason. Sometimes your college counselor will continue to submit information on your behalf throughout the cycle if necessary. What matters is that your application is submitted by the deadline. For schools with rolling admissions, your application will not be reviewed until it is complete.

What can I do as a sophomore/junior to ensure a good college recommendation letter?

The best thing to do to ensure a good letter of recommendation is to form relationships with your teachers. You can accomplish this by coming to class prepared so that you can answer questions and also ask questions. That said, you will want to make sure you consistently complete your homework and class assignments on time.

You can set yourself apart by contributing to class discussions, respecting your peers, and getting along with your teachers. You can also show leadership by volunteering to help out in class and take the lead on group projects. You’ll want to identify teachers you trust and can ask for help in order to build relationships with your teachers. Additionally, you’ll also want to get to know your teachers and allow them to get to know you. In fact, you’ll see in our college recommendation letter sample how one student set herself apart for all four years of high school.

For more information on how to get a great recommendation letter for college, check out this article .

Letter of Recommendation for College: Form and Function

Now, we’ll go into detail about what the college recommendation letter should look like, what it should contain, and how many letters you should aim for. Keep reading for our analysis of a college recommendation letter sample as well.

How long should a college recommendation letter be?

The standard length of a college letter of recommendation is one page. Some teachers may write a bit more or a bit less in a letter of recommendation for college. But expect approximately a page worth of content. Below, you’ll see our sample college recommendation letter is one full page, single-spaced.

What should a college recommendation letter include?

A strong recommendation letter for college will provide key details that are not obvious from the rest of your application. In fact, you will see exactly what we mean below in the college recommendation letter sample. While you may have a strong academic profile, a letter of recommendation for college admission can provide contextual information. Information such as: your journey in that particular class; insight into how you think; how you treat your classmates; your relationship with your teacher; and how you contribute to the class. That’s information that a simple letter grade cannot provide.

Thinking beyond the “A”

And speaking of grades, you don’t have to ask teachers whose classes you earned an A in to write your letters. Sometimes the strongest letters can come from teachers whose class you didn’t ace — that’s not always the end result of hard work, after all. A strong letter can attest to the commitment you made to do well. You might have met the teacher outside of class, seen a tutor, or asked for additional resources to better grasp the material. What admissions committee wouldn’t appreciate a teacher speaking to your resilience and work ethic? Admissions officers aren’t looking for perfection, but they are looking to form the ideal class of students who can thrive academically.

Wondering about writing a recommendation letter for college from the teacher’s perspective? Check out this guide from MIT about what they like in a letter. Looking to read a college recommendation letter sample? We’ll be analyzing a very strong sample college recommendation letter below!

Who should my teachers address the college recommendation letters to?

Each letter of recommendation for college admission can simply be addressed “To whom it may concern,” as they are not written for specific colleges. Or, see our college recommendation letter sample for how to start a letter.

How many letters of recommendation for college?

Usually, you will need two letters of recommendation. We suggest you get one recommendation letter for college from a STEM teacher, and one recommendation letter for college from a humanities or social sciences teacher. This helps to show colleges that you are a well-rounded student.

However, if you are applying for a specific program or major , for example any very competitive engineering programs, you may want to instead get a college recommendation letter from both a math teacher and a science teacher. Our college recommendation letter sample is from a math teacher, so if that student were applying for engineering, she may want to get a second college recommendation letter from a science teacher.

Some colleges allow you to submit more than two recommendation letters. It may be helpful to check out schools on your college list ahead of time so you know whether to ask for a third recommendation letter for college.

Supplemental letter of recommendation for Harvard

For example, our sample letter below is a Harvard recommendation letter. Although you only need two Harvard recommendation letters, the college will accept a supplemental Harvard recommendation letter. A third Harvard recommendation letter can help the admissions committee to see an additional part of your background or personality. You can touch on things not already covered in your application or first two Harvard recommendation letters.

However, do not think that every additional Harvard recommendation letter that you send will subsequently increase your chances of admission. In fact, sending too many additional Harvard recommendation letters may make the admissions office wary of accepting you. Knowing when enough is enough is key.

Now, let’s check out a sample college recommendation letter. This college recommendation letter sample will provide you with a concrete example of what these letters should look like. And, it helped Jennifer gain acceptance into Harvard!

College Recommendation Letter Sample

The moment you’ve been waiting for: a real college recommendation letter sample. Below, we’ll discuss what makes this a strong college recommendation letter sample, and how you can get a similarly strong college recommendation letter. This sample letter is actually a real Harvard recommendation letter that helped one student gain admissions Harvard University.

The above college recommendation letter sample is a strong example of a good college recommendation letter. We can break this Harvard recommendation letter down into three parts: the student’s academic background, specific examples of the student’s high achieving behavior, and the student’s extracurricular background. The recommender closes out the letter by offering an overall endorsement of the student. Now, let’s dive into the details of this sample college recommendation letter.

The letter provides context

This college recommendation letter sample begins by offering context for Jennifer as a student and how the recommender knows Jennifer. This demonstrates to admissions officers why the recommender is qualified to endorse Jennifer as a candidate for admissions; Jennifer was a past student in two of the recommender’s extremely challenging courses.

It highlights academic accomplishments with examples

The first paragraph of this sample college recommendation letter focuses on Jennifer’s academic accolades. She took AP Calculus freshman year of high school, then moved on to take a college level course in Multivariate Calculus as only a junior in high school.

This college recommendation letter sample also mentions Jennifer’s successes on the AP exams, not only in math courses, but in AP Computer Science and AP History as well. Finally, this college recommendation letter sample details that Jennifer has taken multiple classes at the college level. All of this is extremely impressive, and we’re only on the first paragraph of this college recommendation letter sample!

In the next paragraph of this sample college recommendation letter, the recommender discusses specifics of Jennifer’s work that were outstanding. These specific examples back up the claims made in the above paragraph: Jennifer is a unique and brilliant student.

Describes excellence outside the classroom

Finally, this college recommendation letter sample discusses Jennifer’s accomplishments outside of the classroom. This is always helpful for a recommender to mention in a letter of recommendation for college admission. It emphasizes that Jennifer is well-rounded and that her recommender took the time to get to know her outside of the classroom space. As we mentioned before, you can provide your recommender with a list of key extracurriculars and accomplishments. That way, like in this Harvard recommendation letter, your recommender can address the many facets of your high school career!

This sample college recommendation letter specifically highlights Jennifer’s success in mathematical courses. However, it also talks more broadly about Jennifer’s involvement in other courses and extracurriculars. It’s no wonder this Harvard recommendation letter helped earn Jennifer admission into the college. In fact, it really contributed depth and detail to her application. A college recommendation letter like this college recommendation letter sample would be a huge asset to an application!

College Recommendation Letters: Additional FAQs

Now that we’ve gone through a sample college recommendation letter, you should have a pretty clear idea of what a letter of recommendation for college admission looks like. Below, we’ll answer remaining questions you may have about getting a letter of recommendation for college admission.

Can a college recommendation letter be from a family member?

No. A family member cannot write a letter of recommendation for college on your behalf. You could have a mentor or a boss write a recommendation letter for college, but they should not be related to you.

Will I be able to read my college recommendation letter?

Your teachers will typically submit your letter of recommendation for college admission to your school counselor. From there, it gets uploaded to the platform your school uses such as Naviance or MaiaLearning, from which your counselor will submit your supporting documents to the colleges you’ve selected.

Typically, students must sign a FERPA waiver when they request their letters of recommendation for college. This agreement states that you waive the right to view your recommendation letter for college admission.

How do I know if my college recommendation letter is good?

