SAMPLE LETTER OF RECOMMENDATIONS
1
To whom it may concern
The Admission Committee,
I am writing this letter of recommendation for(STUDENT NAME)in support of his
application to the master’s program at your respected university. I had the pleasure of
working closely with through his final year project and internship during which I
recognized his deep passion and determination to excel in the field.
(STUDENT NAME)is an exceptionally talented individual with a plethora of skills that
immediately set him apart from his peers. He conducted himself proficiently through his
internship and performed excellently in the training tests. I handled the lab sessions for
Artificial intelligence and got to know about his interest in the practical implementation of
the concepts he learned in class. His competence and consistency through his final
project not only highlighted his aptitude to grasp concepts rapidly but also his analytical
and application-oriented mindset. Unsurprisingly, he performed well in his lab sessions
and his project received the best scores for the high quality of industry standard
architecture and practicality employed.
(STUDENT NAME)is a charismatic leader who works effortlessly with others. He led a
team of six members in his internship where his energy, confidence, and sincerity set an
example to the rest. His keen observation skills led him to comprehend problems easily,
to delegate tasks and promote an environment of progress and productivity. He managed
simultaneous responsibilities and accepted different ideas and inputs to formulate the
best approach. Moreover, is an eloquent speaker with the ability to express his ideas in a
lucid and logical manner. His presentation on the --XYZ-- was detailed and interactive. He
incorporated an easy-to-use and eye-catching user interface as he communicated the
intricate nuances of the topic without losing sight of the bigger picture. He was thorough in
his research with structured and thought-provoking responses to follow-up questions.
Besides his academic ventures, was the secretary for the technical club in the Annual
college fest and executed some of the best technical events on campus. He is an avid
learner with a disciplined attitude and the ability to allocate his time effectively in order to
gain from every opportunity. I specifically commend him for his brilliant performance
which placed him at the second rank in the Hackathon for smart cities as well.
On a personal level,(STUDENT NAME) is friendly and kind-hearted, treating those around
him with the utmost respect. He is self-driven, ambitious, and diligent to achieving his
goals. He is committed to pursuing a career in the field and persists even in the face of
adversities. These are only a few reasons as to why I believe that he would make an
invaluable addition to your program, and therefore I strongly recommend his application to
your university without any qualms.
Sincerely,
--XYZ--
Assistant Professor
Department of Computer Engineering
2
With immense pleasure, I am writing this reference letter in support of Candidate
Name who is applying to the Masters in Science programme at your esteemed
University. I have known Candidate Name in my capacity as his Professor for over
three years now during which, I taught him the courses of 'Thermodynamics', 'Heat
and Mass Transfer', 'Renewable Sources of Energy' and 'Advanced IC Engines' in the
first, fourth, fifth and sixth semesters, respectively. Through my observation, I would
like to say that he/she is attentive and studious and possesses a positive attitude
towards academics.
Throughout his course of study, Candidate Name has shown great interest in practical
aided learning techniques. We engaged in several courses and research related
discussions in which, he/she confidently talked about his/her aspirations towards
higher education. For his/her project, he/she chose the significantly complex topic of
‘Enhancing Efficiency of Screw Press Oil Expeller Roller’. Besides this, he/she has
also gained experience in numerous simple concepts that are highly valuable for the
future generation.
Besides the academic record, Candidate Name's participation in MIRAGE’14,
state-level project competition for Mechanical Engineering students held in our college,
clearly displays his/her interest in the manufacturing and creative sector. As a person
who is always ready to take up responsibility, he/she carries out his/her duties with
immense dedication.
Throughout the year Candidate Name's was an active participant in our discussions,
and he/she always supported his/her peers. I am certain that Candidate Name's is
going to continue to do great and creative things in future and stand-out as an
individual at your school.
I have the deepest personal and professional respect for him/her, and sincerely
believe Candidate Name will bring his/her unique energy, optimism, passion, and
tireless creativity to your class and University as a whole. Thus, he/she has my
highest endorsement for admission into his/her desired course at your University. If
you have any questions about this recommendation, please do not hesitate to contact
me for I will gladly try to help.
