college application letters of recommendation template

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Letter of Recommendation for College Application (Guide and Sample)

3 sample letters of recommendation for college admissions.

Bonus Material: College Letter of Recommendation checklist

Applying to competitive universities this coming fall? Perhaps you’ve already put in the hard work on your grades, test scores, and even your college essays. But you want to make sure that you also do everything you can to improve the quality of your letters of recommendation.

Many students think of these as something they have no ability to affect, but the truth is you can do a lot to improve your letters of recommendation . And it matters: having stand-out letters of recommendation can set you apart from other applicants.

At PrepMaven, we’ve guided thousands of students to acceptances at elite universities. Over that time, we’ve developed a proven system for navigating college admissions. In this guide, we’ll cover 3 sample letters of rec, discuss what makes a good letter of recommendation, and explain what you can do to ensure you have one.

Below, you can download a sample letter of recommendation so you know what kind of work it takes to get one. In the meantime, keep reading to learn more about how you can maximize your chances of acceptance by improving your letter of recommendation.

Download PrepMaven’s College Letter of Recommendation Checklist

Jump to section: 3 Sample Letters of Recommendation for College How Can You Improve Your Letters of Recommendation for College? How Much Do College Recommendation Letters Matter? What Makes a Good Letter of Recommendation for College? Who to Ask for College Recommendation Letters When to Ask for College Recommendation Letters Next steps

3 Sample Letters of Recommendation for College

Let’s start by taking a look at 3 excellent sample letters of recommendation, each of which we’ll break down briefly. Look at these letters carefully, and think about what you can do to ensure your letters look like this.

college application letters of recommendation template

Sample Letter 1

Dear Admissions Committee, As Lila’s eleventh grade AP Language teacher, I’m eager to take this opportunity to convey what makes her such an exceptional student and classmate. Her academic record in my class speaks for itself, but what I’d like to highlight is the uniquely passionate and incisive nature of her class contributions. I still remember (though this was last year) a class discussion of Martin Dressler by Steven Millhauser . While many students contributed meaningfully, I still distinctly recall Lila’s vociferous and insightful argument that Dressler’s character embodied everything wrong with the acquisitive, me-first mindset of deregulated business. Not everyone agreed, of course, but the energy behind her contribution sparked an intense class discussion that was one of the best of the year. Perhaps no less important was Lila’s openness to hearing other students’ opinions, even ultimately allowing her own perspective to change. That moment is indicative of what Lila brings to the classroom environment daily: passion, insight, and open-mindedness. While I would’ve been thrilled to hear that Lila plans to study English in college, I’m equally impressed by how detailed and invested she is when she speaks about her plans to major in Economics. When she spoke to me about the importance of understanding rhetoric and narrative when looking at economic crises, it became clear to me that she’s the kind of student able to seamlessly integrate her interests into the study of the things that fascinate her. Even though I’ve taught countless students, I can say that few have made such an impact on the energy and depth of classroom discussion as Lila has. I’m confident that any university will benefit from her presence as a thinker, writer, and peer. Sincerely, ———-

There are three key things to notice with this first sample.

First, it references a specific way that the student had an effect on the life of the classroom.
Second, it connects that instance in class with who Lila is overall as a student and thinker.
Third, it connects both of these elements with who Lila will be in college, and with what she wants to pursue.

Combining these three factors is what makes an excellent letter of recommendation. It shows the college that this student really had an impact on the class and the teacher. Importantly, it goes far beyond the generic letter of recommendation, standing out from the rest.

Sample Letter 2

Dear Admissions Officers, From the first week of my AP Biology class this year, it was clear how much Sanjit loved the material. During each of our class discussions, he’d raise questions that went beyond just clarification, connecting our subject matter with real-world issues he’d been following. While most students were content to take notes and answer the questions I posed, Sanjit was always looking to explore the links between what was in the textbook and what was happening in the wider world, whether in politics or in new studies on human health and longevity he’d been following. What most impressed me beyond his drive and desire to explore was how committed he was to helping other students find that same passion. During our labs this past year, Sanjit always prioritized helping his group members–and even the members of other groups–fine-tune their experiments. Indeed, during especially complex labs, I’d often find myself helping one group while another turned to Sanjit for assistance. He never did this to show off or prove something: what Sanjit exuded was a real passion and love for the material. In our class discussions, labs, and optional after-school review sessions, he constantly sought to use what we learned as the foundation for broader, more systemic explorations, even mentioning his desire to conduct independent research over the next summer. It really is a pleasure to hear that Sanjit plans to continue pursuing his talent for biology and to follow that talent all the way to medical school. While I’m not sure if his plans will change, I can attest to the fact that he entered my class already dedicated to exploring how he can make an impact on human health, and that I’ve rarely seen students so capable of bridging the gap between the textbook and the real world. Wherever he goes, whatever he does, Sanjit will make an incredible contribution to the classroom and the lab. Sincerely, ——-

This second letter addresses each of the same three things as the first: specificity, character, and bigger picture.

While the focus may be different, the ultimate upshot is clear: Sanjit is a student who impressed his teacher so much that she remembers specific ways he went above and beyond in the class.

Note that it isn’t just about what Sanjit does for himself: the letter makes a point of showing how Sanjit was always there to help other students (without being a know-it-all or teacher’s pet).

Sample Letter 3

To whom it may concern, Hearing that William plans to study French was tremendously gratifying. While I’m happy anytime one of my students plans to continue their French study at the college level, William was a special case. From what I know of his academic success, he excelled in most subjects, and I know he was quite torn between what field he really wanted to pursue. I never push my students one way or another, but I can tell you that William is the kind of student who will profoundly change every French class he enters. His language ability is, of course, fantastic, but that isn’t what makes him a great French student. During our classes, he showed a real fascination with the history, culture, and especially literature of Francophone countries. While most students saw the books and poetry we read in AP French as ways of learning the language, William always wanted to explore the texts themselves. In particular, he was fascinated by how the study of French language was connected with the history of French colonization. Reading The Stranger by Camus, William was the only student in class to quickly see the text’s connections to the French occupation of Algeria. He quickly became interested in the complexities inherent in speaking the language of an occupying country, and threw himself into research outside the classroom that he’d frequently integrate into our discussions. The short essay he wrote on our final exam was one of the best I’ve read in twenty years of teaching, especially in his ability to explore sophisticated and nuanced ideas in a foreign language. It’s clear to me that William doesn’t just have the technical facility to learn and study French language and culture: he has that rare creative instinct that allows him to make wholly original contributions to the field. Sincerely, —

You can certainly see the pattern by now: specificity, character, and big picture all come together to paint a picture of this student as a uniquely intelligent and capable scholar.

You might notice that every one of these letters ends by articulating that this student isn’t just smart : they’re driven, they’re original, and they stand out from the rest of the intelligent students these teachers have had.

If you want a letter like one of these–and you should–you might be wondering how you can possibly affect what your teachers write about you. The good news is that you can : read on below to see how you can help your teachers improve the letters of recommendation they write for your college applications.

How Can You Improve Your Letters of Recommendation for College?

You might think this sounds strange: after all, you’re not writing your letters of recommendation, and in most cases you won’t even see them.

So, how can you do anything to improve them? It all has to do with what information you give to your letter of recommendation writers.

Many students think that just politely asking a teacher for a college letter of recommendation is where the process begins and ends. But if you don’t give your teacher specific information, you’re very likely to get a generic letter of recommendation.

It’ll probably say nice things: that you’re a good student, that you excel in class, that you’re dedicated and always pay attention, and so on.