The quality of a recommendation letter for college can vary depending on the teacher writing it. Not all teachers are wordsmiths, and that’s ok. What matters most is the content, which is why it’s important to forge those teacher connections and choose recommenders who know you and your abilities best. If a teacher feels that they would not be the best person to write a solid recommendation on your behalf, they may decline your offer.

Letter of Recommendation for College- Final Thoughts

We hope this guide has provided a comprehensive explanation of the college recommendation letter process. We hope you also gained a better sense of what a strong college recommendation letter sample looks like. Remember that not all letters of recommendation will be exactly like the above college recommendation letter sample. So, you shouldn’t compare your successes to the student in the college recommendation letter sample. You are you , and that’s the greatest advantage in the college admissions process! Find recommenders who understand you, and be sure to ask for a college recommendation letter far before the deadline. Be prepared to provide recommenders with a list of extracurriculars, as the student in our college recommendation letter sample did. Your personal essay (if you’ve written it) may also be helpful for recommenders to see. Any additional information you can provide will be helpful for your teachers. Like in our college recommendation letter sample, you want to seem a well-rounded, unique, and hard working student.

For more information on the college recommendation letter process, check out this Common App article. Good luck!

This informational article was written by CollegeAdvisor.com Admissions Experts and former Admissions Officers. Didn’t see your question on the list? Get help writing your college essay from our talented team of advisors and other CollegeAdvisor admissions experts, click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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Sample Recommendation Letters for College Applicants

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Many colleges, universities, and business schools request recommendation letters as part of the application process. Choosing the person to ask for your recommendation is often your first challenge because you want an honest letter that will improve your chances of being accepted. Also, if you are the person writing a letter of recommendation, it may be difficult to know where to begin.

No matter which side you're on, reading through a few good letters of recommendation will certainly help. With these samples, you can make better decisions about whom to ask, what should be included, and take note of the best format for writing one.

Every college applicant has a different situation and your relationship with a student and recommender is also unique. For that reason, we're going to look at a few different scenarios that can be adapted to fit your needs.

Choosing the Right Person for a Recommendation

A good recommendation letter from a high school teacher, college professor, or another academic reference can really help an applicant's chances of acceptance. Other sources of recommendations might include a club president, employer, community director, coach, or mentor.

The goal is to find someone who has had time to get to know you well. A person who has worked closely with you or known you for a significant period of time will have more to say and be able to offer specific examples to back up their opinions. On the other hand, someone who doesn't know you very well may struggle to come up with supporting details. The result might be a vague reference that doesn't do anything to make you stand out as a candidate.

Selecting a letter writer from an advanced course, extra-curricular group, or volunteer experience is also a good idea. This shows that you are motivated and confident in your academic performance or willing to put in extra effort outside the typical classroom. Although there are a lot of different things that are considered during the college application process, previous academic performance and work ethic are among the most important.

Recommendation Letter From an AP Professor

The following letter of recommendation was written for a college student who is also an undergraduate program applicant. The letter writer is the student's AP English professor, whose class other students may struggle with, so there are some extra benefits here.

What makes this letter stand out? As you read this letter, note how the letter writer specifically mentions the student's outstanding work ethic and academic performance. He also discusses her leadership capability, her ability to multi-task, and her creativity. He even offers an example of her record of achievement—a novel project that she worked on with the rest of the class. Specific examples like this are a great way for the recommender to reinforce the main points of the letter.

To Whom It May Concern:Cheri Jackson is an extraordinary young woman. As her AP English Professor, I have seen many examples of her talent and have long been impressed by her diligence and work ethic. I understand that Cheri is applying to the Recommendation Letter From a Debate Coach

This letter was written by a high school teacher for an undergraduate business school applicant . The letter writer is very familiar with the student since they were both members of the school's debate team, an extra-curricular that demonstrates a drive in academics.

What makes this letter stand out? Getting a letter from someone who is familiar with your classroom behavior and academic ability can show admissions committees that you are dedicated to your education. It also demonstrates that you have made good impressions on those in the educational community.

The content of this letter could be very beneficial to the applicant. The letter does a good job of demonstrating the applicant's motivation and self-discipline. It also cites specific examples to support the recommendation.

As you are reading this sample letter, take note of the required format for recommendations. The letter contains short paragraphs and multiple line breaks for easy readability. It also contains the name of the person who wrote it as well as contact information, which helps makes the letter look legit.

To Whom It May Concern:Jenna Breck was a student in my debate class and has also been on my Recommendation Letter From Volunteer Experience

Many undergraduate business programs ask applicants to supply a recommendation letter from an employer or someone who knows how the applicant works. Not everyone has professional work experience, though. If you have never worked a 9 to 5 job, you can get a recommendation from a community leader or non-profit administrator. Though it is traditionally unpaid, volunteer experience is still a work experience. What makes this letter stand out? This sample letter demonstrates what a recommendation from a non-profit administrator might look like. The letter writer emphasizes the student's leadership and organizational skills, work ethic, and moral fiber. Although the letter doesn't touch on academics, it does tell the admissions committee who this student is as a person. Demonstrating personality can sometimes be just as important as showing good grades on a transcript.

To Whom It May Concern: As the Director of the Bay Area Community Center, I work closely with many of the community

A Guide to Writing Recommendation Letters
4 Recommendation Letter Samples That Get It Right
How to Write a Letter of Recommendation
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How to Request a Recommendation Letter— Sample & Template

Why do You Need a Letter of Recommendation for Admissions?

The college or graduate school application process is a long, difficult one. It can test one’s organization, planning, goal-setting, academic skills, and personal relationships. It can be overwhelming and confusing, with standardized test scores, application deadlines, personal statements and admissions essays , and requesting transcripts all part of the admissions process.

But one of the most important but overlooked details in the college application process is a strong letter of recommendation.

Many high school students applying to college and candidates applying to graduate school fall into the trap of procrastinating or undervaluing the recommendation letter. It is pretty easy to understand why: it is written by someone else!

This is a huge mistake. Because the letter of recommendation is one of the most important factors that college admissions officers consider.

Let’s think about what else goes into college admissions: Grades are a snapshot of your academic results. Your SAT/ACT test scores are a standardized comparison. Personal statements demonstrate your communication skills and self-image but are, by nature, self-biased.

That leaves the letter of recommendation or reference letter as the only factor showing how successful professionals and academics view YOU.

how to request a recommendation letter for college

Letters of recommendation allow admissions officers to learn about your personal strengths, skills, narrative, and performance in the context of real life. What good is your ace SAT score if you can’t apply that knowledge in a class project? Maybe your grades suffered a bit during sophomore year but your professor has a legitimate explanation to put this in context. Perhaps you had to drop out of college for a year or two before finishing your degree. Grad school committees will want to understand the reason for such holes in your academic timeline.

Your reference letter should also sound comfortable to the reader while putting your character traits, personal strengths, and prior academic achievements in context for a successful future. In short, a strong recommendation letter ensures you’re a well-rounded individual, shows off your personal qualities, and answers all important questions admissions officers have about incoming students. Before downloading the letter of recommendation request template linked further in this article, read up on some of the details for how to ask for a LOR from a professor, boss, peer, or other recommenders.

What to Include in a Request for a Recommendation Letter

Convinced of the importance of a strong letter of recommendation? If so, you can check out this detailed guide to writing a LOR and a letter of recommendation template .

This is a complete guide covering the following questions:

Who should write letters of recommendation?
What should be included in a recommendation letter?
Which information does the recommender need?
What type of writing is expected in a recommendation letter?