Yours sincerely,
Full name of the recommender
Designation-Department
College, City
Contact No:
E-mail ID:
I am pleased to recommend ABC for the Masters Program at your university. I have
known ABC for the past three years teaching him courses in Applied
thermodynamics(Semester 3), Thermal Engineering(Semester 4) and Fluid
Mechanics(Semester 5). I have also supervised his laboratory work for these subjects.
During this time I have had interactions with ABC on an academic and personal level.
What struck me instantly was his commitment to his work and his desire to achieve
excellence in whatever he undertakes.
In all my classes, ABC has been an active participant in classroom discussions and
has excelled in all the subjects that I have taught him, constantly securing above 65
percent. He has always submitted his assignments and project reports well before
deadlines and he is well focused with a keen interest in the practical application of the
subject. His thought of relating everything taught in class with the practical situations
happening every day has strengthened his base. So, his knowledge of the subjects of
dynamics is extremely thorough. He has successfully been part of the student council
as the cultural secretary of the college and has represented the college and organized
events and festivals exceptionally well.
I believe that ABC’s stronghold on the subjects of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics
and heat-mass transfer will hold him well in his stride. He has spoken to me about his
dream of pursuing his goal and dream subject in detail, and I also believe that he has
the required knowledge and skillset to excel in this course. He will do well in this
course and will blend well into the new environment. Hence, I strongly recommend
him for admission to your university.
Regards,
XYZ
Senior
College
4
I am pleased to recommend for the Masters Program in your university. I have
known for the past three years teaching him courses in Applied
Thermodynamics(Semester 3), Thermal Engineering(Semester 4) and Fluid
Mechanics(Semester 5). I have also supervised his laboratory work for these subjects.
During this time I have had interactions with on an academic and personal level.
What struck me instantly was his commitment to his work and his desire to achieve
excellence in whatever he undertakes.
In all my classes, has been an active participant in classroom discussions and has
excelled in all the subjects that I have taught him, constantly securing above 65 percent.
He has always submitted his assignments and project reports well before deadlines and
he is well focused with a keen interest in the practical application of
the subject. His habit of relating everything taught in class with the everyday applications
has strengthened his base. Hence, his knowledge of the subjects of Applied
thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics and Fluid Dynamics is extremely thorough.
Other than the stipulated work in class, has taken up several other initiatives and
excelled in them. He is currently working on a project for the testing and enhancement of
an earth air tunnel installed in our college campus. Along with two of his classmates, he is
doing the necessary study required to make the project a success. They are successfully
working towards achieving a system which is entirely electricity-free and is also eco-
friendly. His work on this project highlights his thorough knowledge in the subjects of fluid
mechanics, heat-mass transfer etc.
Doing well academically has not limited his involvement in other sectors. He has
successfully been part of the student council as the cultural secretary of the college and
has represented college and organized events and festivals exceptionally well. He is also
an excellent sportsman representing the college in sports like Cricket and Volleyball.
I believe that ’s strong hold on the subjects of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and heat-
mass transfer will hold him well in his stride. He has spoken to me in detail about his
plans to pursue an MS in Mechanical Engineering with a Concentration in Energy
Systems and I believe he has the required knowledge and skill set to excel in this course.
Also his well-rounded personality as a result of the variety of his experiences as the
cultural secretary of the college will make him an asset to your organization. He will do
well in this course and will blend well into the new environment. Hence, I strongly
recommend him for admission into your university.
Regards,
Mr.
Senior Professor
College Name
I am writing to you in support of YERRAM ROHINI and her desire to attend your university for the
mechanical engineering program. Though many students ask me to make this request on their
behalf, I only recommend students whom I feel are well-suited for the program of their choice.
[Link] is one of those students and therefore, I highly recommend that she be given the
opportunity to attend your university. she has consistently shown such a strong desire to learn
that I simply could not turn down her request for recommendation.
I have taughther “THEORY OF MACHINES”
and “MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS” subjects. Her performance in those classes was excellent.
Sh e is a bright and intelligent and her insightful approach towards the subject is splendid. With is
diligence and brightness, she finished her assignments in time. Sh e joined our institute through
the statewide competitive examination for admission to engineering programs.