Can you imagine how many times college admissions officers at large universities or elite colleges read phrases like that? (Hint: too many!) No matter how positive the letter is, it needs to be unique and specific if you want admissions committees to remember a word of it!

So, what can you do to help your recommendation letter writers produce better letters? Give them some personal, specific information!

Ask your teacher to sit down for a short conversation before they begin writing your letter. Yes, it could be awkward, but we guarantee you that it’ll pay off!
Were there concepts that really stood out to you?
Did they help you overcome a challenge?
Did they open your eyes to something new that stuck with you?
Did their class influence your choice of major or career?
If not, did the class affect how you see yourself as a student and thinker?
Can you find a connection between your major and the teacher’s class?

Not only will your teacher love hearing this (flattery always works!), but it’ll give them ideas for things they could mention in their letter. Instead of just talking about what a good student you are, they can draw on specific examples that you bring up in your conversation.

Another option is to simply send the recommendation letter writer a short email where you describe why you’re asking them for a letter and what you gained from the class.

The more specific you are, the easier it’ll be for them to write you a great letter!

How Much Do College Recommendation Letters Matter?

The key to a strong college application is understanding the 3 pillars of a successful college application . In a nutshell, these are the three key elements by which admissions committees will evaluate you:

Academic achievement
Extracurricular distinction
Character and personal qualities

While these overlap a little bit, here’s an easy way to understand them.

Academic achievement is conveyed by your grades, test scores, and the rigor of your curriculum.

Extracurricular distinction is conveyed by your achievements in the various activities you’ve been involved with.

Character is conveyed in your essays and letters of recommendation.

Often, it’s character that makes the difference between a good application and a great one–especially at top tier universities like Ivies!

Note that the letter of recommendation is not there to highlight your academic achievement. Why? Because college admissions committees already have your grades and transcript!

Instead, the recommendation letter should highlight your personal attributes. What kind of student and classmate are you? How do you contribute to the intellectual life of a school? What makes you the kind of person a professor would want to have in their class?

For a successful college application, it’s crucial that all three pillars come together. Because character is primarily conveyed in your essays and recommendation letters, you don’t have many opportunities to really convey this to elite college admissions committees.

The data bears this out. By looking at the Common Data Set for elite universities, we identified how elite colleges like Princeton prioritize letters of recommendation.

Each school ranks the elements of a college application in one of four categories:

Very important
Not considered

At Princeton, for example, the letters of recommendation are considered “very important,” just like test scores and grades!

At Yale, letters of recommendation are also considered “very important,” whereas standardized test scores are only “considered.”

At Dartmouth, letters of recommendation are, once again, considered “very important.”

Are you picking up on the pattern yet? It might be easy to think of college recommendation letters as a tiny part of your application, but nearly every elite university considers letters of recommendation a very important part of your application!

What Makes a Good Letter of Recommendation for College?

So, with all that in mind, we can now identify a little more precisely what makes a good college recommendation letter.

A compelling letter of recommendation for college:

Avoids generic phrases and claims.
Uses specific examples to explain how you stood out in the class.
Focuses on your character, not your grades.

The criteria for a strong letter of recommendation are simple, but in our experience, the vast majority of recommendation letters fail this test!

You won’t be able to see your recommendation letter, but you can affect what information your letter writer uses. Make sure to give them the kind of detailed, specific information that aligns with those three bullet points, focusing on instances where you really demonstrated your character in the class.

If you want to read a sample of an excellent recommendation letter, take a look at the link below: it’s short, simple, and effective!

Who to Ask for College recommendation Letters

Our advice here is simple, but serious.

First, make sure you ask two teachers for your academic recommendation letters, then ask a third person to write your non-academic recommendation letter (which most schools also accept).

This third recommender can be a bit more flexible: a supervisor at work, a sports coach, or the coach of an extracurricular activity you’re involved with are all great options.

For the two academic recommenders, pick teachers who know you best. These should be teachers you’ve had recently: don’t pick a teacher from freshman year, since that really won’t be telling college admissions committees much about your character now.

You should also pick teachers in subjects that align with your planned area of study. If you’re going all in on a STEM field, you’re best off picking teachers whose letters can support the narrative of you as an exceptional scientific and mathematical thinker.

If you’re more humanities focused, you’ll definitely want one letter from a teacher whose class was writing-intensive. For the second letter, you might want to think about what complements your overall story. Don’t just go for another humanities class: think about what other interests drive you, and pick a teacher who can speak to that passion.

More than anything, however, the critical question is which teachers can best speak to your personal attributes now . Pick those teachers, speak to them, and you’ll be likely to get a great recommendation letter like the one in our free sample here .

When to Ask for College recommendation Letters

The earlier, the better! It’s as simple as that. Once you’ve settled on your recommenders and had your conversations with them, ask them to draft your recommendation letters.

You should do this before the summer break after your junior year. You’ll want your recommendation letters done by the end of summer. Once this pushes on into the fall, your letter-writers will be flooded with requests, and the quality of your letter will suffer.

Speak to your teachers before summer vacation, and set a clear deadline while being respectful. Make it clear that you’ll be applying to programs early, and you’d really appreciate the letter being done by the end of the summer.

In most cases, the teachers will appreciate this themselves. If a teacher tells you that’s impossible, make sure to respect their decision, and simply ask what timeline works for them.

In general, however, set the end of summer as the deadline for your recommendation letters.

If you’re already thinking about your college recommendation letters, that means you’re taking the college application process seriously. That’s great, but have you done everything you can to maximize your chances and perfect your application?

For a college application to work, every element of your academics, extracurriculars, and character has to come together. If your test scores, grades, or college essays are weak, you’ll need to put in the work to improve them.

There’s no better way to do so than by working with one of our expert tutors. Our tutors range from exceptional undergraduates at Ivy League universities to graduate students with years of tutoring experience.

Once you know what you need help with, we’ll pair you with the best tutor for your needs. All you have to do is contact us.

In the meantime, read over the free sample letter of recommendation below, and take notes on what makes this so effective.

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How To Write A Letter Of Recommendation For A College Application

Updated: Aug 3, 2023, 10:38am

How To Write A Letter Of Recommendation For A College Application

Letters of recommendation are crucial to the college application process at both the undergraduate and the graduate level. As a teacher, professor, employer or mentor, you can attest to an applicant’s qualifications and character by writing a letter of recommendation that highlights their academic performance and rounds out their college application.

As admission cycles begin, a student may ask you to write a letter of recommendation for their application. If you’re unsure how to write a letter of recommendation, start by telling the admissions committee something about the applicant that they’re unlikely to glean from a résumé or transcript.

Read on to learn more about how to write a letter of recommendation for college admissions.

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What’s the Purpose of a Recommendation Letter?

Schools count on letters of recommendation to present admissions officers with a more rounded picture of an applicant. These letters should cover the applicant’s skills and accomplishments and reveal something of the applicant’s character.

Letters offer a platform to highlight human qualities that even the most impressive GPA or list of extracurriculars can’t convey. Essentially, the recommendation letter helps an applicant stand out against the competition.

What to Expect from a Letter of Recommendation Request

Being asked to write a letter of recommendation can feel honorable, but if asked last-minute or without materials, it might feel more like a burden.

Applicants should demonstrate a respect for your time by giving you advanced notice. Six to eight weeks is the standard for academic references.

Applicants should also provide basic reference material for your letter—at least an up-to-date and properly formatted résumé, work samples or a portfolio. A “brag sheet” listing an applicant’s noteworthy awards or achievements can help direct the letter.

Don’t hesitate to ask for these materials if the applicant hasn’t provided them, or pass on the letter if the request feels too last minute.

Questions to Consider Before Saying ‘Yes:’

Did the applicant give you enough notice.