It also provides detailed examples of common problems & solutions. There are also some useful “template phrases” for recommendation letters that are eye-catching and powerful.

How to Make a Request for a Recommendation Letter

One of the most important steps in your request for a reference letter is to make things organized and easy for your recommender and include enough relevant details. When making a request for a letter of recommendation from a professor, keep in mind that they get dozens of such requests from students each semester.

While it’s widely accepted that this “comes with the territory” for professors, you should not assume that they enjoy receiving last-minute requests to write recommendation letters. Professors are human after all, and a relationship with any person is often a tit-for-tat where you get out what you put in.

In other words, the more effort you put into preparing your information and answering key questions about your qualities, the better and more convincing your letter of reference will be to the reader. The sheer act of making it easier for your recommender will motivate them to make your letter better.

Here are some other factors you need to consider when asking for a letter of recommendation.

Choose your LOR recommender wisely

Make a rough list of 4–5 professors you’d like to write your recommendation. Create two tiers. Tier 1 would be professors that you have interacted with favorably and who have taught classes you have taken and in which you earned good grades. Here, you’re going after deep interactions with your recommender. Therefore, an upper-level university course professor in your major or area of interest or maybe a high school coach you spent lots of time with would be good options.

Tier 2 could perhaps be a professor who taught a well-attended “101 class” where you received a good grade. These types of professors typically write “form letter” recommendations that aren’t very personal or convincing, but this can be mitigated by our sample template below.

Make a formal request and provide all the necessary information.

Remember our theme: You are putting yourself in the best situation for success by doing the work for your recommender. “Help me help you” should be your motto.

Here’s some information you must include when writing your formal request:

Who you are (name, major)
Which classes you took with this professor or teacher
Grades you received in those classes
Notable projects, knowledge, insights, and impressions you got from the class
Specific skills/knowledge you want your recommender to emphasize
Specific examples of your interactions with your recommender
The universities/programs you are applying to (include deadlines, contact info)

Remember to always be polite, respectful, and gracious when asking for a recommendation letter. Your referrer is giving you free help in your life and career, and this cannot be understated.

Lastly, make sure you include your CV/Resume and statement of purpose or college admissions or application essay. This shows that you are prepared and it helps the professor know what content to write about. Including a transcript of your coursework also couldn’t hurt.

Download the Letter of Recommendation Request Template (.docx file)

Get professional editing & proofreading for your recommendation letter.

Most teachers and professors do not have the time to write out a strong, personalized reference letter. There is an obvious reason for this–they don’t have enough time to pen reference letters for all of their students. Every year, teachers get several if not dozens of requests for recommendation letters. The result will be a general letter of reference unless you take the time and effort to reach out and provide them good content. Your goal is to make recommending you as easy as possible for them.

This means writing and polishing your recommendation letter until it is perfect. After all, your teacher or professor is signing off and vouching for you.

This is where English editing services including personal statement editing , recommendation letter editing , and SOP editing services from a reputable proofreading company such as Wordvice can help. Professional editing and proofreading companies can make this crucial step in the college application process seamless. Remember that letters of recommendation must get two critical sets of readers’ eyes: your teacher/professor and the college admissions office.

Letter of Recommendation Request Sample

Below is an example gleaned from my years of experience as a writer and consultant for essay editing services .

We have included all of the above necessary information and even organized it into tables, which is a bit different, organizational, and potentially eye-catching. The entire letter of recommendation request (email example or hard-copy example) can be adjusted to fit on a single page by altering the table size.

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Four Incredible College Recommendation Letter Samples To Help Your Child Get Into College & Win Scholarships

4 Incredible College Recommendation Letter Samples To Help Your Child Get Into College & Win Scholarships

Did you know that you can’t rely on your GPA and test scores alone to secure your place at a great school? While these are important aspects of your application, they don’t tell your whole story as a student.

According to data collected by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) , 40% of colleges reported that counselor and teacher recommendations are significant to the final admissions decision. This means that, if you want to create a well-rounded application that guarantees your chances of acceptance, you’ll have to submit good letters of recommendation.

As the founder and CEO of Prep Expert, I have had the honor of helping more than 100,000 students attain a spot in top colleges and earn thousands of dollars in scholarships. In this guide, I will teach you how to make sure your letters of recommendation are as strong as they can be through both tips and sample letters. Let’s get started!

Why Recommendations Matter

While it is important to have a high GPA and great test scores, your teacher recommendation letters might just make the difference between whether or not you get into your dream school.

Colleges and universities want to see that their applicants are well-rounded, passionate, and determined. Thousands upon thousands of students can earn a 4.0 GPA, but far fewer students are able to do so while also demonstrating strong leadership skills, advanced critical thinking skills, and impeccable character.

Schools rely on recommendations from teachers to gain a more holistic view of their applicants, allowing them to see which students have what it takes to thrive on their campus and contribute to the institution. In short, recommendations help you stand out. They showcase your personality and the way you interact in an academic setting.

How to Get Good Letters of Recommendation

If you want to get into your dream school, you’re going to need letters of recommendation that highlight your strengths. The last thing you want is a generic letter that makes it sound like you were just another face in a sea of hundreds of students within a teacher’s classroom.

Let’s go over a few tips you can use to make sure your letters of recommendation are strong and personal.

1. Ask Teachers Who Know You Well

This may seem like an obvious tip, but it’s important to consider. You probably have a lot of teachers and educators who have made a difference in your life. However, you can’t ask all of them to write you a recommendation. Most colleges will ask for only 2 or 3 recommendations, so you have to narrow down your choices to the teachers who know you the best.

Think about how long each person has known you and how much you have interacted with them. It may be helpful to choose teachers who have also worked with you outside the classroom in a club or volunteer setting because they may have a better understanding of your personality.

2. Ask in Advance

Your teachers are busy! Make sure you give them enough time to write a well-thought-out recommendation letter. Not only is it impolite to ask them the day before a deadline, but it will also require them to rush through writing it, meaning it might not be as strong as it could be. Provide at least 2 weeks notice before the deadline, if not more.

3. Be Polite in Your Request

Approach your teachers politely when you ask them to write a recommendation for you. It’s important to let them know what the recommendation is for so they can write as effectively as possible. However, try to avoid telling them exactly what you want them to say. It’s better to let them come up with their own evaluation of you and your strengths.

4. Provide Relevant Information

Some schools require recommenders to answer a specific prompt or submit their recommendation in a certain way. Be sure to give your teachers all the information they need to submit the recommendation correctly and on time. It may also help to provide your resume or personal statement that they can use as a reference while writing.

If your school asks that you mail in your letters of recommendation rather than submitting them electronically, include a stamped and addressed envelope for each teacher as well.

5. Don’t Forget a Thank You Note

Your teachers write letters of recommendation for you out of kindness, so remember to thank them for helping you. A hand-written thank you note is an excellent gesture of appreciation. If you aren’t sure what to write in your note, you can include an update about the outcome of your application and the role your teacher played in your success. Most teachers will be happy and excited to receive a follow-up.

Sample Letters of Recommendation

Here are 4 college recommendation letter samples that will help you learn what type of letter boosts your chances of admission.

Dear Admissions Committee,

My name is Mr. Smith, and I have had the honor of teaching John in AP Literature and Composition at High School X, during which I noticed his impeccable character, discipline, and leadership. John is a self-motivated student who always went above and beyond in my class. It is a pleasure to recommend him.

John has an insatiable desire to learn, and he demonstrated this throughout his year in my class. His questions were insightful and eloquent, and he produced work that was far above that of the average student. John’s writing and research skills are phenomenal. For his final project, he produced a truly remarkable essay analyzing cultural identity in Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Namesake. John’s academic strengths are unparalleled, and I know he will be an asset to your institution.