Apart from academics Ms [Link] is the most popular student I have known in this college. This
I attribute to her for excellent communication skills, enchanting leadership qualities and the way
she organizes the technical meets and other extra curricular activities.
As a teacher I would rate him among top 1% of 60 students and strongly convinced that Ms Y.
Rohini is sufficiently prepared for her proposed stud and that she will make significant
contribution to your program. So I strongly recommend her to pursue in masters degree in
mechanical engineering at your university. I wish her all the best.
Yours sincerely,
Full name of the recommender
Designation-Department College, City
Contact No: E-mail ID:
To Whom It May Concern:
It is with very great pleasure that I write this recommendation for Allen Cheng to support his application for admission into Harvard. Allen has a deep passion for
science and has been one of the few exceptionally gifted students that I have encountered in my career as an Advanced Placement Chemistry teacher. Among his many
achievements and accomplishments, Allen's performance on a battery of Chemistry Olympiad exams taken by approximately 11,000 students nationwide recently
secured him the position as the second alternate for the U.S. Chemistry Olympiad team, ranking 6th in the country for a team which represented our nation in the
International Chemistry Olympiad competition in Germany this past spring. As a senior, Allen hopes to surpass his performance once more in hopes of securing a solid
position as one of the four members on the 2005 U.S. Chemistry Olympiad team this coming spring.
I first encountered Allen when he was a sophomore in my AP Chemistry class. He was the youngest student in the class of upper classmen, but he was the top
excelling student among the two sections of AP Chemistry classes that I taught during the 2002-2003 academic year. As a sophomore, he worked very well with
others, mastered laboratory techniques, earned the top score on the AP Chemistry Exam, and was one of the top performers on the National Chemistry Olympiad
Exam that year.
As one of the top performers on the National Chemistry Olympiad Exam in 2003, Allen was one of twenty students in the nation who qualified to be a participant
in the United States National Chemistry Olympiad National Team in the spring that year. He spent an extensive amount of time studying independently in order to
ensure that he would cover all of the topics that our class did not yet study and often sought additional instruction during lunch and after school during which he asked
questions and performed labs from previous Chemistry Olympiad competitions for practice. When results were published, Allen was ecstatic to have qualified as one of
the twenty participants in the U.S. Chemistry Olympiad Study Camp and he enjoyed the experience training for the International Chemistry Olympiad during which he
was exposed to Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, etc., branches of science typically encountered at the college level.
As a member of my Advanced Placement Chemistry class, I have found Allen to be an intelligent, conscientious, motivated and responsible student who masters
theory-and applies it well. He academically excelled among his peers, often explained concepts to confused classmates, actively participated during discussion, asked
questions to ensure that he had a firm understanding of concepts, and sought additional sources for supplementary problem solving exercises. As a scientist, he was
always meticulous when performing experiments, he led his lab group to successfully complete experiments, he wrote great detailed analytical lab reports, and he
worked well with others. Allen is a self motivated, dedicated, hardworking student of high intelligence who can grasp difficult concepts, think critically and handle the
rigor of a competitive college environment. He exhibits the qualities of a leader and promising scientist who truly loves science.
Allen truly impresses me as a student who actively seeks new experiences which support his love for science. This past summer, Allen was a participant at the Research
Science Institute at MIT where he conducted research in the field of neuroscience. In addition, Allen has been conducting research with the Jisan Research Institute
under the guidance of a professor for two years and has recently coauthored a paper which was published and presented in the LASTED International Conference on
Robotics and Applications in Hawaii this year. In addition to conducting research, Allen has also been volunteering at Methodist Hospital and in an immunology lab at
the City of Hope National Medical Center where he has been able to strengthen his general laboratory skills. He is clearly an independent, active member of society
who pursues personal interests.
Beyond his academic excellence, Allen is a charismatic individual who is respected and liked by faculty and peers. Throughout his high school career, Allen often
stopped by my room during lunch to take my AP Chemistry tests to review his general chemistry, but he also often stopped by during lunch or after school to chat
about his latest developments, events in school, or other various topics. His maturity and charisma are qualities that are quite rare among high school students. He
interacts well with his peers be it in the classroom setting or with the broader diverse student population where he is well known as a balanced individual with a
warm personality and sense of humor. He balances his time well by excelling in a heavy course load filled with advanced placement classes and he also participates
in various school and community activities, including our school's academic teams which provide a structured yet fun forum for competition and learning. Allen is a well
rounded individual who clearly enjoys a challenge.