Ask yourself if you have enough time to write a good letter. Decide whether a late request merits the same consideration you’d give to an applicant who submitted a request on time.

Do You Have Enough Experience With the Applicant?

Remember that your own credibility, not just the applicant’s, is at stake in a recommendation letter. A sincere recommendation describes your direct experience with the applicant.

Before agreeing to write the letter, recall times when you supervised or advised the student on projects or papers. Did their work display skills and strengths you can discuss?

If you conclude that you don’t have adequate experience with the applicant, you’re most likely not the best choice to write the letter of recommendation.

Are You Excited to Recommend the Applicant?

Any hesitation on your part may be a warning sign. If your gut is telling you that you can’t provide unqualified support, or write an adequate recommendation with the materials or timeline provided, it’s probably better for both parties if you decline the request.

What to Do if the Answer Is ‘No’

Let the applicant know quickly and politely, so they have time to find an alternate recommender.

How to Write a Letter of Recommendation

Begin with the traditional components of a business letter in the standard format. On separate lines, first include the date followed by the recipient’s name, title and address. If you’re submitting a print letter, make sure it’s printed on your institution’s official letterhead.

If possible, address the recipient by name, using “Mr.” or “Ms.” If you don’t have an actual name, use “To Whom It May Concern.” In both cases, follow the salutation with a colon instead of a comma.

Introduction

Open by introducing yourself and describing your relationship to the applicant. Give a concise account of your professional experience and expertise.

Recommendation Overview

Summarize your experience with the applicant, describe their strengths (including examples), and explain their relevance to the undergraduate or graduate school application at hand. Cite academic abilities and qualifications while highlighting characteristics like a talent for problem-solving or collaborating with others.

Personal Anecdote

This is where you can make your letter personal. What was it like to teach or work with the applicant? Include firsthand observations and specific details from your time together.

Think about how you can humanize the student. Mention one or two personal traits relevant to an academic career (curiosity and persistence, for instance), and address any hurdles the applicant has overcome—both in and out of the classroom—that have contributed to their growth.

Finish with a statement summarizing your recommendation, then provide contact information and encourage the school to reach out to you for any follow-up questions. Use a straightforward and professional signoff, like “sincerely” or “best regards.” Follow your printed name with your full title and the name of your school or institution.

Tips for Writing a Recommendation Letter

Examples are key.

The human element counts for a lot in a recommendation letter. Your letter should help the reader better understand the person you are recommending. Provide specific examples related to the applicant’s class performance while highlighting intellectual attributes and personal qualities that distinguish the applicant.

Focus on the Positives

Your recommendation should be a sincere show of support, so avoid criticism or commentary that allows for negative interpretation. Convey genuine enthusiasm through your choice of adjectives and verbs.

Additionally, avoid “faint praise” such as mentioning the student’s attendance record or ability to complete assigned readings—these are baseline requirements that every candidate is expected to fulfill.

If a superlative comparison between the applicant and other students is warranted, include it. (For example, “She is one of the most promising researchers I have ever encountered in my academic career.”)

Maintain a Formal Tone

Adhere to a formal, polite tone throughout your recommendation, much as you would in a standard business letter. Concision counts: Aim for a length of one to two pages unless the institution specifies a length. The admissions committee may regard anything longer as overkill.

Similar principles apply to formatting. Whether submitted in print or electronically, a recommendation letter should use a business-like font like Times New Roman or Arial (in other words, this is not the place for Comic Sans). Stick to an 11- or 12-point font size or email equivalent (“Normal” in Gmail, for instance).

Pay Attention to the Instructions

The applicant should provide specifications on how to submit the letter, including content, length and deadline. Look for instructions regarding format and whether the institution expects to receive a hard copy, an email, or (less likely) submission via an online form. Above all, keep the due date in mind.

Carefully proofread the letter to catch any grammatical mistakes or typos. Print a hard copy and read it out loud; that way, you’re less likely to overlook errors. To be truly thorough, let someone else review a draft of your letter before you send it off.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About How to Write a Letter of Recommendation

How do i write a good letter of recommendation.

A successful letter of recommendation adopts a formal, polite tone and demonstrates the writer’s personal experience with the applicant in one to two pages. The letter should round out the applicant’s college application alongside their transcript and résumé. It should highlight firsthand evidence of the applicant’s abilities and personal characteristics.

How do I write a simple letter of recommendation?

Begin by introducing yourself and describing your credentials. Tell the reader whom you recommend, how long you’ve known the student and in what contexts you’ve interacted with them. From your perspective as a teacher or mentor, describe the applicant’s strongest qualities and share a few details about what the applicant is like as a person.

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Letter Templates

10 Best College Letter of Recommendation Templates

For many universities, a well-written college letter of recommendation is required before a student is granted admission. For some, more than one letter is required. Why? A well-written letter of recommendation is important for the school to gain a holistic view of the student they wish to admit to their institution.

Depending on the school, you might be asked to provide a letter of recommendation from a specific group or type of people or from anyone. Also, some schools may demand a college letter of recommendation as part of the admission requirements, while for others, it is an optional addition that could help increase your chances of getting admitted to the school.

In this article, we will go over what a letter of recommendation is and how you can go about formatting a college letter of recommendation if you are ever called upon to write for a student.

What is a Letter of Recommendation?

In general terms, a letter of recommendation is a letter written by a person who can vouch for another person’s academic work or skillset. Letters of recommendation find use in many places and industries. They can be sent to hiring managers to help get a person hired at a company or to a college admissions officer to help a student with admission.

A good letter of recommendation should show a person’s work and skillset as it relates to the position they are applying to. They are typically written by professors, coaches, teachers, clients, or previous employers of a person.

What is a Letter of Recommendation for a College Student

A college letter of recommendation is a letter written to improve the chances of a person getting admission to a college or university. They are direct endorsements of the person in question. A well-written college letter of recommendation is usually brief and is written to highlight the positive attributes of a student and show why the student will be successful in the school.

The best recommendation letters come from those that really know you and your best bet includes your teachers and counselors. These gain more respect from the college admissions board and may show them aspects of your life beyond sterling grades and great academic achievements.

You may want to include inputs from your coach, junior high teacher, and employer. Those that have experienced you being selfless and caring, passionate, and credible. A college letter of recommendation is never to appear forced, but the flow of words should naturally endear people to your personality.

College letters of recommendation help show the college that the student is a right fit for the institution. Because they come from a credible source, they go to prove that the student, under the right circumstances, will portray the right traits and succeed.

A college letter of recommendation is important on many counts, some of which include that:

It offers an insight into the strengths and capacities of a student that will be beneficial to the school. Since teachers usually write this letter, it gives them room to talk about the virtues and strengths of the student beyond the grades. They can give the college a view of your passion and hard work in that area and give reasons for your choice
The college letter of recommendation helps the college to understand your relationship with your school and teachers. The teacher’s manner of writing and word phrasing tells the school a lot about your relationship, your attributes, and attitudes towards learning, character, and discipline.
It also gives a glimpse of your passion outside school; these include charities and volunteer hours.
It gives an overall impression of your personality. It gives the college a picture of your future life and your areas of relevance in the society

Before Start Writing a Letter of Recommendation

Before and during the process of writing a college letter of recommendation for a prospective college student, there are certain considerations you should make and components you should put in place to improve the quality of your college letter of recommendation.

Some of them are:

Think carefully about saying yes

A college letter of recommendation is a direct endorsement of a student, meaning you put your credibility on the line to vouch for a student’s positive abilities. This means you must be sure of the student’s positive abilities before you proceed to write this letter. If you are unsure of the student or you feel like you haven’t seen enough positive attributes in the student, consider declining the offer to write.