John’s character is also impressive. He acts with generosity and compassion, and he is well respected by his peers and teachers alike. John is a natural leader, and he was such a joy to have in class.

As a learner and a leader, John is beyond exemplary. He has my strongest recommendation. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.

English Teacher

High School X

It is with great pleasure that I recommend Jill for admission to your institution. Jill is one of the strongest students I have taught in my 22 years of teaching, and I am beyond impressed by her academic performance and her leadership skills. Jill was in my AP Literature and Composition class, and I had the honor of coaching her on the High School X debate team. I am happy to recommend her, and I know that she will be a great addition to your university.

As captain of the debate team, Jill has spent countless hours conducting research and analyzing sources to prepare for our competitions. Her hard work and dedication led to her winning first place at the Iowa State Tournament this year. Jill not only has a strong aptitude for learning and debate, but she is also a strong leader. I watched her go beyond what is required of her to take students under her wing and help them become better debaters throughout our season. She is an incredible captain that understands the importance of leading by example and serving others. I firmly believe that both her personal and academic strengths will contribute greatly to your school.

Jill is an exceptional student, and she has my strongest recommendation. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.

Debate Coach

It has been a pleasure to have Jason in my English classes over the past four years. Jason is an exceptional student, and I have long been impressed by both his academic and interpersonal skills. Throughout the years that I have known Jason, his natural curiosity and desire for learning, his maturity and leadership, and his desire to serve his community have been remarkable. He has my strongest recommendation for admittance into your institution.

In my AP Literature and Composition class, Jason wrote some of the most insightful papers I have read in my 12 years of teaching. I was blown away by his analytical skills and his ability to make connections between different texts. His paper on Toni Morrison’s Sula, was one of the most incredible pieces of student work that I have ever had the joy to read.

Jason’s personal strengths are also strong. He treats his peers and teachers with respect, and he is one of the most compassionate and gracious students I have had in class. Jason is a strong applicant, and I know he will be the perfect addition to your university.

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.

Dear admissions committee,

Teaching AP Physics at High School X is rewarding because of students like Abigail. I have had the joy of watching Abigail’s critical thinking skills and passion for science grow over the past four years in my AP Physics class and as captain of the High School X Robotics team. Abigail is one of the brightest and hardest working students I have had in all of my years of teaching, and it is truly an honor to recommend her for admission to your institution.

Abigail takes her position as captain of the Robotics team very seriously. I have seen her go above and beyond what is required of her to make new members feel welcome and ensure our team is prepared to do well during our competitions. I have never met a student with her level of dedication and passion for sciences, and I know she will be a strong addition to your school’s engineering program.

In addition to her academic strengths, Abigail also has strong leadership skills. She always takes initiative, tackles challenges head on, and serves as a role model for the other students on the team. I know her work ethic and leadership abilities will make a positive impact at your institution.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Physics Teacher

Robotics Team Coach

Why These Letters Work

Notice the structure of these 4 college recommendation letter samples. Not only do they highlight each student’s strengths, but they also provide specific examples of the qualifications that back up those strengths. Specificity is important in recommendation letters because it shows that the recommender does know the student well and, thus, is qualified to recommend them. Their recommendation becomes both more trustworthy and more personal as a result.

So, when you request a letter of recommendation from your educators, remember to choose a teacher who knows you well enough to write an insightful, detailed letter about you. That letter might just be the final push that helps you secure a spot at your top school.

For more information about improving your chances of admission, I recommend booking a free appointment with Prep Expert’s college admissions consulting team. Every year, I work with our team of experts to help 96% of Prep Expert students gain admission to at least one of their top-3 choice colleges and win millions of dollars in merit scholarships. Sign up today to receive guidance for applications and holistic college planning for all students in grades 7 through 12.

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WTO / Letters and Emails / Recommendation / 20 Best College Recommendation Letter Samples [Guide & Tips]

20 Best College Recommendation Letter Samples [Guide & Tips]

A College Recommendation Letter is a positive review of an applicant seeking college admission. It is written by either a former teacher or employer, highlighting the desirable traits of the individual to the institution and endorsing the candidate for admission.

These letters are a valuable means for college admissions officers to obtain deep insight into the overall personality of an applicant, beyond what might be reflected on test results or personal essays. Often cited as a requirement by some institutions, some do not still appreciate its inclusion. Its very attachment to an application serves as a testament to the quality of the candidate in some capacity, either as an outstanding student who deeply inspired a teacher or an exemplary worker who garnered the praise of an employer.

These letters are an avenue for applicants to truly highlight the academic and behavioral characteristics that an institution embodies. In addition, the letter helps to put focus on the applicant’s achievements and the impact they have had on others. All these add up to significantly boost the chances of the applicant securing an admission.

Free Templates

College recommendation letters are extremely important documents and writing one should be taken with the utmost seriousness. The letter should differentiate the applicant from among the thousands of other candidates and improve significantly on the endorsement of any other candidate. This implies a precise letter structure, appropriate wording, and stellar content.

The template provides an easy means of producing beautiful letters. A document with easily replaceable, pre-written information structured in the exact format of a superb recommendation letter, a template is a perfect guideline for quickly and easily writing up the letter of your own.

Great Editable College Recommendation Letter Sample 01 in Word Format

How to Request

The letters have to be written by other people besides friends and family, to reduce the possibility of the letter being considered biased. Thus, applicable writers typically include past teachers and employers who have considerable knowledge of you. Successfully asking these people for the letter and getting a stellar review often requires a significant amount of consideration to pull off. Plan accordingly to obtain the best letter possible.

Ask the right person

The quality of the letter you get greatly depends on the person who wrote it. The first factor to consider is your relationship with the potential writer. Opt for writers with whom you had a good relationship and with whom you worked closely. Consider asking a teacher, a sports coach, or a college counselor for the letter. If possible, ask the school principal.

Teachers familiar with after-school activities you engage in, such as clubs and volunteer programs, can further provide an overview of who you are outside the classroom. Writers such as this can truly draw from a wealth of experiences you had together to speak on your achievements and strengths.

Also, give greater consideration to writers whose contact with you has been very recent, preferably within a year before the letter is written. This way readers of the letter can be certain they are getting a review of who you are now.

Choose the best time

Creating anything of quality takes time. Make this a consideration when requesting the letters for college. The best practice is to ask early to give the writer enough time to come up with something very good. Submit your request to the writer at least a month before the letter will be needed. If possible, ask at the start of your senior year, especially if you are applying for programs that start very early.

Other pre-considerations

Each school is different, and the same conditions may not always apply across the board. Obtain due information about the institution you are applying to, ensuring that your letter is relevant. Check for requirements regarding the letters, if any exist.

Some schools might have specifications on who can endorse applicants. Some colleges might prefer recommendations solely from alumni of the school, or if not, a letter from such a person might have greater credence.

Information You Should Provide to Recommender

The content of the letter is generated by the recommender, but you should not leave what you will receive completely up to fate. Help the writer as much as possible by supplying information to ensure that the letter produced truly bolsters your admission chances. Pay particular attention to details such as your participation in class or after-school activities, and highlight personal achievements and the challenges you faced in attaining them.

Each detail you include should tie closely to the influence of the recommender on you:

Details of the school you’re applying to

Inform the writer about the school you are applying to. It becomes easier for the writer to tailor the contents of the letter to that particular school. Qualities that are highly valued in that school can be emphasized accordingly, producing a stronger argument for why you are a good candidate.