Overall, Allen exhibits the qualities of a leader as well as a great scientist who has had ample research experience and excels academically in challenging, college
level courses. He is an intelligent, well-rounded, and grounded individual who challenges himself and actively seeks new opportunities and experiences. He has the
determination, maturity, and intelligence to succeed in any endeavor and always maintains a positive attitude. His academic and personal achievements show that he
is committed to his education and will work hard to achieve his goals. He exudes confidence and has a vivid, outgoing, and friendly personality that allows him to get
along with others very well in any setting. I admire him for his intelligence, sincerity, honesty, and integrity and am impressed by his discipline as an independent
learner. He is a highly motivated individual with a thirst for knowledge. Allen Cheng would truly be a superior addition to the student body at Harvard.
Sincerely, Cherryl Vorak AP Chemistry, Chemistry Honors Teacher
To Whom It May Concern:
It is with great pleasure that I recommend Allen Cheng for admission to your school. In my three years of working with him,
he has demonstrated the qualities necessary for high success in the demanding academic atmosphere of a high caliber
university as well as the social skills needed to be successful in college.
Academically, he is an extremely strong student, earning an A both semesters in AP Junior English (a feat few accomplish),
and A's throughout his high school career. He consistently exhibits dedication and vigor in all that he approaches. He is a
member of the National Honor Society, the California Scholarship Federation, and an integral part of the Jisan Research
Institute. He is a vital member of all that he is a part of.
Outside of the classroom, Allen's passion is for research. He has a brilliant and lightning quick mind; he is a fantastic
scientist, one with great charisma and leadership skills. Though he is a year younger than the rest of his class, he is heads
and shoulders above them. He has been more than ready for all that a major university has to offer for quite some time.
Perhaps one of Allen's most outstanding characteristics is his independence of thought and his willingness to express
those thoughts. In other situations where students-would never speak their minds, he showed no hesitation to voice
questions, thoughts, and ideas. He was always an active participant in class discussions, his animated character and
controversial positions often being the spark that set off the entire class to an impassioned and heated period of arguing,
often with him at the focal point of one side or another.
His other qualities are of equal magnitude – his leadership skills came to forefront in group projects where he took
charge, assuming the majority of the work and responsibility, ensuring that everything was completed in a timely manner
and to his extremely high standards. He also has the ability to take the quiet and shy student and actively engage him or
her, transforming that student into an active member of the class. I went out of my way to partner him with other students
who needed this kind of attention and encouragement.
Another quality that sets him apart from other student leaders is his strength of conviction. He will argue on any topic
that has touched a nerve. He breathes with raw, unbridled passion. It is a rare gift in a person of any age; in
someone just 16, it is breathtaking. He is honest, never stooping to cheat; he is entertaining, relying on wit, knowledge, and
intelligence to persuade. Friends rely on him; he is attentive to their true needs. Teachers enjoy him in their classes.
I recommend Allen completely, with no hesitation. He will make his mark and be known.
Judith Swift
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is a great pleasure to recommend Stacy for admission to your engineering program. She is one of the most exceptional
students I have encountered in my 15 years of teaching. I taught Stacy in my 11th grade honors physics class and advised
her in Robotics Club. I am not surprised to find out she is now ranked at the top of an extraordinarily capable class of
seniors. She has a keen interest in and talent for physics, math, and scientific inquiry. Her advanced skills and passion for
the subject make her an ideal fit for your rigorous engineering program.
Stacy is a perceptive, sharp, quick individual with a high aptitude for math and science. She is driven to understand how
things work, whether they be the old computer hard drives in the school library or the forces that hold our universe
together. Her final project in class was especially impressive, an investigation of frequency-dependent sound absorption,
an idea that she said was sparked by not wanting to bother her parents with her hours of guitar practice at home. She's
been a strong leader in Robotics Club, eager to share her knowledge with others and learn new skills. I have the students in
the club prepare lessons and take turns leading our after-school meetings. When it was Stacy's turn, she showed up
prepared with a fascinating lecture on lunar nautics and fun activities that got everyone moving and talking. She was our
only student teacher to be met with much deserved applause at the end of her lesson.
