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Writing Letters of Recommendation

10 Tips on Writing a Letter of Recommendation

  1. Clearly state who you are and how you know the student. Let admissions office know who you are, how you know the student, and how long you have known the student. State what qualifies you to assess the student.

  2. Include the name of the student in your letter. This may seem obvious, but it is important to remember. That way, if the letter gets separated from the rest of the student’s application, admissions will know who it is for.

  3. Follow guidelines, when supplied by the college. Some colleges will ask you to supply specific information in your letter of recommendation. Follow these guidelines when supplied.

  4. Ask the student for their resume or list of accomplishments. This will help you identify the student’s strong points and create a focus for your letter. Avoid simply repeating a list of the student’s activities and accomplishments.

  5. Review the student’s essay. Ask the student for a copy of their college essay. Your recommendation can serve as a great compliment. Like the essay, your letter of recommendation can tell the admissions office something about the student’s character that isn’t evident in the rest of their application.

  6. Include details about the student. Use examples to support your statements about the student. Keep in mind that admission offices typically review students from the same high school all at once so your letters may be read back-to-back. Details show admissions you know the student on an individual basis.

  7. Focus on the positive. Not every student is top of their class, a star athlete, or head of the drama club. Focus on each student’s positive aspects and try to approach any negative qualities from a positive perspective. For example, maybe the class clown can be disruptive, but aren’t they also witty, energetic and have a great ability to persevere? While it is good to focus on the student’s positive qualities, try to remain honest. After all, it is not your job to get the student accepted; that is the job of the admission office.

  8. State how the student compares to others. Demonstrate how the student compares to his/her peers. It may be helpful to include the student’s class rank, or highlight one or two awards the student has earned to emphasize your point.

  9. Provide a clear endorsement for the student. Make sure to include a clear endorsement for the student in your letter of recommendation. Conclude your letter by summarizing your main points and repeating your endorsement.

  10. Type your letter and sign in ink.