A list of all your achievements and awards

Furnish the writer with details of your victories, stating what you have achieved. Preferably include achievements that the writer was a part of and can attest to, providing a unique point of view on the experience. Highlight accomplishments in areas that strongly relate to the course you have applied for. A victory in a state-wide poetry competition will be a great thing to mention if you are applying to study English or the arts.

A list of all your academic skills

Institutions consider various factors in selecting students for admission, but academic ability remains the most important. Your letter should reflect this and discuss in-depth your skills in the classroom.

Specific examples are to be included in the letter

Your letter should not be generic or appear as though it was written as an afterthought. The letters can be a strong indicator of how special a college student is. This becomes obvious based on the details of the letter. A student who genuinely impressed someone enough to be endorsed by that person did something of value. Your letter should be filled with mentions of these fantastic actions. If there are certain notable events, be sure to inform your recommender.

Details of the submission guidelines

Certain colleges might release requirements that every letter must meet. This can be crucial in preventing a letter from being rejected. Check up on the necessary information and notify the writer of all submission guidelines.

You may also request the following from the recommender

You can spice up your letter further by providing additional information that will fully explain why you are being endorsed.

These include:

A small description of your experience with the recommender: Ask the recommender to add some information about how he/she knows you in your letter. This section should indicate what supervisory role the recommender had over you. The duration for which this role lasted can also be included to show that the recommender had enough opportunity to know you well.
A brief positive description of your character: Upstanding character is a huge requirement for most colleges. A glowing review of your personality will serve to endear you to admissions officers.
Reasons for getting a positive recommendation: This is a particularly important thing to include. Your recommender should provide a strong reason why he/she is willing to speak for you. This can be due to outstanding academic behavior, an impressive character, or some other achievement.

Sample Letter

If you are requesting the letter, you can help your recommender by including an example of what you want with your request. Below is an example of what you should want in your letter, along with a breakdown of why it is so strong in its purpose:

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am writing this letter to wholeheartedly recommend Sarah Johnson for admission to Ivywood University. Having had the privilege of being her English teacher for the past two years, I can confidently say that Sarah is an exceptional student who possesses the qualities and potential that any esteemed institution would be fortunate to have.

Sarah’s academic achievements are truly impressive. Throughout her high school journey, she consistently maintained a remarkable GPA, earning her a place among the top students in our school. Her commitment to her studies is commendable, and her intellectual curiosity knows no bounds. Sarah has a natural gift for critical thinking and problem-solving, which she applies not only to her coursework but also to various extracurricular projects. Her passion for learning is contagious and inspires her peers to excel.

Beyond her academic prowess, Sarah is a shining example of leadership and community involvement. She actively participates in several school clubs and initiatives, demonstrating her dedication to making a positive impact on those around her. She has spearheaded numerous community service projects, including volunteering at a local food bank and organizing fundraising events for charitable causes. Sarah’s ability to lead with empathy and inspire others is truly remarkable.

Sarah’s character is equally remarkable. She possesses a rare combination of humility, determination, and kindness that makes her a beloved figure among both students and faculty. Her unwavering commitment to her values and her willingness to stand up for what is right are qualities that set her apart. Sarah’s presence in any academic community would undoubtedly enrich the overall campus culture.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly endorse Sarah Johnson as an ideal candidate for admission to Ivywood University. Her academic excellence, leadership qualities, and outstanding character make her a standout applicant who will undoubtedly thrive at your esteemed institution. I am confident that Sarah will not only excel academically but will also contribute significantly to the vibrant and diverse tapestry of your college community.

Thank you for considering Sarah’s application. If you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected] or (555) 123-4567. I am more than willing to provide any further insights into Sarah’s exceptional qualities.

English Teacher

Maplewood High School

The recommendation letter exemplifies several key technical features that make it a useful guide for readers. It maintains a clear and well-organized structure with four distinct paragraphs, ensuring a logical and easily digestible flow of information. The opening paragraph effectively sets the purpose and tone of the letter, clearly stating the recommendation for admission to the university. Furthermore, the author establishes their credibility by mentioning their role as English teacher for the past two years, which adds weight to the recommendation.

Throughout the letter, the writer employs specific examples and anecdotes to substantiate the applicant’s academic achievements, leadership qualities, and community involvement. These concrete details not only enhance the letter’s persuasiveness but also provide a comprehensive view of the candidate. The language used throughout the letter is consistently formal and professional, adhering to the appropriate tone for such a document.

Moreover, the writer offers personal insights into the applicant’s character, including attributes like humility, determination, and kindness. These insights go beyond the mere enumeration of achievements and contribute to a more holistic understanding of the candidate’s qualifications. The enthusiastic endorsement in the concluding paragraph leaves a lasting positive impression on the reader, further reinforcing the recommendation.

The inclusion of the writer’s contact information at the end of the letter demonstrates professionalism and a willingness to provide additional information if necessary. In sum, this recommendation letter serves as a good model by effectively combining professionalism, specificity, and persuasive elements to make a compelling case for the candidate. It offers valuable guidance on the structure and content of similar recommendation letters.

Some Last-Minute Tips

The following considerations can boost the success of your letter significantly and help you with the process of requesting a great recommendation letter:

Make the process as easy as possible for your recommender. Provide information that they might need, including the proper spellings of certain objects, such as your school’s name. If necessary, provide a school profile.
Be respectful in your request and ask on time.
Inform the recommender of all the requirements placed on the letter, including the submission date.
Inquire after your letter at most a week before the due date to ensure that it has been finished and sent.
Remember to thank your recommender for taking the time to speak for you.
Provide envelopes with the address and stamps for the recommender, so the letter can be sent instantly after completion. This can also prove beneficial, as failing to see the letter before it is sent can instill greater confidence in admissions officers.
If you are requesting a letter from a school counselor, the duty falls to you to paint a personal profile of yourself beyond the academic value that he/she might have. Be sure to make an early appointment to give yourself as much time as possible. During your meeting, give the counselor a good overview of yourself, covering accomplishments, hobbies, and plans for the future. Explore the challenges you have had throughout your school years and how you have overcome them to get to the present moment.

Free Printable College Recommendation Letter Sample 11 as Word Document

Key Takeaways

If you are writing a recommendation letter for college, remember to implement the following practices:

Be specific about the information you are giving
Know the student well enough to convincingly write about them
Tailor the letter to the student requesting and to the institution applied to
Write a positive review of the student and focus on making the applicant look as good as possible.

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3 Sample Recommendation Letters for Students

July 3, 2023

In most cases, recommendation letters are a standard requirement for the college admissions process. Admissions boards use these letters to better understand the applicant’s promising qualities and characteristics that a transcript may not fully demonstrate. When you submit a strong letter, it can increase your chances of success in a large and competitive applicant pool. But do you know how a strong letter of recommendation sounds? What makes it memorable? Before you request letters of recommendation , it can be helpful to review a sample recommendation letter for college. That way, you can determine what will differentiate your application from the rest. Whether you need to write a recommendation letter for student success or are college-bound yourself, the following sample recommendation letters for students will help you better define how a winning letter should sound.

Getting Started

Firstly, it’s important to ensure you follow all guidelines before submitting a recommendation letter. For example, some colleges may require a teacher and counselor recommendation . Most universities will outline their expectations for how many letters are required and from whom the letter should come. Professional contacts like former or current teachers, employers, and coaches are excellent sources. Ideally, the person you ask should be familiar with your work ethic and personality in addition to your academic achievements.

Let’s take a look at some sample recommendation letters for college. As you read, imagine this letter has just come across your desk. Think about whether or not this letter would stick out to you.

The first sample recommends Isabelle, a high school senior who is interested in studying psychology and is also a student-athlete.