Stacy's personal strengths are as impressive as her intellectual accomplishments. She's an active, outgoing presence in
class with a great sense of humor. Stacy's the perfect person to get a group project rolling, but she also knows how to sit
back and let others take the lead. Her cheerful nature and openness to feedback means she's always learning and growing
as a learner, an impressive strength that will continue to serve her well in college and beyond. Stacy is just the kind of
driven, engaging, and curious student that helped make our classroom a lively environment and safe place to take
intellectual risks.
Stacy has my highest recommendation for admission to your engineering program. She has demonstrated excellence in all
that she puts her mind to, whether it's designing an experiment, collaborating with others, or teaching herself to play
classical and electrical guitar. Stacy's endless curiosity, combined with her willingness to take risks, leads me to believe
there will be no limit to her growth and achievements in college and beyond. Please don't hesitate to contact me at
milevamaricfanclub@[Link] if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Ms. Randall
Physics Teacher
Marie Curie High School
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is my pleasure to recommend Joe, who I taught in my 11th grade math class. Joe demonstrated tremendous effort and
growth throughout the year and brought a great energy to class. He has that combination of a positive attitude and the
belief that he can always improve that's rare in a high school student, but so essential to the learning process. I am
confident that he will continue to display the same commitment and diligence in everything he does. I highly recommend
Joe for admission to your school.
Joe would not describe himself as a math person. He's told me on several occasions that all the numbers and variables
make his mind go fuzzy. Joe did, in fact, struggle to comprehend the material at the beginning of the year, but his response
to this is what really struck me. Where so many others have given up, Joe took on this class as a welcome challenge. He
stayed after school for extra help, got extra tutoring at the nearby college, and asked questions in and out of class. Due to
all his hard work, Joe not only raised his grades, but he also inspired some of his classmates to stay after for extra help, as
well. Joe truly demonstrated a growth mindset, and he inspired his peers to adopt that valuable perspective, too. Joe
helped contribute to our classroom environment as one where all students can feel supported and able to ask questions.
Joe's strong belief in his ability to acquire new skills and improve through practice was likely shaped by his years as a
baseball player. He's played all through high school and is one of the team's most valuable players. In his final for our class,
Joe designed an impressive project calculating and analyzing batting averages. While he initially described himself as not a
math person, Joe reaped the benefits of his tremendous effort and found a way to make the subject come alive for him in a
way that he was personally invested in. As a teacher, it is incredibly fulfilling to witness a student make this kind of
academic and personal progress.
Joe is a trustworthy, reliable, good-humored student and friend who supports others in and out of the classroom. He was a
pleasure to have in class, and his positive attitude and belief in himself, even in the face of difficulty, is an immensely
admirable asset. I'm confident that he will continue to demonstrate the same diligence, perseverance, and optimism that
he showed myself and his peers. I highly recommend Joe for admission to your undergraduate program. Please feel free to
contact me with any further questions at fortheloveofalgebra@[Link].
Sincerely,Mr. Wiles
Math Teacher
Euclid High School
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am excited to provide this letter of recommendation for Brett, or should I say Hamlet, John Proctor, or Erik (of Phantom of
the Opera lore)? Brett has established himself as a bit of a theater star in these parts, where he's made our fall dramas and
spring musicals come to life in his moving and memorable starring roles. Outside of school, Brett is also involved in the
local theater group. Brett is an incredible actor with contagious enthusiasm and a passion for storytelling. He has my
highest recommendation for admission into your theater program.
For Brett, theater is as essential to his day to day life as breathing. He has been passionate about creating characters and
singing his whole life and was involved in school plays throughout middle and high school. He is deeply committed to his
craft, having taken acting classes and singing lessons and been involved in local theater groups for most of his life. Brett
has an incredible stage presence and equally excels at comedic and dramatic roles. Not only does he give subtle, nuanced
performances in which he disappears entirely into his character, he also has an incredible singing voice and is involved in
the school chorus. While he is certainly a talented individual, Brett doesn't rest on his natural gifts. He has put in countless
hours to improving his craft.
