How to Write a Recommendation Letter for a Student | Step Guide

When a student is applying to a university or a job, it is necessary to get a letter of recommendation either from a professor or a mentor. If you are searching for how to write a recommendation letter for a student, then this article offers a simple guide on how to write one.

In writing a recommendation letter for a student, you, as the writer, will need to represent the student by writing the letter and serving as a character witness to the institution, job, or company they are applying to.

Recommendation letters can help students to stand out from other applications, mainly if you write an honest and positive letter of recommendation for the student.

Continue to read to learn all you need to know about writing a recommendation letter for a student.

What is a Recommendation Letter?

An individual’s personal qualities and work ethic are highlighted in a letter of recommendation, which might help them with their application.

Generally, a letter of recommendation can be used by a student to assist them in getting into an academic or professional program. The letter is frequently written by someone who has interacted with the person professionally or academically.

Basically, it gives employers or universities a reference assessment of applicants’ qualities, including their abilities, points of strength, objectives, and successes.

You should take out time to read: How To Write A Recommendation Letter For College

Who to Write a Recommendation Letter For

You can get requests for recommendation letters from different students. Although it’s true that a reference letter might help your application, it can also work against you.

Professors, or other educators who better understand the student write the most extraordinary letters of recommendation. Consider it carefully before agreeing to write a letter of reference for a student.

The students for whom you have to write a recommendation letter include:

  • The students who have attended your classes
  • The students who helped with your study and research
  • Students you oversaw in their project
  • Your mentees who were or are your students.

Most essential, you should only propose candidates whose abilities and potential you believe in.

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What to Include in a Recommendation Letter

Basically, there are specific details to add in a letter of recommendation for a student:

  • Greeting
  • Introductory paragraph
  • Body paragraphs
  • Closing
  • Sing-off

1. Greeting or Salutation

The salutation is quite simple. Since it is doubtful that the identities of the committee members would be disclosed, you can write “To Whom It May Concern,” “Dear Admission Committee,” or “Dear Admission Board.”

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2. Introductory Paragraph

An essential part of a recommendation letter is the introductory paragraph. Using only a few phrases, you must:

  • Identify yourself as a scholar.
  • Justify your connection to the student.
  • Indicate your support for the student’s admission to the program and why they deserve it.

Let the admissions committee know who you are as a scholar and researcher are crucial. When the committee learns about your experience and your capacity to assess a student, your recommendation letter will have greater credibility.

That, however, does not persuade the committee. You must also show your genuine familiarity with the student.

You can accomplish it successfully if you give the names of the courses the student has taken with you and how long you have been their teacher. Mention the student’s name and the length of time they helped you if they previously collaborated with you on a research project.

Last but not least, the goal of a recommendation letter is to support a student’s admission to a university program; therefore, state your support towards the conclusion of the opening paragraph.

3. Body paragraphs

In the letter of reference, you should go into further detail about why your student would be a strong candidate for a master’s or Ph.D. program in the body paragraphs.

You can do a few things to improve the admissions committee’s comprehension of the applicant’s academic potential and character:

  • Describe how well the student did in those classes.
  • Showcase the student’s abilities
  • Emphasize the student’s passion for the subject.
  • Highlight the student’s strengths

4. Closing

Summarize the student’s advantages in your recommendation letter’s conclusion. Remind the admissions committee that the student’s enrollment in the program will also be advantageous to the university.

5. Sign off

Don’t forget to include a formal sign-off at the very end of the recommendation letter. Finish it off with “Sincerely” or “Best Regards,” followed by your Name, title, and contact information.

They also checked out: Email Signatures For College Students

Recommendation Letter vs. Reference Letter

We should first consider a recommendation letter before writing one for a student. A letter of recommendation for a student is, by definition, a letter endorsing the student’s application for a program or award.

You outline why you think the student is qualified for a specific job or opportunity.

Perhaps you’ve also heard of a student reference letter. Although they are comparable and sometimes used interchangeably, recommendation letters and reference letters have some differences.

While a reference letter for a student concerns a more comprehensive and all-encompassing evaluation of the student and their character, a recommendation letter for a student is required for admittance into a specific academic program.

Tips on Writing a Recommendation Letter for a Student

  • Inquire about the student’s academic history.

You probably have a lot of students, so you might not always recall specifics about each one. Before you begin writing, requesting some pertinent information from the student is a good idea.

  • Be sure you use the right school and program names.

Students frequently submit applications for many programs at once. When drafting the letter of recommendation, pay attention to the names.

  • Create a letter of recommendation that is specific to the program.

Read over the webpage for the program before drafting the recommendation letter, then highlight the student’s best qualities.

How to Write a Recommendation Letter for a Student

1. Get the student’s academic information.

First, request a list of your student’s academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and grade point average (GPA). Inquire further about the course, institution, or position they are applying for.

You may customize your letter with the use of this information. Your objective is to encourage and promote the student’s achievement by acting as an advocate for them.

Ask to see the student’s résumé if they are searching for a job so you may learn more about their professional or academic experience. You can also ask for the job description for the greatest indication of how the student may perform in the role.

You can request to read the personal essay the kid will probably submit if they apply to a university or another program.

Also, you might also inquire about the student’s motivations for applying, their goals, and their expectations for the chance to learn more about them. In your letter, you can share your thoughts on this material.

2. Address your letter correctly.

By adequately addressing your letter, you may ensure that it is delivered to the intended recipient and even give the reader the suggestion of a more individualized appearance.