Sample Recommendation Letter for Student: Example #1

Dear Admissions Committee,

I had the pleasure of coaching Isabelle throughout her four years at Lewis and Clark High School. From her first day at try-outs, she impressed me with her incredible determination, her commitment to uplifting her team members, and her ability to balance her schoolwork with basketball. She prioritized her classes even throughout the height of the season. Isabelle is a hard worker with the drive to succeed in all facets of her life, and she has my highest recommendation as a student and an athlete.

During her junior year, Isabelle assumed the leadership position of team captain. In this role, Isabelle led by example. She was quick to demonstrate sportsmanship and kindness through tough losses, communicated effectively with team members, and encouraged new members when they made mistakes. Without my prompting, Isabelle took new players aside to coach them through our drills if they needed extra help. Isabelle was eager to spend time with the new recruits. She ensured they put their best foot forward and also made them feel included and valued. Isabelle is a wonderful communicator, and I imagine this quality will serve her well as she studies psychology and works with future clients in a one-on-one setting.

Recommendation Letter Sample for Student #1 (Continued)

Throughout the school year, Isabelle was an active participant in events outside of the court. She led and organized athletic fundraisers and was elected president of the Student-Athlete Association. She created presentations for her peers and served as a mentor for the underclassmen. All the while, Isabelle continued to demonstrate punctuality by showing up on time for practice and maintaining an optimistic and energetic attitude.

I am certain Isabelle will continue to succeed and accomplish great things in her future. I highly recommend her for admission to your undergraduate program. Isabelle is a talented, compassionate, and highly-driven student who continually strives to better herself and those around her. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Coach Anderson

Athletics Director

Lewis and Clark High School

Even though this is a sample recommendation letter for college, imagine you have the opportunity to invite Isabelle into the undergraduate program. Does she sound like a promising candidate?

Why it Works

Obviously, Coach Anderson holds Isabelle in high regard. One way she demonstrates how much she appreciates Isabelle’s efforts is by using specific examples to demonstrate Isabelle’s impressive qualities. Instead of simply saying Isabelle is a dedicated student, Coach Anderson tells us what organizations Isabelle is involved in. She even tells us what some of Isabelle’s responsibilities are and how she has assumed leadership positions in these roles.

Similarly, Coach Anderson also highlights how Isabelle’s work ethic will help her succeed in her future career goals and college major . Isabelle’s ability to communicate well with her teammates will help her create meaningful and important relationships with her future clients. Isabelle has the right kind of demeanor for the career she wants to pursue.

When writing the recommendation letter for student applications, Coach Anderson’s admiration reads clearly because she thoughtfully recalls Isabelle’s accomplishments. Coach Anderson’s enthusiasm will certainly make the recommendation letter more memorable, as it shows Isabelle’s genuine connection with her coach.

Let’s look at another sample recommendation letter for college. This sample will recommend Jacob, a high school senior who is interested in studying biology. Let’s see if this letter is as successful as the first one.

Sample Recommendation Letter for Student: Example #2

Jacob was my student in AP Biology his senior year, and I had the great pleasure of working with him during that time. Throughout the academic year, Jacob impressed me not only with his natural aptitude for science but also with his curiosity and ingenuity. His dedication to exploring new concepts and procedures, even outside of the classroom, marked him as one of my most impressive students. Jacob has my highest recommendation, as I believe he will continue to succeed at the next level of scientific research.

Jacob is an inquisitive student whose motivation drives him to look for new opportunities. I am the supervisor for the Robotics Club at Robinson High School, and Jacob approached me about joining even before classes began. With each new project I assigned, Jacob constantly went above and beyond what was asked of him. He admitted to me that in his free time, he learned how to better utilize the codes I taught and worked hard to understand what confused him. Jacob is naturally curious about how things work together and is always willing to put in the time to figure it out.

Recommendation Letter Sample for Student #2 (Continued)

In the classroom, Jacob is an attentive and eager student. All of his assignments are rendered with thoughtfulness and great attention to detail. Jacob’s understanding of the classroom material is so great that he tutors underclassmen in biology. However, he never falls behind on his own assignments and always prioritizes his own workload. In fact, Jacob submitted a research thesis to a national competition in the fall and won third place. His research in artificial tissue production far surpasses the caliber I usually expect from my students. I know Jacob wants to continue this avenue of research at the university, and I believe he already has a solid foundation.

I imagine Jacob’s independence and motivation will serve him well as he continues on in a university lab. He is a self-starter with the initiative and drive that will help him succeed at any university he attends. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Ms. Patterson

AP Biology Instructor

Robinson High School

Does this recommendation letter for student Jacob pique your interest more than the recommendation letter for student Isabelle? They are both strong letters but for varied reasons.

Like the first one we read, this sample recommendation letter for college also utilizes specific examples to help us understand why Jacob would be a good fit for a university lab. Ms. Patterson knows Jacob as both her student in AP biology and as a member of the robotics club. She is sure to emphasize how Jacob’s inquisitive nature helped him succeed in both of these environments.

A different but equally important quality of this letter is that Ms. Patterson is sure to mention the work Jacob has completed outside of the classroom . Not only does Jacob tutor other students, but also he continues to study helpful skills, like coding, in his spare time. From these examples, we infer Jacob works well with others and is highly motivated.

Ms. Patterson also made sure to highlight Jacob’s prize-winning thesis. The work Jacob has already completed in high school is the perfect foundation for the research he wants to continue in college. In this way, Jacob is already prepared for the rigor and challenge of a college course. This example shows that he’s a student who is willing to take ownership of his assignments and displays great initiative.

Let’s take a look at one final sample letter of recommendation for college. This one is for Wendy, a high school senior who is interested in studying English literature.

Sample Recommendation Letter for Student: Example #3

Wendy was my student in English class her freshman year. She is a very thoughtful student who enjoys reading and writing. I always saw her nose in a book. I remember that her essays were perceptive, and she integrated quotes from her research well. Further, I believe she will succeed at studying literature. For that reason, Wendy has my recommendation.

Wendy enjoys reading nonfiction. I remember she liked to learn about different historical eras, as several of her essays covered earlier time periods. She reads every day and takes diligent notes on what she reads. Wendy always scored highly on her reading comprehension examination

Because of these reasons, I believe Wendy will be a good fit for your school. She is a dedicated student. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

English Instructor

Fields High School

How do you think this sample recommendation letter for college portrays Wendy? Is this sample stronger or weaker than the first two?

Strengthening the Letter of Recommendation

In this sample recommendation letter for college, Wendy’s qualities are vague and generic . Of course, an admissions board would assume that any student applying for an English literature degree would enjoy reading and writing. But what makes Wendy a unique candidate? Mr. Riley fails to denote any of Wendy’s specific strengths and qualities.

It is also unclear how authentic the relationship is between Mr. Riley and Wendy. It sounds like Mr. Riley had Wendy in class only once, and this happened many years ago. While Mr. Riley may have remembered her as a good student, he is not specific about why.

Finally, the letter is too short . Generally, it is a good rule of thumb to allow for at least three full paragraphs. Mr. Riley’s paragraphs feature clipped sentences, and the letter cuts off abruptly. This taut style of writing suggests that perhaps Mr. Riley does not know Wendy very well. Therefore, it feels like he is struggling to write this recommendation.

Sample Recommendation Letter for Student – Final Thoughts

After reviewing each sample recommendation letter for college, it should be clear that above all, admissions boards seek specificity . The more detailed and thorough the examples of a student’s admirable qualities, the better. The goal is to leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee members.