Focus on the particular school

It is important you know exactly the kind of letter the school wants. Different schools have different styles and different requirements, and writing something different from what they want could reduce the chances of the student gaining admission. Ensure you ask for details about what the school wants from the student.

Collect information

Anyone who is writing a college letter of recommendation has to have in-depth knowledge about it. And so you should get adequate information about the school, the course the student wishes to study and other important things before you settle to write. With this information at hand, it is much easier to write a letter that will address the student’s particular needs.

Mention how you know the student

The student is human, and so it is true that the student will have some bad traits. However, you should try to stick to positivity throughout the college letter of recommendation. Your letter should focus on all of the wins and their positive impact on society at large. This will help to convince the school that the student is exactly who they need in their college.

Share your contact information

The college may need to verify some information or ask questions. You must be accessible. Including your phone number or email address will be helpful.

Follow the submission guidelines

The aim of writing this letter is to get it to the appropriate authority. Therefore, you must get the right information about submission and follow the guidelines.

Ask the student for their resume or a one-on-one meeting

It is important to know the student about whom you’re writing. So set up a meeting and get personal information that can help you with the college letter of recommendation. You could set up a virtual or real-life meeting.

Include a few key pieces of information

For most colleges, applicants have similar grades. However, you can add the student’s outstanding areas to help give the student a slight edge.

What do Colleges Look for in a Letter of Recommendation?

Colleges look for positive attributes, traits, personal qualities, achievements, character , and recommendations from a person of authority. They also look to see the student’s past achievements and behaviors that show how they handle pressure, their attention to detail, and how they relate with other people they work with.

The colleges are also interested in the people that will agree to stand for the student and write a college letter of recommendation to them. This is very important because it gives the college a general view of the student’s teachers, employers, and leaders, on which they can base their decisions.

Colleges want to get a summary of the best out of the student’s past school or workplace. A college letter of recommendation goes to tell a college about the standards of the institution and its values. And so, in writing a college letter of recommendation, the school or company’s reputation is also at stake.

How to Format a College Recommendation Letter

The format of a college recommendation is quite easy. All you need is an introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Typically, a college letter of recommendation is about 400 – 500 words and should fill a whole page. However, if you can get all the information required with lesser words, then go for it.

Introduction

The introduction should be about six sentences or less and should state the purpose of the letter as well as the relationship with the student.

An example:

Dear Admissions Committee, It is with honor I wish to recommend Martin Ferrell to the University of Jungle Boots. Over the course of the last 6 years, I have had the honor of teaching him as his science teacher in the School of Hitchhiking and watching him grow into one of the most disciplined and intelligent students in the school.

Body Paragraph 1

This paragraph is the beginning of the main body of the college letter of recommendation and should list a few achievements and awards of the student

Martin has proven himself to be not only an excellent student but also a dependable leader. During the period of time he spent as a student in the School of Hitchhiking, he worked with students of all grades to achieve excellence in science and mathematics-related courses. He was part of the team that built the jumping ferret, which our school is well known for, and he led the team that won the superscience competition that included students from schools all over the Midwest.

Paragraph 2

This is a continuation of paragraph 1. Spend time here talking about extracurricular activities and other minor achievements, as well as the student’s character.

Martin also worked hard in giving back to the community that helped him get a scholarship to college by tutoring grade 5 and 6 students on the basics of science. He is like a hometown hero in his small town of Walkingworth, as even small kids in the neighborhood run around and fix things thanks to the training received from him. Martin is also a compassionate and very friendly person, and he has great leadership potential.

This is the final paragraph, and it is written to summarize the recommendation and provide further contact information.

With all I have seen from Martin, I truly believe he has what he takes to succeed in your school and add more value to the department of Surface Tension. If you have any further questions, please contact me at 17XDNNH789 or [email protected] . Sincerely, Malcolm Gandi Science TeacherSchool of Hitchhiking

College Letter of Recommendation Samples

Here are some samples you can work with when writing a college letter of recommendation:

Letter of recommendation from a teacher

Dear Admissions Committee,

It is with honor I wish to recommend Martin Ferrell to the University of Jungle Boots. Over the course of the last 6 years, I have had the honor of teaching him as his science teacher in the School of Hitchhiking and watching him grow into one of the most disciplined and intelligent students in the school.

Martin has proven himself to be not only an excellent student but a dependable leader. During the period of time he spent as a student in the School of Hitchhiking, he worked with students of all grades to achieve excellence in science and mathematics-related courses. He was part of the team that built the jumping ferret, which our school is well known for, and he led the team that won the Super Science competition that included students from schools all over the Midwest.

Malcolm Gandi

Science Teacher

School of Hitchhiking

Related: College Student Cover Letter Samples

Letter of recommendation from a volunteer leader sample

My name is Michael Whiteson, and I am writing to recommend Mark Downing for acceptance to your institution. I have been the CEO of Starling Kids Initiative for 15 years, training and mentoring young people who volunteer to help with afterschool tutorials of kids from underserved communities, and I have been Mark’s personal supervisor for over 6 years in the program.

Over the course of 6 years, I have watched Mark grow and mature into a more mature and responsible volunteer in our organization, and he has been able to manage several projects of his own. With the help of a few others in the organization, Mark helped form a committee that dealt with discrimination that happens in the classroom in underserved communities where we volunteer our services. He also took some new proposals to the school boards of many districts, some of which have been approved.

Mark is one of those few people you can solely count on to get a job done. In addition to that, he is a person who constantly improves himself and motivates people around him to do the same. Anytime I put Mark in charge of any project, I feel a burden lifted off my shoulders because I know he will do it as well as, if not better than, I would handle it. Coupled with all this, he is a very compassionate fellow with a pure heart for the people around him.

As a person who works with tens of people every day, I have seen the best and worst of people, and I can tell you for a fact that Mark is one of the best additions you can have in your institution. I have no doubt that he will succeed and take the name of your institution to new heights.

If you have any other questions, feel free to call me at 173937738383 or send me an email at [email protected] .

Michael Whiteson

Recommendation Letter Templates

The most important thing when writing college letters of recommendation is that you follow the steps as laid out in this article, and it will be easy. Focus more on positivity and achievement and try to make a case for why you believe the student should be given an opportunity to be admitted to the school of their choice. Also, go out of your way to do a little research about the school you are writing to and see examples of the kinds of letters they accept and the attributes they look for and try to make your letter centered on those attributes.

Writing a college letter of recommendation is an important task that may sometimes prove difficult. If you’re facing difficulties when writing one, you can get templates from the web that will serve as guides to form your own letter. With the internet, you can write an outstanding yet unique recommendation letter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do colleges care about letters of recommendation.

For many colleges, letters of recommendation are important, but some colleges with loads of applications don’t have the resources to go through every single letter to determine which student is well suited via that process alone.

Do college letters of recommendation have to be in by the application deadline?

Because college letters of recommendation are usually beyond the student’s control, most schools accept them after the application deadline.

What happens if my letter of recommendation is late?

Try to get your letter in as soon as you can because many schools won’t accept it when it is very late.

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WTO / Letters and Emails / Recommendation / 20 Best College Recommendation Letter Samples [Guide & Tips]

20 Best College Recommendation Letter Samples [Guide & Tips]

A College Recommendation Letter is a positive review of an applicant seeking college admission. It is written by either a former teacher or employer, highlighting the desirable traits of the individual to the institution and endorsing the candidate for admission.

