A Letter of Recommendation for College is a written endorsement of a student’s skills, abilities, and personality by someone familiar with the applicant.
Typically submitted with a college application, the letter aims to provide the admissions committee with additional insight into a student’s potential for academic success.
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Why It’s Important
Even if not explicitly required, submitting a well-crafted college recommendation letter can significantly strengthen a college application. Here’s why:
- It provides a well-rounded perspective. Admissions officers use recommendation letters to complement other application materials like essays and transcripts. These letters reveal intangible traits such as character, motivation, and the student’s capacity to thrive in a college environment.
- It contextualizes your achievements. A compelling recommendation can highlight the applicant’s personal journey and offer context to their academic and extracurricular involvement.
- It supports your diversity of skills. Recommendation letters can emphasize diverse strengths and unique skills that standardized tests and grades cannot fully capture, showcasing the student’s full potential to contribute to the college community.
Whom to Ask
College recommendation letters are typically written by high school teachers, counselors, or mentors who can speak to the student’s strengths in the classroom and their character. Letters may also come from coaches, employers, or community leaders who know the applicant well.
How to Request
Here are some tips for you to keep in mind when requesting a letter of recommendation for college:
- Whenever possible, ask for your recommendation letter in person. This direct approach allows for a more personal interaction and shows respect for the recommender’s time.
- Give the recommender plenty of advance notice. It is advised to request recommendation letters at least one month before the deadline, as this provides ample time for the letter writer to compose a detailed and thoughtful letter.
- Provide your recommenders with helpful background information, such as a resume, transcript, list of activities and honors, and any essays you plan to submit. Discuss your goals, interests, and strengths and how they relate to the particular college or program.
- Follow all instructions from the college regarding recommendation letter guidelines.
- Express your sincere appreciation to the recommender for taking the time and effort to support your application regardless of the results.
Understanding the FERPA Waiver
The FERPA waiver lets you relinquish your right to view recommendation letters. Students often sign this waiver to enhance the credibility of their recommendations, demonstrating trust in their referees and ensuring that the evaluations are perceived as authentic and honest.
Email Sample for Follow-Up
Subject: Thank You for Your Support with My College Application
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me and for agreeing to write a letter of recommendation for my application to [College/University Name]. I am incredibly grateful for your support.
I have attached my resume, a brief overview of my academic achievements and extracurricular activities, and the essay I plan to submit. These documents should provide a comprehensive background to assist you in your writing.
Please note that the college has specific formatting requirements for recommendation letters, including using Times New Roman, 12-point font, and single-spaced text. Let me know if you need further details about these guidelines or if there’s anything else you need from me.
Thank you once again for your support and guidance.
Warm regards,
How to Write
A strong letter of recommendation should include an enthusiastic introduction, 2-3 insightful body paragraphs, and a conclusion reiterating the writer’s recommendation to make a compelling case for the applicant.
Step 1: Introduction
Open with a strong statement of wholehearted recommendation. Provide details on how long you’ve known the student and in what capacity. This establishes your credibility to assess their abilities. Share any specific roles or interactions that gave you insight.
Introduction Sample
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am thrilled to provide my wholehearted recommendation for Jessica Chen for admission to your esteemed institution, specifically to the Political Science program. Over the past three years, as her AP Literature teacher and debate club advisor at Lincoln High School, I have had the pleasure of witnessing Jessica’s remarkable growth both academically and personally.
Step 2: Body Paragraphs
The body paragraphs of the recommendation letter should emphasize 1-2 unique strengths of the applicant with specific examples or stories.
Below are some key considerations when crafting the paragraphs:
- Quantify the student’s accomplishments when possible. For instance, noting a student’s science project won first place at a statewide competition gives more weight to claims about their scientific promise.
- Offer insight into the student’s motivations, interests, or context around their achievements. Rather than vague praise, admissions officers want to see specific anecdotes and stories that provide insight into your personality, motivations, and potential contributions to campus life.
- Assess their potential fit and contributions specifically to the college or program. Draw connections between the student’s strengths and specific programs, research, or resources offered at that college. Show why they are well suited for opportunities unique to that institution.
- Don’t be afraid to get personal. If you’re aware of the student’s backstory and it’s relevant, include it. Sharing personal challenges the student has overcome, or the motivation behind their academic pursuits can solidify their image and make their application stand out.