Similarly, it is also important to understand how the prospective student will be a good fit for the college. In Isabelle’s example, we imagine that she could become a successful mentor for her peers and a great leader. In Jacob’s example, we imagine that he will continue the research he has already completed at a higher caliber.

Undeniably, recommendation letters are an important component of the admissions process. In each sample recommendation letter for college, we outlined helpful attributes to look out for. These qualities will be sure to help your writing shine. So, while asking for a letter or even writing one may feel a bit overwhelming, don’t stress! Follow these guidelines, and you will be sure to set your recommendation letter apart from the crowd.

High School Success

Meghan Dairaghi

With a BA in English and an MFA in Creative Writing, Meghan has served as a writing tutor at the University of Missouri St. Louis and Maryville University. Additionally, Meghan has held editorial roles at River Styx and Boulevard, and was a prose reader at Farside Review . Most recently, her work has been featured in Belle Ombre , Flypaper Lit , and Mag 20/20 , among others, and she was nominated for the Mary Troy Prize in Fiction.

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How to Write a Recommendation Letter for College

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When a student applies to a university, they will need at least one or two college recommendation letters from a high school teacher, employer, or other mentor. College admissions offices are looking for particular things in these letters.

The advice below will show you how to accomplish this task. Letter of recommendation samples are also included.

Advice for Writing a College Recommendation Letter

Think carefully about saying yes. Make sure you only agree to write the letter if you can write a positive recommendation. If you don’t think you can, tell the person you are not comfortable writing it. Here’s information on how to turn down a recommendation request.

If you feel you cannot write the letter, you might also consider pointing the student towards a teacher or administrator who might be a better fit.

Focus on the particular school. Ask the student for information on the school they are applying to. Try to focus on the student’s skills that relate to their ability to succeed. Even if it is a more general letter, ask the person about the types of institutions they’re hoping to attend. The college recommendation letter you write for a student attending community college will be different than one you’d do for someone who plans to go to a state or private university.

Collect information. Ask the student for a copy of their resume so that you can speak to their experience. You might also consider meeting with them in person to get a better sense of their interests.

Mention how you know the student. At the beginning of the recommendation letter , explain how you know the student and state how long you’ve known them. If you’re a teacher, state how many courses they have taken with you. If you are an employer, describe the student’s role and their performance with your organization.

Include specific examples. In the college recommendation letter, provide specific examples of ways in which the person has demonstrated various skills and qualities. Try to think of examples from when they were in your class or your company.

Remain positive. State that you think this student is a strong candidate for the school. You might say something like “I recommend this individual without reservation.” Emphasize this, especially at the beginning and end of the letter. After all, you want to help the student stand out.

Avoid clichés. There are many common clichés in college recommendation letters, including vague phrases like “hard worker” and “diligent student.” Make sure to avoid these clichés, and back up any statement with specific evidence.

Share your contact information. Provide a way for the school to contact you if they have further questions. Include your email address, telephone number, or both at the end of the letter.

Follow the submission guidelines. Ask the student how to submit the college recommendation letter. Make sure you follow any requirements, especially about where to send it and when, as well as the format (for example, PDF, physical letter, etc.). Double-check the submission deadline so that there will be no question of not having your letter arrive on time.

College Recommendation Letter From a Teacher

You can use this letter of recommendation sample as a model. Download the template (compatible with Google Docs and Word), or read the text version below.

College Recommendation Letter From a Teacher (Text Version)

Dear XYZ College Admissions Committee,

I have known Beth Crawley for the past two years, having served as both her English teacher and her supervisor on the ABC High School newspaper. I believe Beth would be an excellent addition to XYZ College.

While a student at ABC High School, Beth has always challenged herself academically. She is an active participant in class discussions and grasps material quickly. She has superb written and verbal skills that are a pleasure for any teacher to encounter. Beth even tutors incoming high school freshmen who are struggling with their English courses.

Beth also excels in extracurricular activities. She has served as the features editor of our high school paper for the past two years and has written a number of insightful, thought-provoking articles. Her ability to delegate work to her assistant editors also reflects her organizational skills and strong leadership abilities.

Beth would bring so much to your school, both inside and outside of the classroom. If you have any questions regarding Beth's qualifications, please feel free to contact me at (555) 555-5555 or Kara.White@email.com.

English Teacher and Department Chair ABC High School

College Recommendation Letter From an Employer

I highly recommend Peter Ballis as a candidate for XYZ College. I have served as Peter's supervisor in his capacity as a camp counselor at ABC Summer Camp for the past four years.

From serving as a counselor-in-training in eighth grade to being promoted to head counselor last year, I have watched Peter develop into a confident and capable leader.

Peter is extremely responsible; not only is he accountable for a group of fifteen children every summer, but, as head counselor, he also supervises the counselors-in-training and assists them with any issues they may have. On days when I am not on site, Peter is the counselor I know I can rely on to make sure the other counselors' days run smoothly. He is a natural leader who can always be counted on.

I am extremely impressed by Peter's organizational skills. Not only does he come up with detailed weekly schedules for his campers, but he also makes sure that his group arrives on time to every activity.

I know this ability to organize and budget time will serve him well in a college setting. Peter is an organized, intelligent, and capable young man who would be an excellent addition to your school. Feel free to contact me with any questions at (555) 555-5555 or Madeleine.Grimes@email.com.

Madeleine Grimes

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Hi everyone. I'm kind of stuck on who to ask for letters of recommendation. Could you share examples of good recommendation letters so I know what to aim for, and potentially who to ask in my school? Thanks in advance!

The process of requesting letters of recommendation can feel daunting, so it's good you're putting some thought into it! College admissions committees usually expect one or two letters from teachers and one from your school counselor. Remember, these letters should highlight your academic abilities as well as your character, commitment, and dedication to your pursuits.

Although I cannot share specific letter samples, I can outline what an effective letter usually includes:

1. An Introduction: This section shows how the recommender knows the student—how long, how closely, and in what capacity. This helps put the rest of the letter in context.

2. Academic Performance: The recommender should indicate how the student performs in a classroom setting, providing specific examples if possible—how the student contributes to class discussions, how they handle challenges, their enthusiasm for learning, etc.

3. Extracurricular Involvement: This section can showcase the student's dedication to activities outside of the classroom, showing the breadth of their interests and their capacity for commitment and leadership.

4. Personal Qualities: The recommender should highlight positive aspects of the student's character. This could range from resilience to creativity and compassion.

5. Summary and Endorsement: The letter should conclude with a summary of why the recommender believes the student would excel in a college setting.

Make sure to choose someone familiar with your work and who will be able to articulate not just your academic achievements, but also your personal qualities and growth. A fantastic letter of recommendation is usually from someone who can tell a compelling story about you.

Asking for the letter is the other significant part of this. When making the ask, give your recommender plenty of time (preferably 2-3 months) before the letter is due, and provide them with a resume or a list of accomplishments to guide their writing. Also, don't shy away from discussing with them what you hope they'll highlight to align with your overall college application narrative.

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9 Sample Excellent Recommendation Letters for Your Job

Letters of Recommendation

Anyone who's applied for a job knows how important recommendation letters can be to getting hired. While you've probably asked for a reference letter in the past, you may be less familiar with writing one. If someone asks you for a reference, how can you produce a great letter that will help your employee, colleague, or friend get hired?

To help you through the writing process, we're providing nine samples of effective letters of recommendation (scroll down to skip to the samples!). By reading through these examples, you'll gain a clear understanding of how to structure your own letters.

Before getting to the free recommendation letter samples, let's briefly review the role that reference letters play in the hiring process. Why are they important, and what makes some stand out over others?

