Sample College Recommendation Letter Template
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A strong college recommendation letter can significantly impact a student’s application. While each letter should be personalized, a template provides a helpful structure. Here’s a breakdown of a sample college recommendation letter template:
I. Introduction (Approximately 1 paragraph)
- Your relationship to the applicant: Clearly state how you know the student (e.g., “I have been [Student’s Name]’s AP English teacher for the past two years.”). Mention the subject you taught or your role in relation to the student.
- Enthusiasm and overall assessment: Immediately convey your overall impression. Start with a strong statement like, “It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Student’s Name] for admission to your university.” Follow with a brief, high-level summary of their strengths. Example: ” [Student’s Name] is an exceptional student with a sharp intellect, a strong work ethic, and a genuine passion for learning.”
- Length of acquaintance: Briefly specify the duration of your acquaintance to establish context.
II. Body Paragraphs (Approximately 2-3 paragraphs)
- Academic Abilities and Intellectual Qualities: Focus on academic strengths. Provide specific examples and anecdotes to support your claims.
- Example: “In my AP English class, [Student’s Name] consistently demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of complex literary concepts. For instance, during our unit on Shakespeare, [he/she/they] wrote an insightful essay comparing the themes of ambition and fate in Macbeth and Hamlet, displaying an impressive grasp of textual analysis.”
- Discuss intellectual curiosity, critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and research skills.
- Personal Qualities and Character: Highlight traits like leadership, teamwork, resilience, integrity, and communication skills. Again, use specific examples.
- Example: “[Student’s Name]’s leadership skills were evident during the school’s annual fundraising event. [He/She/They] took the initiative to organize a team to sell raffle tickets, motivating their peers and ultimately exceeding their fundraising goal.”
- Mention extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or personal projects where the student excelled.
- Address their ability to overcome challenges or setbacks.
- Comparison to Peers (Optional but Powerful): If possible, compare the student to their peers, highlighting their exceptional qualities. Be honest and avoid hyperbole.
- Example: “In my fifteen years of teaching, [Student’s Name] ranks among the top 5% of students I have had the privilege of instructing.”
III. Conclusion (Approximately 1 paragraph)
- Reiterate your strong recommendation: Reaffirm your support for the student’s application. Example: “I am confident that [Student’s Name] will make significant contributions to your university community.”
- Summarize key strengths: Briefly reiterate the student’s most outstanding qualities.
- Offer contact information: Include your email address or phone number if you are willing to answer further questions from the admissions committee. Example: “Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information. I can be reached at [Your Email Address].”
- Formal closing: Use a professional closing such as “Sincerely,” or “Respectfully,” followed by your name and title.
Important Considerations:
- Personalization is Key: This is a template; tailor it to the individual student. Generic letters are easily identified and less effective.
- Honest Assessment: Be truthful in your evaluation. Don’t exaggerate or embellish the student’s accomplishments.
- Proofread Carefully: Ensure the letter is free of grammatical errors and typos.
- Follow Instructions: Adhere to any specific guidelines provided by the college or the student.
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