Body Paragraphs Sample
In the two years I have known Mark, he has consistently displayed a deep passion for environmental studies and sustainability. Mark spearheaded an innovative recycling project in our school that increased our recycling rates by over 40% within the first six months. He also volunteered for a summer research project with a local university, where he contributed to a study on the impact of urban development on local wildlife.
Furthermore, Mark’s ability to analyze data, identify areas of improvement, and implement a successful program showcases his readiness and ability for rigorous academic challenges and real-world environmental problem-solving. In the aforementioned summer research project, his research findings brought new insights into local environmental challenges and influenced school policies on land use and development planning. This demonstrates a level of initiative and impact that is rare among students his age and highlights his potential to excel in a rigorous academic environment like Stanford University.
Step 3: Conclusion
Conclude by reiterating your highest recommendation. Remind the reader of the student’s most impressive qualities and accomplishments. End on an encouraging, optimistic note about the student’s potential for success.
Conclusion Sample
I wholeheartedly recommend Clara Benson for admission to the Bachelor of Arts in Communication program at Northwestern University. Clara’s exceptional communication skills and her ability to engage with complex topics and articulate thoughtful, persuasive arguments assures me that she will thrive academically and socially at your prestigious institution. Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Letter of Recommendation for College: Examples
Sample #1: Celine for Major in Business
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend Celine Nguyen for your esteemed Business program at the University of Washington. Having had the pleasure of teaching Celine in both her junior and senior years as her Advanced Placement Economics teacher, I have witnessed firsthand her profound capabilities and determination in business and economic concepts.
Celine has consistently demonstrated exceptional analytical skills and a robust understanding of economic principles, which she skillfully applied in real-world scenarios during class projects. One notable project was her comprehensive analysis of market trends affecting local businesses, which she presented at our school’s annual business fair, receiving accolades from both faculty and local entrepreneurs.
Her leadership extends beyond the classroom as well. As the president of our school’s Entrepreneur Club, Celine spearheaded a series of successful community-focused initiatives, including a “Local Business Support Drive” that partnered students with small businesses to develop strategies to enhance their visibility and sales. This project not only supported local enterprises during economic downturns but also enriched students’ understanding of real-world business challenges and solutions.
In conclusion, I have no reservations about giving Celine my highest recommendation for your business program. Her intellectual curiosity, leadership qualities, and ethical standards make her an ideal candidate who will surely excel and contribute positively to your university community. Please feel free to contact me if you need further information.
Warm regards,
Ms. Jane Doe
AP Economics Teacher
Lincoln High School
[email protected]
555-123-4567
Sample #2: Mariah for Major in Health Sciences
Dear Admissions Office,
I am delighted to recommend Mariah Evans for the Health Sciences program at Bradley College. As Mariah’s Health Sciences teacher and advisor for the past three years, I have observed her profound commitment to the healthcare field, her empathy, and her scientific acumen.
Mariah’s dedication to the Health Sciences is driven by a personal mission. After witnessing the challenges her grandmother faced while managing diabetes, Mariah developed an award-winning project that created a more efficient way for patients to track and manage their blood sugar levels using a mobile app. This innovation earned her the regional “Young Innovator in Healthcare” award.
Beyond her academic prowess, Mariah has volunteered over 200 hours at our local hospital, demonstrating her dedication and passion for healthcare. Her efforts were instrumental in establishing an ongoing health workshop series at the hospital, for which she received the “Volunteer of the Year” award, underscoring her commitment to healthcare education and community service.
I am confident that Mariah will thrive in your Health Sciences program and bring her keen insights and unwavering dedication to your academic community. Her potential in the field of health sciences is immense, and I eagerly anticipate the contributions she will make. For any further details, do not hesitate to reach out.
Best regards,
Dr. Lisa Smith
Health Sciences Department
Central High School
[email protected]
555-987-6543
Sample #3: Kazuma for Major in Economics
To Whom It May Concern,
I wholeheartedly recommend Kazuma Tanaka for admission to the Economics program at Oberlin College. As his Economics teacher over the last two years at Springfield Academy, I have been impressed by Kazuma’s analytical thinking, engaging nature, and insightful contributions to class discussions.