These letters are a valuable means for college admissions officers to obtain deep insight into the overall personality of an applicant, beyond what might be reflected on test results or personal essays. Often cited as a requirement by some institutions, some do not still appreciate its inclusion. Its very attachment to an application serves as a testament to the quality of the candidate in some capacity, either as an outstanding student who deeply inspired a teacher or an exemplary worker who garnered the praise of an employer .

These letters are an avenue for applicants to truly highlight the academic and behavioral characteristics that an institution embodies. In addition, the letter helps to put focus on the applicant’s achievements and the impact they have had on others. All these add up to significantly boost the chances of the applicant securing an admission.

Free Templates

College recommendation letters are extremely important documents and writing one should be taken with the utmost seriousness. The letter should differentiate the applicant from among the thousands of other candidates and improve significantly on the endorsement of any other candidate. This implies a precise letter structure, appropriate wording, and stellar content.

The template provides an easy means of producing beautiful letters. A document with easily replaceable, pre-written information structured in the exact format of a superb recommendation letter, a template is a perfect guideline for quickly and easily writing up the letter of your own.

Great Editable College Recommendation Letter Sample 01 in Word Format

How to Request

The letters have to be written by other people besides friends and family, to reduce the possibility of the letter being considered biased. Thus, applicable writers typically include past teachers and employers who have considerable knowledge of you. Successfully asking these people for the letter and getting a stellar review often requires a significant amount of consideration to pull off. Plan accordingly to obtain the best letter possible.

Ask the right person

The quality of the letter you get greatly depends on the person who wrote it. The first factor to consider is your relationship with the potential writer. Opt for writers with whom you had a good relationship and with whom you worked closely. Consider asking a teacher, a sports coach, or a college counselor for the letter. If possible, ask the school principal.

Teachers familiar with after-school activities you engage in, such as clubs and volunteer programs, can further provide an overview of who you are outside the classroom. Writers such as this can truly draw from a wealth of experiences you had together to speak on your achievements and strengths.

Also, give greater consideration to writers whose contact with you has been very recent, preferably within a year before the letter is written. This way readers of the letter can be certain they are getting a review of who you are now.

Choose the best time

Creating anything of quality takes time. Make this a consideration when requesting the letters for college. The best practice is to ask early to give the writer enough time to come up with something very good. Submit your request to the writer at least a month before the letter will be needed. If possible, ask at the start of your senior year, especially if you are applying for programs that start very early.

Other pre-considerations

Each school is different, and the same conditions may not always apply across the board. Obtain due information about the institution you are applying to, ensuring that your letter is relevant. Check for requirements regarding the letters, if any exist.

Some schools might have specifications on who can endorse applicants. Some colleges might prefer recommendations solely from alumni of the school, or if not, a letter from such a person might have greater credence.

Information You Should Provide to Recommender

The content of the letter is generated by the recommender, but you should not leave what you will receive completely up to fate. Help the writer as much as possible by supplying information to ensure that the letter produced truly bolsters your admission chances. Pay particular attention to details such as your participation in class or after-school activities, and highlight personal achievements and the challenges you faced in attaining them.

Each detail you include should tie closely to the influence of the recommender on you:

Details of the school you’re applying to

Inform the writer about the school you are applying to. It becomes easier for the writer to tailor the contents of the letter to that particular school. Qualities that are highly valued in that school can be emphasized accordingly, producing a stronger argument for why you are a good candidate.

A list of all your achievements and awards

Furnish the writer with details of your victories, stating what you have achieved. Preferably include achievements that the writer was a part of and can attest to, providing a unique point of view on the experience. Highlight accomplishments in areas that strongly relate to the course you have applied for. A victory in a state-wide poetry competition will be a great thing to mention if you are applying to study English or the arts.

A list of all your academic skills

Institutions consider various factors in selecting students for admission, but academic ability remains the most important. Your letter should reflect this and discuss in-depth your skills in the classroom.

Specific examples are to be included in the letter

Your letter should not be generic or appear as though it was written as an afterthought. The letters can be a strong indicator of how special a college student is. This becomes obvious based on the details of the letter. A student who genuinely impressed someone enough to be endorsed by that person did something of value. Your letter should be filled with mentions of these fantastic actions. If there are certain notable events, be sure to inform your recommender.

Details of the submission guidelines

Certain colleges might release requirements that every letter must meet. This can be crucial in preventing a letter from being rejected. Check up on the necessary information and notify the writer of all submission guidelines.

You may also request the following from the recommender

You can spice up your letter further by providing additional information that will fully explain why you are being endorsed.

These include:

A small description of your experience with the recommender: Ask the recommender to add some information about how he/she knows you in your letter. This section should indicate what supervisory role the recommender had over you. The duration for which this role lasted can also be included to show that the recommender had enough opportunity to know you well.
A brief positive description of your character: Upstanding character is a huge requirement for most colleges. A glowing review of your personality will serve to endear you to admissions officers.
Reasons for getting a positive recommendation: This is a particularly important thing to include. Your recommender should provide a strong reason why he/she is willing to speak for you. This can be due to outstanding academic behavior, an impressive character, or some other achievement.

Sample Letter

If you are requesting the letter, you can help your recommender by including an example of what you want with your request. Below is an example of what you should want in your letter, along with a breakdown of why it is so strong in its purpose:

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am writing this letter to wholeheartedly recommend Sarah Johnson for admission to Ivywood University. Having had the privilege of being her English teacher for the past two years, I can confidently say that Sarah is an exceptional student who possesses the qualities and potential that any esteemed institution would be fortunate to have.

Sarah’s academic achievements are truly impressive. Throughout her high school journey, she consistently maintained a remarkable GPA, earning her a place among the top students in our school. Her commitment to her studies is commendable, and her intellectual curiosity knows no bounds. Sarah has a natural gift for critical thinking and problem-solving, which she applies not only to her coursework but also to various extracurricular projects. Her passion for learning is contagious and inspires her peers to excel.

Beyond her academic prowess, Sarah is a shining example of leadership and community involvement. She actively participates in several school clubs and initiatives, demonstrating her dedication to making a positive impact on those around her. She has spearheaded numerous community service projects, including volunteering at a local food bank and organizing fundraising events for charitable causes. Sarah’s ability to lead with empathy and inspire others is truly remarkable.

Sarah’s character is equally remarkable. She possesses a rare combination of humility, determination, and kindness that makes her a beloved figure among both students and faculty. Her unwavering commitment to her values and her willingness to stand up for what is right are qualities that set her apart. Sarah’s presence in any academic community would undoubtedly enrich the overall campus culture.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly endorse Sarah Johnson as an ideal candidate for admission to Ivywood University. Her academic excellence, leadership qualities, and outstanding character make her a standout applicant who will undoubtedly thrive at your esteemed institution. I am confident that Sarah will not only excel academically but will also contribute significantly to the vibrant and diverse tapestry of your college community.

Thank you for considering Sarah’s application. If you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected] or (555) 123-4567. I am more than willing to provide any further insights into Sarah’s exceptional qualities.

English Teacher

Maplewood High School

The recommendation letter exemplifies several key technical features that make it a useful guide for readers. It maintains a clear and well-organized structure with four distinct paragraphs, ensuring a logical and easily digestible flow of information. The opening paragraph effectively sets the purpose and tone of the letter, clearly stating the recommendation for admission to the university. Furthermore, the author establishes their credibility by mentioning their role as English teacher for the past two years, which adds weight to the recommendation.

Throughout the letter, the writer employs specific examples and anecdotes to substantiate the applicant’s academic achievements, leadership qualities, and community involvement. These concrete details not only enhance the letter’s persuasiveness but also provide a comprehensive view of the candidate. The language used throughout the letter is consistently formal and professional, adhering to the appropriate tone for such a document.