Brett especially excels in his English and history classes, which he says are his favorites for the stories and insights into
human nature. He reads widely, which he told me helps him get a more complex sense of people's characters, feelings, and
motivations. Outside of the classroom, Brett volunteers with DramaMatters Afterschool at the Boys and Girls Club, working
with children to help them express themselves through the arts. He has said that performing has helped him gain a greater
understanding of himself and others and build his self-confidence. He loves having the opportunity to bring that
experience to the kids he works with. Brett is enthusiastic, fun, sensitive, and driven. He's been a delightful presence both
in and out of the classroom.
Everyone here at Lincoln High School, myself included, is excited to see Brett continue to commit himself to the study and
performance of theater. While the arts can be a competitive field to make a name in, Brett has the singular commitment,
drive, and passion to develop his talents to the utmost. He has my enthusiastic recommendation, and I can't wait to see
what dynamic and challenging roles lie in Brett's future.
Sincerely,
Ms. Pepper
School Counselor
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great pleasure that I write this letter of recommendation for the truly exceptional Laila. It is rare to meet a student
with as much compassion and self-awareness as Laila. Her resilience, positivity, and humor are especially astounding given
the challenges she has overcome in her life. As a refugee of war, Laila's strength of character has not only helped her adapt
to a new home, culture, and language, but it also serves as an education and inspiration to others. Given the depth of her
experiences and her sophisticated understanding of world events, Laila has an unusual maturity beyond her 17 years.
Laila experienced the violence and upheaval of war in her home country of Syria. Her family lost their business and home
before moving to the U.S. with the help of the UN. Her extended family remains in her home country, often off the grid of
communication. Throughout these unstable and uncertain times, Laila tirelessly committed herself to her education while
balancing part-time jobs to help support her family. She spoke little English upon arriving here in 9th grade, and
immediately dedicated herself to studying English and conversing with her peers. Now she is not only fluent, but also a
gifted storyteller. She promotes dialogues as president of our school's Arabic Club, and she strongly believes in the power
of education to create peace and reduce inequity.
I'm truly amazed with all that Laila has accomplished, and I feel that she is one of our most determined, caring, and
balanced students. Her enthusiasm is contagious when you speak with her, as her face lights up when she speaks about
her friends, family, education, and ambitions for the future. I've been especially impressed by her fearlessness in making
friends and participating in class. Laila speaks with maturity and sophistication about world events and talks about her
desire to promote multicultural understanding and peace among all. From the events, including hosting powerful speakers
and movie nights, she's organized through Arabic Club to her active participation in her classes, Laila has already
contributed a great deal to the school in pursuit of these goals.
The challenges that Laila has faced have truly made her a uniquely strong and courageous individual. Her resilience and
optimism have served her well as she has moved between cities and countries, and they will continue to serve her well in
college and her future life. Laila has my highest recommendation. I know that she will continually impress you with her
involvement in the school community, her international perspective, her unshakeable resilience, and her focus on her
academic and career success. I am excited to see how far her educational and professional journey will take her in the
future. Please call me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Ms. Wolfe
School Counselor
Example 1
To Whom It May Concern,
It is my pleasure to recommend Judy, whom I taught in my 11th grade honors English program.
Example 2
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am delighted to recommend the multi-talented Eduardo for admission to your undergraduate program. As Eduardo’s
11th grade music teacher, as well as his chorus leader throughout all four years of high school, I've watched him grow into
an outstanding and dedicated musician.
It is my great pleasure to provide this recommendation for Kate, who I enjoyed teaching and getting to know as her 11th
grade AP U.S. History teacher.
I have known Joe since 2012 in my position as Lincoln High School's Biology teacher.
I am delighted to write this recommendation for Rosa, whom I have known for two years as her Psychology teacher and
academic advisor.
Please accept this letter as my enthusiastic endorsement of Chris, the top student in my 11th grade AP Chemistry class.
This second example focuses more on Dave’s strong interest in the subject of computer science.