Kazuma’s ability to dissect complex economic issues and propose well-thought-out solutions is remarkable and speaks to his readiness for higher academic pursuits. His senior thesis, which analyzed the economic impact of renewable energy initiatives in rural communities, was awarded the Best Thesis this year at our academy.
Furthermore, Kazuma has demonstrated impressive leadership skills. As the vice president of our student council, he proposed and took the lead on a community outreach program, which encouraged his peers to connect with local residents and educated them about economic policies that affect their daily lives. Kazuma was able to lead and inspire action while solidifying his practical understanding of economic concepts through community engagement.
I have no doubt that Kazuma will excel in your Economics program and will bring his unique perspectives and commendable work ethic to enrich the intellectual life at Oberlin. Should you require any additional information, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Mr. Alan Grant
Economics Department
Springfield Academy
[email protected]
555-321-0987
Letter of Recommendation for College Sample
Copy the free sample or download a customizable letter of recommendation template below.
___________________ [Recommender’s Name]
___________________ [Recommender’s Institution]
______________________________________ [Recommender’s Address]
___________________ [Recommender’s Phone Number or Email Address]
___________________ [Date]
___________________ [Recipient’s Name]
___________________ [Recipient’s Institution]
______________________________________ [Recipient’s Address]
___________________ [Recipient’s Phone Number or Email Address]
Dear ___________________ [Recipient’s name],
It is with great enthusiasm that I write to recommend ___________________ [Applicant’s name] for the ___________________ [Course/degree applied for] at ___________________ [Name of institution offering this course/degree]. Having had the pleasure of engaging with ___________________ [Applicant’s name] as their ___________________ [Relation to applicant] for ______ [Time] at ___________________ [Name of institution], I have been impressed by their commitment to achieving and maintaining a high standard in all endeavors. This positions me well to attest to their suitability for this application.
During their tenure in ___________________ [Applicant’s field of study/interest], ___________________ [Applicant’s name] has consistently demonstrated ___________________ [Applicant’s attribute/skill]. A notable achievement was their commitment in _____________________________________ [Description of achievement]. As a result, _____________________________________ [Result of achievement].
Moreover, ___________________ [Applicant’s name] has shown remarkable ___________________ [Applicant’s attribute/skill] through their involvement in _______________________________ [Description of achievement]. Because of this, ___________________________ [Result of achievement].
Beyond ___________________ [Applicant’s name]’s accomplishments in ___________________ [Applicant’s field of study/interest], they have made significant contributions to ______________________________________ [Description of achievement], showcasing their ___________________ [Applicant’s attribute/skill]. Through these contributions, _____________________________________ [Result of achievement].
To conclude, I am confident in recommending ___________________ [Applicant’s name] for the ___________________ [Course/degree applied for]. I have no doubt that they will continue to grow and inspire others in their future endeavors.
I am happy to provide any additional information or discuss ___________________ [Applicant’s name]’s journey further. I can be reached at ___________________ [Recommender’s phone or email].
Sincerely,
___________________ [Recommender’s Name]
___________________ [Recommender’s Department or Title]
________________________________ [Recommender’s Email or Phone]
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the same letter be used for multiple college applications?
Typically, it is recommended to get a unique letter tailored for each application when possible, as it shows the recommender understands the unique mission and values of that particular college. However, asking the same person to submit the same generic letter to multiple schools can be acceptable, especially when on a tight deadline. The recommender can include a paragraph speaking to your overall qualifications before going into specifics about that particular college.
Who can write a letter for a homeschooled student?
Homeschooled students can ask parents, tutors, mentors, coaches, employers, or anyone else who can speak to their abilities and achievements. The focus should be on showcasing academic potential, intellectual interests, work ethic, and personal qualities through specific examples such as research projects and self-directed learning.
In addition, providing context on the student’s homeschooling experience is also useful for admission officers. Details about the curriculum, teaching methods, and environment that enabled the student to thrive academically can give helpful perspective.
How long should a letter of recommendation for college be?
A college recommendation letter should typically be one page long and consist of about 300-500 words.
How many letters of recommendation should I get?
Most colleges require two to three letters of recommendation. Always check the specific requirements of each college to which you are applying.