Moreover, the writer offers personal insights into the applicant’s character, including attributes like humility, determination, and kindness. These insights go beyond the mere enumeration of achievements and contribute to a more holistic understanding of the candidate’s qualifications. The enthusiastic endorsement in the concluding paragraph leaves a lasting positive impression on the reader, further reinforcing the recommendation.

The inclusion of the writer’s contact information at the end of the letter demonstrates professionalism and a willingness to provide additional information if necessary. In sum, this recommendation letter serves as a good model by effectively combining professionalism, specificity, and persuasive elements to make a compelling case for the candidate. It offers valuable guidance on the structure and content of similar recommendation letters.

Some Last-Minute Tips

The following considerations can boost the success of your letter significantly and help you with the process of requesting a great recommendation letter:

Make the process as easy as possible for your recommender. Provide information that they might need, including the proper spellings of certain objects, such as your school’s name. If necessary, provide a school profile.
Be respectful in your request and ask on time.
Inform the recommender of all the requirements placed on the letter, including the submission date.
Inquire after your letter at most a week before the due date to ensure that it has been finished and sent.
Remember to thank your recommender for taking the time to speak for you.
Provide envelopes with the address and stamps for the recommender, so the letter can be sent instantly after completion. This can also prove beneficial, as failing to see the letter before it is sent can instill greater confidence in admissions officers.
If you are requesting a letter from a school counselor, the duty falls to you to paint a personal profile of yourself beyond the academic value that he/she might have. Be sure to make an early appointment to give yourself as much time as possible. During your meeting, give the counselor a good overview of yourself, covering accomplishments, hobbies, and plans for the future. Explore the challenges you have had throughout your school years and how you have overcome them to get to the present moment.

Free Printable College Recommendation Letter Sample 11 as Word Document

Key Takeaways

If you are writing a recommendation letter for college, remember to implement the following practices:

Be specific about the information you are giving
Know the student well enough to convincingly write about them
Tailor the letter to the student requesting and to the institution applied to
Write a positive review of the student and focus on making the applicant look as good as possible.

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College Recommendation Letter Samples & Writing Guide

It's important to review college recommendation letter samples if you are applying to college soon or if you have been asked to write a letter for a prospective student. In this increasingly competitive admissions climate, college letters of recommendation as just as important as college essays and GPA. Keep reading to learn more about college recommendation letters, how to make sure you secure and write a compelling one, as well as examples of great letters of recommendation that will definitely inspire your own.

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Article Contents 14 min read

What are college recommendation letters and why do they matter.

As the name suggests, college recommendation letters are essentially positive endorsements of an applicant's skills and qualities. Their aim is to recommend the applicant in question for a particular college or university. Most four-year colleges, like the easiest ivy schools to get into , or the best undergraduate business schools, for example, have a holistic admissions process. This means that they want to know the "whole person" behind the IB or AP courses, grades, and test scores. Recommendation letters and personal essays play a significant role in making that happen. They give the admissions board more information about how students view themselves and how others see them.

A strong letter of recommendation holds substantial weight in admissions decisions. It allows the admissions committee to get a better idea of who you are as a person and what you would be like as a student. A strong letter can be the deciding factor between receiving an acceptance letter, an interview invitation, or a rejection letter when the school is faced with two equally qualified applicants.

College recommendation letters should be written by someone familiar with your work, character, and accomplishments. Someone who knows you well enough to illuminate your intellectual and personal qualities will write a better letter than someone who has little knowledge of who you are. Depending on your academic and professional background, there are three main types of letters that you can request from various referees.

A personal reference, also called a character reference, is a letter written by a friend, family member, mentor, neighbor, or anyone who knows the candidate well enough personally and who can attest to the traits that would make them a good addition to the school or program that they are applying to. This type of letter should explain how the writer knows the applicant and discuss the qualities and attributes that make them the ideal candidate. ","label":"Personal references","title":"Personal references"}]" code="tab1" template="BlogArticle">

Regardless of the type of letter you are requesting, one important thing keeps coming up: the referee should know you well! You do not want writers with whom you have not worked personally or with whom you’ve only had brief interactions. These have not had time to evaluate you and your skills, so they will most likely end up writing a very generic sounding letter. Remember that the recommendation letter is supposed to give the admissions team information about you that can't be found anywhere else in your application.

Before we get into the structure of a recommendation letter, what it needs to include, and those examples that we promised, we want to go over a few things that you need to keep in mind if you want to have recommendation letters that stand out.

The earlier, the better: Any good college advisor will tell you that you need to start planning and working on your college applications early. College applications have a lot of components that require time and focus to get right. That's why it is ideal for you to request your recommendation letters early, as it gives you more time to focus on other aspects of your college application, like writing your common app essay or reviewing common college interview questions . Furthermore, the earlier you speak with your chosen writers about your reference letter, the sooner they can start working on it. Therefore, the higher your chances of getting a strong letter of recommendation.
Ask tactfully: It's important to remember that when you're asking for a letter of recommendation, you are essentially asking for a professional favor. It's therefore important to be courteous and professional when asking your chosen writers for one. We recommend doing it face to face whenever possible, but if that's not an option for you, then you may send the request by email. In both cases, you should explicitly ask for a letter of recommendation and provide them with all the information they may need. This brings us to our last point...
It's your responsibility: As the applicant, it is your responsibility to provide your chosen writers with everything they need to write the strongest letter they can. You should provide them with supporting documents like your supplemental essay, high school resume if you have one, and a short biography to fill in any gaps. They also need to know what format the letter should be in, if anything specific is required by the school, whom they should send the letter to, and when. You should also make sure they have your contact information to get in touch with you if they need additional information. At the end of the day, this is your college application, so you need to follow up with every single component, even if you are not writing your own letter of recommendation .

There is no golden template for college recommendation letters. You just need to make sure that the letter is grammatically correct, easy to read and follow, and communicates the right information. It is important to check the guidelines and instructions given by the school you are applying to. Some colleges can request that references be submitted in a specific format, and it is your responsibility to inform your chosen writers of this. You may have a form that your selected referee will need to fill out or specific questions that the school requires them to answer in their letter.

Unless otherwise stated, we recommend using the following format:

A letter of recommendation is a document that is supposed to highlight an applicant\u2019s positive attributes, skills, and accomplishments. A strong letter will be clear and provide specific examples to back up any claims made about the student. People tend to remember narratives, so this is one of those instances where it is better to show instead of telling. We recommend using brief anecdotes and specific examples of exceptional projects or meaningful interactions. "}]">

Conclusion and college recommendation letter examples

College letters of recommendation are challenging. Whether you're requesting a letter of recommendation or have been asked to write one for a prospective college student, there are a lot of things that you need to keep in mind. It's important to use a format that is easy to read, a structure that is easy to follow, and to have specific examples that will show the admissions board why a candidate belongs in their school or university. Following the tips outlined above will definitely help you come up with a recommendation letter that is as compelling or maybe even better than the outstanding examples that we'll share with you below.

College recommendation letter sample # 1

To whom it may concern,

It is with great pleasure that I write this letter of recommendation on behalf of Jane Doe. I have known her for three years, having served as both her English teacher and her supervisor on the XYZ High School newspaper. I firmly believe that Jane would be an excellent addition to the XX College English program.

 I have watched Jane grow into a capable and confident leader. She started as one of the junior writers of our high school paper, and from the very beginning, Jane was always early to newspaper meetings, and she always came prepared. Whether it was with research for the stories she wanted to pitch or a pen and paper to take notes on whatever assignment she would get. She worked her way up to features editor and she has been occupying this role for one year. 