Determine who the letter should be sent to by having the student tell you that person’s part in the application process. You can address the letter to the program director, admissions counselor, department head, or recruiting manager.

If the student doesn’t specify who to mail the letter to, you can also write to a college’s admissions office or the business’s human resources division.

Keep the letter generic if the kid is applying to many institutions or businesses, but make sure to emphasize their best qualities.

For instance, the applicant may be submitting applications to many technical colleges in the pursuit of a career as a software developer.

Given this information, you may concentrate on the student’s accomplishments in the computer sciences and give an example of one of their successful projects or science prizes.

Since you are writing a recommendation letter, you may also find this helpful: How to Write a Letter of Intent | Full Samples |PDF

3. Introduce yourself and add your qualifications

An admissions committee or company will regard your credibility while forming a judgment about the applicant. Introduce yourself and then explain why you are the best person to advocate on the student’s behalf at the start of your letter. Also, include your job title.

4. Add details of your academic relationship with the student.

Talk about how long you’ve known the student and in what capacity as you continue your introduction. This can be a direct extension of your work title, outlining your contribution to the student’s academic success.

You may also talk about the kid’s initial thoughts of you and how you’ve seen them grow into a well-rounded student.

Think of expressing how the student astonished or pleased you during class, on their work, or in other academic situations.

5. Outline the student’s qualifications with examples

Numerous colleges and businesses frequently search for applicants they think may add to and enhance the firm. The hiring manager could be interested in reading about the student’s potential to advance the company’s goals and strengthen workplace culture.

If a student is likely to participate in clubs and groups, be involved in their studies, and help their fellow students, the admissions counselor may want to know.

When writing a letter of recommendation, keep in mind who will be reading it. Give examples and details about how the student can help the school or business.

You may demonstrate their prospective success by highlighting their contributions to your institution. Your examples can be taken from their academic history or résumé and can include things like:

  • Volunteering
  • Leadership roles
  • Academic excellence
  • Group or individual projects
  • Sports and clubs
  • Competitions, recognitions, and awards

6. Conclude your letter

You can reiterate your endorsement of the student’s qualifications in your closing paragraph and promise to be reachable if the reader has any more queries concerning your recommendation or previous interactions with the student.

Include a few ways for people to get in touch with you, such as your email address and a phone or telephone number where you can be reached.

The employer or institution may be persuaded to choose the student if you demonstrate confidence in their talents and complete support for the position or program in this last phase.

Also, check out: How To Write A Cover Letter For Internship.

Recommendation Letter for a Student Templates

Below are free samples of recommendation letters for students for college and job applications.

LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION FOR STUDENTS – for College Application

 To Whom It May Concern,

 My Name is [Your Full Name], and I have had the pleasure of teaching and working together with [Student’s full name]l at [The Name of your institution] as a coach and teacher.

 As the department’s head of mathematics, [student’s Name] was enrolled in my Calculus 4 course last year. He has a strong desire to excel academically, but during the past four years, I have also coached him on the golf team, where he has demonstrated the true meaning of humility and sportsmanship. I therefore heartily recommend [Student’s Name] for enrollment in [Name of university/institution] [the program you are recommending the student for] this autumn.

 [Student’s Name] has consistently shown drive and maturity in the classroom and on the playing field. He is a fantastic role model for his peers and is genuinely interested in challenging and improving his abilities. He has a calm, collected demeanor that has me impressed. Also, he always treats other athletes kindly and has a good outlook while competing.

 I believe a great athlete is someone who stays upbeat even when they lose, and [Student’s Name] fits that bill perfectly. Because of this, he was my first choice to lead the [the Name of institution alongside the program or position you are recommending the student for].

 The ambitious personality, amiable demeanor, and aptitude for leadership that [Student’s Name] possesses will be advantageous to [Name of the university/institution], in my opinion. [Student’s Name] is the ideal candidate for [Name of university/institution alongside the program you are recommending the student for] due to these qualities and many more.

 I’d be glad to give further details on [Student’s Name] accomplishments in the classroom and on the golf course. I may be reached at [Your phone or telephone number] or [Your email address] by phone or email.

 Sincerest regards

 {Your Full Name]

 [The Name of your institution]

You can download a free sample of a recommendation letter for students below:

Before you go, check out: How To Write A Resignation Acceptance Letter

Recommendation letter for a student for job application:

Conclusion

It’s an opportunity to help shape a student’s future by writing a letter of recommendation for them.

It serves as evidence of the value of building connections with people and giving pupils your time and attention.

Offer to supply any more details that would aid the reader in making a decision. Sign the letter correctly and express your gratitude for their concern and time.

FAQs

How do I write a good letter of recommendation?

Get the student’s academic information
Address your letter correctly
Introduce yourself and add your qualifications
Add details of your academic relationship with the student
Outline the student’s qualifications with examples
Conclude your letter

How do I write a simple letter of recommendation?

Get the student’s academic information
Address your letter correctly
Introduce yourself and add your qualifications
Add details of your academic relationship with the student
Outline the student’s qualifications with examples
Conclude your letter

How long should a recommendation letter be?

Two pages

A two-page maximum is recommended for the recommendation letter. Although the quality of a reference letter is more important than its length, a letter with only a few phrases is not advised.

References

  • bau.edu – Write a Recommendation Letter for Students; What to Include in a Recommendation Letter
  • Indeed.com – How to Write a Recommendation for a Student

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