Why Are Recommendation Letters Important?

Many employers request recommendation letters to help them decide who to hire or internally promote. Throughout the hiring process, the applicant strives to present herself in the best light. Beyond the interview and resume, hiring managers look to recommendation letters to confirm the candidate's qualifications and to gain insight from an outside party.

The hiring manager wants to know what experiences the candidate will bring to the new role, how she'll contribute to the company or organization, and how she'll behave in the day-to-day. Recommendation letters can point to a candidate's future performance by talking about her past achievements.

Reference letters can also shed light on what it's like to manage, work with, or, in the case of a character reference, be friends with the person under consideration. They complement the candidate's story and suggest what she'll bring to the table in her next job.

If you get asked to write a letter for someone, it's safe to assume you want to do a good job. Helping someone get hired is not just a satisfying good deed, but it's also good professional karma! So how can you turn those good intentions into a stand-out employee letter of recommendation?

Each letter will, of course, be different, but good letters share certain key features. Read on to learn about three important characteristics of strong reference letters.

Your recommendation letter's not the time to be cagey about your identity! The hiring manager wants to know who you are and why you're qualified to recommend the applicant.

What Makes a Recommendation Letter Stand Out? 3 Key Features

Strong letters give positive descriptions of a candidate's skills in a concise and powerful way. Beyond using language that's clear and error-free, what elements should your recommendation letter include to be effective?

As you write your letter, make sure it does the following:

#1: Explains Why You're Qualified to Recommend the Candidate

In order to hold weight, a recommendation letter should come from a reputable source. If an employer wants a professional reference, then the writer of that letter probably worked with the candidate in a supervisory capacity. Some employers will also be interested in letters from a colleague or, occasionally, a friend, neighbor, or family member. Most letters, though, will be written by a supervisor, manager, or boss of some sort.

In the first paragraph, you should explain who you are and how you know the candidate. How long did you work with her and in what capacity? By explaining your relationship, you show that you're qualified to give an honest assessment.

If someone who feels like a relative stranger asks you to write a letter, you might consider declining or recommending someone else to write it. If you didn't get to know the candidate's work performance or only did so in a way completely unrelated to the new position, then you might not be able to provide a helpful letter of recommendation from employer to employee.

The best letters are written by people who can speak to the candidate's skills and accomplishments. Make sure to state clearly in the beginning of your letter who you are and why your opinion matters.

#2: Customized to the New Position

While you should speak to the candidate's accomplishments in her past role, you should also show why she'd make a good fit in the next one. Even if the candidate's making a career change, you can explain why she'll be able to do well in the new industry.

Here's where open communication with the applicant is important. She should share the job description so you have a clear understanding of the position's requirements. As the writer, you're not expected to do much research on the new job. The candidate should provide you with everything you need to know to customize your letter.

By drawing on this information, you can express confidence that the candidate will succeed in the new role. Then when the hiring manager reads your letter, she'll feel reassured that the candidate would make a good fit.

#3: Uses Specific Examples and Anecdotes

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, your letter should provide specific examples about the candidate. Don't just list adjectives like, "friendly, intelligent, and hard-working"; instead, present circumstances in which the candidate demonstrated those qualities. To borrow a favorite phrase of English teachers, "show, don't just tell."

Not only will examples point to the value the candidate brought to your organization or company, but they'll also paint a picture of how she works in day-to-day operations. Using two to three specific anecdotes in your letter will boost its level of persuasiveness. It will also sidestep a common rec letter trap: becoming a generic list of cliches.

Just as you should only write a recommendation letter if you feel qualified to assess the candidate, you should also only write it if you can provide a great one. While you don't want to go over the top and sound insincere, your letter should be a strongly positive endorsement.

Sample Recommendation Letters

As you read through the nine free job recommendation letters below, notice how they all share the three key features described above, even though they differ in terms of their source and target audience. Below are nine sample recommendation letters, each followed by an analysis of what it does well!

Sample Recommendation Letter 1: Written by a Direct Manager for a Full-Time Employee
Sample Recommendation Letter 2: Written by a Principal for a Teacher
Sample Recommendation Letter 3: Written by a Direct Manager for a Part-Time Employee
Sample Recommendation Letter 4: Written by a Manager for a Remote Worker
Sample Recommendation Letter 5: Written by a Supervisor for an Internal Promotion
Sample Recommendation Letter 6: Written by a Supervisor for a Student Intern
Sample Recommendation Letter 7: Written by a Coworker
Sample Recommendation Letter 8: Written by a Professor for a Former Student
Sample Recommendation Letter 9: Written by a Friend as a Character Reference

After checking out the above samples of recommendation letters, read on for some final thoughts on how to write an excellent letter of recommendation for an employee, coworker, or friend.

Now that you've got all the building blocks, you can put them together into a powerful letter of recommendation!

Writing Strong Letters of Recommendation: Final Thoughts

While the above samples of recommendation letters will help guide you through the letter writing process, they can't look exactly like your final product. Writing a letter is a significant undertaking, as it requires you to customize your words to the candidate and make your letter unique. Even though the specifics will vary, strong letters of recommendation do have certain features in common. Each letter should...

Use an Official Format

The sample letters show the proper format for a recommendation letter. They have the employer's name, position, company, and company's address at the top. To give one example, here's the header for recommendation letter sample #1:

Ms. Greta Johanssen Sales Manager Streambase Corp. 66 Western Boulevard Santa Fe, New Mexico 87500

You should also use official letterhead that has your name and contact information across the top, in whatever way you've chosen to present it. Each letter is addressed to a specific person, a greeting that's more personal than, "Dear Hiring Manager." Typically, paragraphs are single-spaced with a double space in between each one.

Finally, every letter concludes with an invitation to contact the writer for any further information. Then the writer may include her position, company, phone number, and email below her name.

Start with a Strong Opener

The strongest letters start out with an immediate statement of support. They might say, "It's my honor," "It's my pleasure," or "I'm very pleased to provide this letter of recommendation for Joe." Stating the obvious with a sentence like, "I'm writing to recommend Joe," looks weak beside a more enthusiastic opener.

In the first paragraph, explain who you are and why you're qualified to recommend the candidate. Write a line or two of praise about her professional and personal strengths, perhaps with a summary of the main points you'll present in the rest of the letter.

Include Two to Three Specific Examples

As mentioned above, strong letters typically include two to three body paragraphs with specific anecdotes about the candidate. They don't just describe the applicant's great qualities and accomplishments; they give examples and prove to her prospective employer that she's made achievements in the past that predict future success.

You might talk about a project or responsibility of the applicant or the value she's brought to your company. Consider relevant qualities like flexibility, initiative, leadership, growth, collaboration, interpersonal skills, and/or ability to perform within a certain environment or culture.

To Sum Up...

Depending on your relationship with the candidate, you might focus more on her work performance or personal character in your recommendation letter. An employer will focus more heavily on professional skills while a coworker may add personal qualities.

A friend or neighbor providing a character reference would produce the most personal letter. It falls upon the candidate to choose her recommenders wisely and to share any relevant information about the prospective position to help them write the best letter they can.

As long as you incorporate the key features discussed above and take the time to make your letter positive and specific, you'll provide a strong recommendation letter that will help your employee, colleague, or friend get hired. And who knows—perhaps in a year or two, she'll be writing a recommendation letter for you!

What's Next?

Are you tasked with writing a recommendation letter for a student applying to college? If so, check out these samples of recommendation letters from teachers and counselors, along with additional writing tips and a thorough recommendation letter template!

4 Amazing Samples of Recommendation Letters from Teachers Should You Move to a State with No Income Taxes
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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.

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