Her leadership skills are reflected every day in how she delegates work to her assistant staff and motivates the other writers on her team with words and creative contests that appeal to their competitive side. For example, she recently bought two tickets to a concert and offered them as a prize for the junior writer who came up with the most interesting angle for a story about renovating the school cafeteria. All of the writers had been staying away from it because it seemed like a pretty boring subject but now, they are all looking for ways to make it interesting.

She has also been able to manage her commitments to the school paper and the cheerleading team without compromising her grades, which is a testament to her organizational skills. She has consistently been an active participant in class discussions and has demonstrated her impressive written and verbal communication skills through numerous research papers, newspaper articles, and class presentations. Jane intends to spend her years in university honing those communication skills and learning how to be a better journalist, something that I know she is very passionate about and will excel at.

I am confident that Jane would be a great addition to your school, as she has so much to offer, both inside and outside the classroom.  If you have any questions regarding Jane's qualifications, please feel free to contact me at (514) 123-4567 or [email protected] .

Regards,

Izzie Stevens,

English teacher, XYZ high school

College recommendation letter sample # 2

To Whom It May Concern,

I have had the pleasure of supervising George Yang at BBG Auto dealership for a little over two years now, and I can say without a doubt that he would make a great addition to the student body of ABC program.

I have been impressed with how reliable and responsible George is. Many part-timers in the car dealership business are high school or college students, and often, they require a certain amount of handholding, but this has never been the case with George. From the very beginning, he was always punctual and respectful with customers. One gentleman in particular was so impressed with the service that he received that he booked a separate appointment with me, just to tell me how friendly and helpful George was as he went through the process of buying his daughter’s first car. The customer insisted that George deserved a raise.

Moreover, when he is not using his downtime to catch up on schoolwork, he is either taking initiative and cold calling potential customers to tell them about upcoming promotions that might interest them or helping his coworkers complete additional tasks, like cleaning up the cars in the showroom, updating the price tags on the cars and sometimes even helping the other salespeople close on a deal.

In addition to being a team player, he also shows great leadership potential. At his request, I gave him the opportunity to run one of our promotional campaigns, and he did a fantastic job. He came up with a marketing plan that attracted over 60 customers to the dealership in one day, and he delegated tasks when he had to make sure things ran smoothly. Furthermore, and perhaps most importantly, in my opinion, he sought help from myself and other members of management whenever he needed it. 

George has mentioned that he is interested in pursuing a degree in business, a niche in which I am positive he will excel. His dedication to learning makes him a focused student, and I am optimistic that he will graduate with flying colors. 

I give George my highest recommendation for enrollment in the business program in your college, without reservation. Please feel free to contact me at (819) 123-5678 or [email protected] for any further information.

Sincerely,

Jacob Blake

Sales Manager, BBG Auto Dealership

To Whom It May Concern

I am writing this recommendation letter at the request of Jonathan Smith, who is applying for admission to X university. Jonathan has been a student at JKL High School for three years and the captain of our football team for a year now. As the team's coach, I have had the pleasure of getting to know him as an athlete but also as a person and a student.

As an athlete, it is evident that Jonathan strives to win and enjoys the sport in its pure form. As a person, I have watched him learn to be a better leader by listening to his teammates and often asking questions that gave me a pause. I remember a particular instance where he sat next to me on the bus as we were coming back from a game and asked if it was his role to intervene when two team members were having a personal dispute that could potentially affect the game but had not gotten to that point yet. It was one of those moments that showed me that he takes his role as a captain seriously.

As a student, Jonathan is always eager to learn. I have noticed it when we study plays, and he takes careful notes and asks follow-up questions. Many of my colleagues at JKL high school have also commented on his ability to quickly grasp concepts and follow up on the rare occasions where he is not able to do so on the first try. It is one of the main reasons why he was able to secure an ‘A’ in his AP Biology class even though he joined the class later than the other students.

As you can probably tell from the few stories that I have shared with you, Jonathan is a focused young man who takes his responsibilities and commitments very seriously. He has assured me that he is committed to becoming one of the best physical therapists in the country and that X university gives him the best chance of achieving this goal.

I recommend Jonathan for your program without any reservations, as I am confident that he will contribute to your alma matter in great ways, both in and out of the classroom and on the football field. I can be reached by phone at (800) 123-8888 or email at [email protected] if you require any further information.

Tucker O'Malley,

JKL High School

College recommendation letter sample # 4

It is without hesitation and with great pleasure that I write to you today regarding Aisha Bellgam's application to your prestigious institution. I have been a counselor at XYZ high school for over ten years, and Aisha is one of the most promising students that I have had the pleasure of working with. 

Aisha first came to me for guidance during her first year of high school. She was new to the country, unfamiliar with our educational system, and dealing with some pretty heavy family problems that made it difficult for her to focus in school. The reality of my job is that I often have to offer my help to students who need it, or other teachers have to send them to my office. So, as you can imagine, I was pleasantly surprised that Aisha had decided to take this step by herself. 

Over the years, I have noticed that taking this kind of initiative comes naturally to her. For example, once we had worked through her issues and she was more comfortable in school, she decided to help other students like her. Our school is located in an urban community with many children from immigrant families. Being one herself, Aisha is uniquely qualified to identify some of the things that make it difficult for these children to adapt to their new environment, and she recognized that. In her sophomore year, she came to me and asked if she could volunteer in my office and provide resources to help students new to the country integrate faster. 

Furthermore, many of her teachers have commended her for often taking the time to tutor other students after school. Her compassion, willingness to help, and amicable nature are why she was elected president of the student council. They are also the reason I believe that she will excel in college and go on to change many lives for the better after graduation if she is admitted into your social work program. 

I am writing this letter today because I wholeheartedly believe that Aisha will be a fantastic addition to your social work program. I have watched her grow into a confident, compassionate young woman who is continually working to better herself and those around her. I look forward to seeing her continue to do so in college and beyond. 

Please do not hesitate to contact me by phone at (204) 123-4567 or email at [email protected] for any additional information regarding this application. 

Sincerely,

Iris Doe

XYZ High School counselor

College recommendation letter sample # 5

My name is Jonathan Sheperd, and I am writing to you today in support of Mr. James Doe's application to the pre-med program at X university. 

I have been a family physician for over twenty-five years. I currently own and operate a small walk-in clinic in downtown Toronto, and James has been volunteering with us since January 20xx. I have had the pleasure of supervising him and observing him work for over a year now, and I can confidently say that he will make an excellent doctor in the future. 

I personally believe that bedside manner is one of the hardest things to teach future doctors, but I do not think that will be the case with James. He is always patient, friendly, and courteous with the incoming patients. I realized this during one of his first full shifts at the clinic when a patient who was having a problem controlling their bowel movements came into the clinic and was looking for assistance. Even some of the most experienced members of my staff were having a hard time staying professional, but James volunteered to help this young man with no complaints, and he did so with a smile. In the end, I heard the patient thank him for helping him through one of the most embarrassing days of his life. 

This is the type of great impression that James leaves with patients and colleagues as well. Even though he only works the front desk at the clinic for 20 hours every other week, the entirety of my staff has acknowledged that his willingness to help and work ethic are things we can always rely on. He has often volunteered to work longer hours when we need extra help, and he always accepts new assignments with enthusiasm.

He recently informed me that he made the dean's list again this spring. It did not surprise me because I know that he brings the same level of dedication and work ethic to his studies. He has a very curious mind that is always at work. We actually have a running joke in the office about the little notebook that he carries around and writes in constantly. When I finally asked him about it, he told me that he likes to write down some of the terms that he repeatedly hears in the office so that he can research them or ask his biology teacher about them. 