Dave has developed an avid interest in computer science. Not only was he an excellent student throughout the year, but
he also worked on developing an app that would use a school-wide crowdsourcing strategy to clean up the school
grounds…
Example 1 Rory brings an infectious energy and enthusiasm to her fellow students and teachers. As Class President, she
organized fundraisers and events that both raised money for class projects and were enjoyed by all. Last spring, she set up
McKinley High’s version of The Sing Off, complete with spinning chairs for the judges to scoop up contestants for their
teams. The entire performance was recorded and is available on our new YouTube channel, which Rory and her fellow
student council members set up and have added to throughout the year.
Example 2 Michael has impressed all of us at Washington High School with the incredible progress he’s made over his
four years. While he arrived in 9th grade with limited English, he’s grown his language abilities in leaps and bounds. Now he
actively participates in his classes and contributes to the school newspaper. His latest article on college planning for ELL
students, in which he shares his personal story and family background, has been shared among faculty and counselors
here at the school.
Not only is Jamie an outstanding history student, but he also displays exceptional strength of character. When you speak to any of
his teachers about Jamie, the first word that comes up is "integrity." He’s an honest and caring young person committed to
upholding these values in our school community. When administrators revised the school handbook last year, Jamie volunteered
to review and give input into the section on academic integrity and plagiarism. He helped promote the ideas throughout the school
and stayed after for discussion groups on what leads students to turn to cheating.
Tip 3: Highlighting important themes
It is also important to keep in mind that institutes do not want to know about every quality of the
student that makes him great. A recommendation letter focusing on a particular area shows the
applicants dedication and commitment towards that field. It is also an indicator of their long-term
focus and future potential.
look at a example: “It is a great pleasure to recommend Asif for admission to your college.
Asif is one of the most exceptional students I have encountered in the past 20 years of teaching.
I taught Asif in his fourth year of B. Tech and he has a keen interest in and talent for Robotics.
His advanced skills, passion for the subject, and keen interest for scientific enquiry make him an
ideal fit for your rigorous masters program.”
Tip 4: Use anecdotes
A great recommendation letter does not just lists data that is already in the resume. It gives a holistic
overview of the applicant by encompassing his or her academic qualifications and personal skills
along with potential for future success. In doing so, great letters, use anecdotes and narratives that
tell the reader about you as a person and what motivates you. Stories are a great way to
communicate not just what you have accomplished but how you accomplished. They illustrate your
personal qualities and etch a place in the readers’ minds.
Consider these two examples:
Example 1 “Himanshu has great organising skills.
Example 2 “When three of the students responsible for organising the Robotics event in the
annual college festival fell sick in the last moment, Himanshu sprang into action, delegating tasks to
other student organisers and working up well into the night to set up the venue and make the
technical arrangements. Under his able organisation, the venue was ready by morning and the event
concluded successfully.”
Both examples talk about organizing skills. However, the second example proves his organising
abilities whereas the first one does not. The second example paints a picture of Himanshu
coordinating with his team and working overnight to organise an event. A story makes a letter more
interesting, lively and brings out the character of the applicant.
Tip 5: Use CAR framework
While crafting an impressive recommendation letter using stories, anecdotes or narratives, most
recommend-ers use the CAR framework. CAR stands for Challenge, Action, and Results and is a
framework which highlights the achievements of the applicant in the face of a challenge and actions
taken by him or her.
Consider the following example: “Sonia is a young and creative professional who takes
challenges head-on. She is an expert coder and has immense knowledge of the field. When our
department experienced problems with the front end checkout process, Sonia immediately started
working on it. Using her coding knowledge she added a new coding system at checkout for looking
up produce. As a result of her efforts sales-per-hour increased from 23 to 38 due to faster produce
lookup times.”
Tip 6: Use powerful language
Besides using narratives with the CAR framework in mind, great recommendation letters use
powerful language. Using cliché words and phrases (such as hard worker, perfectionist) makes a
letter very generic and makes it impersonal. Letters crafted using impactful words show that your
recommendation letter was created by putting thoughts and efforts.
Example 2 “Rishav has great analytical and problem solving ability. He showed immense interest
in marketing and joined the marketing club of our institute. Using his creative skills, he designed an
advertising campaign for a national level advertising competition which placed him amongst the top
three creative and innovative advertising ideas.”
Example 1 “Rishav is a great student. He is very hardworking and dedicated and always goes
the extra mile to achieve his goals.”