A student asks for a recommendation, and you want to help. But when you sit down to write, 'hardworking and motivated' is all that comes out. You know those words aren't enough to show what the student can do.
A useful letter gives the reader evidence they couldn't get from a transcript alone. Describe what you observed, explain the context, and connect it to the opportunity. If you can't provide a meaningful recommendation, tell the student early enough to ask someone else.
Important Elements of a Recommendation Letter
- Personalization: Confirm the program or opportunity, deadline, recipient, and submission method. Ask for the relevant application materials and a reminder of your work together. Tailor the letter to the actual request.
- Qualifications: Choose strengths you can support with examples. A revised research design, careful analysis, or well-explained project can show more than a string of adjectives.
- Academic Performance: Describe the work you evaluated and what it demonstrated. Include grades or other records only as appropriate and authorized. Don't repeat the transcript when you can explain the thinking behind the work.
- Character and Work Habits: Use observed behavior. Did the student respond thoughtfully to feedback, follow through on a team responsibility, or persist with a difficult question? Avoid speculation about personal circumstances.
- Comparisons: Make comparisons only when you have a defensible basis. Specify the group and period if you offer a ranking. You don't need to call every strong student the best you've ever taught.
- Relevance: Connect the example to the skills the opportunity requires. Show why the student is prepared for that work without claiming expertise about a program you haven't examined.
- Potential Contribution: Explain what the student could bring based on what you've seen. Keep predictions proportionate. A recommendation can be enthusiastic without promising a particular future.
- Closing Statement: State the strength and purpose of your endorsement clearly. Avoid vague language that accidentally weakens a recommendation you intend to support.
- Contact Information: Include an appropriate professional contact route for follow-up. Check names and pronouns throughout, especially if you began with an older letter.
Sample Letter of Recommendation
This template is for a hypothetical graduate psychology application. Replace the placeholders with accurate observations. Don't retain claims you can't support.
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Professional Contact Information]
[Date]
[Recipient or Admissions Committee]
[Program]
[University]
Dear [Recipient or Members of the Admissions Committee],
I recommend [Student's Name] for admission to [Program] at [University]. I have known [Student's Name] for [period] as their [instructor or supervisor] in [courses or project]. That work has given me an opportunity to observe their [relevant skills].
In [course or project], [Student's Name] investigated [specific question]. Their work stood out because [observed strength supported by an example]. When [specific research or analytical challenge] arose, they [documented response]. This showed their ability to [relevant skill].
I also saw how [Student's Name] used feedback. After I raised questions about [specific issue], they [actual revision or follow-up]. The resulting work [accurate observation about the improvement]. That willingness to examine a problem carefully would be useful in graduate study.
In [relevant setting], [Student's Name] contributed by [specific observed behavior]. For example, [brief incident]. This adds to my assessment of their readiness for [relevant program demands].
Based on these experiences, I [level of endorsement] recommend [Student's Name] for [Program]. Their work demonstrates [two supported strengths], and I believe they're prepared to continue developing those abilities through graduate study.
Please contact me at [professional email] if further information would be helpful. Thank you for considering their application.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
Before you send the letter, read it once with the student's name removed. Could it describe almost anyone? If so, add one specific example. Then check the deadline, recipient, submission route, and any confidentiality instructions.
You don't need an elaborate letter to advocate well. You need a clear account of what you've seen and why it matters for the student's next step.