His work ethic and eagerness to learn are undeniable, and I am convinced that they will help him succeed as a student and, later on, as a physician. I strongly recommend this applicant for your pre-medicine program as I believe that his professionalism, positive learning attitude, and thirst for knowledge will make him a great addition to your student body. 

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any additional questions. You can reach me by phone at (618) 123-3698 or email at [email protected] .  

Dr. Jonathan Sheperd

FAQs

It's a document that highlights a candidate's skills and qualifications and recommends that they be admitted to a particular college or university.

Very important! College admission boards like to get a sense of who is the applicant is beyond their academic background, and college essays and letters of recommendation allow them to do just that. In other words, a strong letter of recommendation can mean the difference between an acceptance letter and a rejection one.

You can ask your high school teachers, school counselors, mentors, supervisors, etc. Just make sure that it is someone who knows you well enough to talk about your skills and other positive attributes.

The earlier, the better. You should ask for your recommendation letters at the very beginning of your college application process. You can even mention it to your chosen writers before then and simply remind them when it comes time to apply to colleges.

We recommend that you ask for a letter of recommendation face to face. Remember to be polite and professional, be specific in your ask, and provide all the information your referee will need to write a strong letter.

You should provide your chosen writer with supporting documents about your background, like your personal essay or high school resume, and information about the letter format, content, and submission deadline.

Ideally, college recommendation letters shouldn't be longer than one page.

In short, a narrative and specific example. Instead of just telling the admissions board that the applicant is a capable student with leadership skills, it would be best to share an example or a brief anecdote that shows that they are.

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Please can the recommender's email be personal?.

BeMo Academic Consulting

Hello Valetine! Thanks for your comment. It is always best to put down the professional email of your referees, so do your best to include them instead of personal email. However, if your referee is no longer working in an official capacity (retired, for example), you can use their personal email. Though we always recommend using a professional address.

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How to Get a Great Letter of Recommendation

Some colleges will ask for two or three letters of recommendation during the application process. These letters should be written by someone who can describe your skills, accomplishments, and personality.

Why do colleges ask for recommendations? Colleges value recommendations because they:

Show your talents beyond test scores and grades.
Describe real-life examples of your personality and character .
Discuss your relationships in the academic community.

A recommendation letter can help your application stand out, especially when it highlights your skills, accomplishments, and positive attitude toward education.

When Should I Ask for a Recommendation Letter?

Teachers need as much time as possible to complete a recommendation letter. They often have many recommendation letters to write, along with lesson planning and grading.

You should try to get your request to them as soon as possible, but give your references at least a month to complete and submit your letters. The start of your senior year is a good time to begin asking teachers for recommendation letters, especially if you’re applying for early decision. Remember, the more time your teacher has, the more likely they'll write you a thoughtful, detailed letter.

Who Should I Ask to Write a Letter of Recommendation?

It's up to you to find people to write academic letters of recommendation. These tips can help you through the process:

Read each of your college applications carefully. Schools often ask for letters of rec from a specific person, such as a core subject teacher, specific subject teacher, or school counselor.
Get advice from teachers, counselors, and family members on who would be best to write your recommendation letters.
Be sure to select a current teacher or one from your junior year, preferably one who knows you well. Don't choose teachers you had several years ago, since colleges want to know who you are and what you are like now.
Teachers who know you outside of the classroom are a good choice. Consider a teacher who led a club you were in.
If requested by the college, you can also think about other adults who know you well. A coach, employer, or club adviser can say a lot about your skills and character. Ask your admissions officer if it okay to submit recommendations beyond what is required by the college.
Above all else, choose someone who will be enthusiastic about writing your letter.
If you’re unsure about asking someone in particular, politely ask if he or she feels comfortable recommending you. That’s a good way to avoid letters that sound weak or forced.

How to Be Sure You Get a Glowing Letter of Recommendation

Some teachers write many recommendation letters each year. While teachers don't intend to, their letters can start to seem generic after a while. Make it easy for them to give positive, detailed information about your achievements and your potential by refreshing their memory so that they can share specific details about your school career.

It can also be helpful to provide your teacher with a resume or “brag sheet.” Something you might want to include on your brag sheet or in your discussion with your teacher include:

Your class participation
Some of your best work/projects
What you learned in their class
Anything they need to discuss for specific work examples

If you need to get a college letter of recommendation from a counselor, be sure to do the following:

Make an appointment to meet with your counselor if that’s an option, or follow your school’s specific process for receiving a counselor recommendation.
Discuss your skills, accomplishments, and hobbies. Also, talk about what you want to do in college and beyond.
If you have low grades or any other issues on your transcript, talk to your counselor about what happened and what you've done to improve.

It's also a good idea to follow up with your teacher or counselor to see if they have any questions on what is listed on the brag sheet or need more information. And don’t forget to say, “Thank you!”

Final Recommendation Tips

Before asking for a letter of recommendation, remember these tips:

Waive your right to view recommendation letters on your application forms. Admission officers will trust them more if you haven’t seen them.
Requests for recommendations are often sent via email. Make sure that they have the correct email address of the recommender.
Let teachers know the deadline for each college and ask them about their preferred turnaround time.
You can keep track of your letter of recommendation submissions in your application portal. You can politely follow up with your teacher if the deadline is approaching but you see your letter has not been submitted yet.
Once your letters are complete, write a thank-you note to your references. Once you decide which college to attend, you can also tell your references where you’re going and let them know how much you appreciate their support.

Below are some of students' most-asked questions about how to ask for a college letter of recommendation.

How do I address a recommendation letter?

Be sure to give your teacher or counselor the instructions for how the recommendation will be submitted, but most recommendations are sent through an application portal. Instructions are usually provided to the recommender in the electronic request they receive from the portal.

How do I ask teachers for letters of recommendation?

It can seem daunting to ask a teacher for a recommendation, but remember that your teachers are among your biggest supporters and they want you to succeed.

The best way to ask is to simply ask. Find a time when your teacher isn't busy and ask them directly. Don't go with friends, and try to avoid emailing. Be sure you have any information your teacher may need to write the recommendation and give them plenty of time to complete it.

How should I ask for a letter of recommendation by email?

Try to avoid asking by email if at all possible. However, if you're in an unavoidable situation—for example, you or your teacher changed schools—then emailing is fine. Start by reminding them of who you are, and tell them something specific you liked about their class.

Be sure to include any links they may need. In most cases, once you have asked your teacher or counselor if they are willing to write a letter of recommendation, you will then submit the recommendation request via your application platform, like Common App. Your teacher or counselor will receive the request directly from the portal. You should confirm specific instructions for each institution or scholarship that you need a recommendation for. If the letter has to be sent through the mail, get their mailing address so that you can send them the information plus an addressed and stamped envelope.

How do I politely ask for a letter of recommendation for college?

Some teachers get so many requests for college recommendation letters that they simply can't accept them all. You can often make yourself stand out just by being polite.

Ask your teacher at an appropriate time during the day, and be sure to ask as far in advance as possible. Provide your teacher with anything they may need, like an email address or letter template, work samples, resume, and anything else that can be helpful. When you make it easy on your teacher, they'll be more likely to say yes.

How do I request a letter of recommendation from a principal?

Stop by the school office or send an email requesting a meeting with your principal. Be direct, and ask politely. As your principal probably won't have as much knowledge of your academics, you should prepare a summary and a resume. Don't forget to ask your principal as far in advance of the letter's due date as possible.

How do I ask for a letter of recommendation from someone I don't know well?

While you should always try to choose teachers who know you well for your recommendation letters, sometimes, you have no option. You should only use this option if the school you are applying to requires a letter of recommendation and you have not established a relationship with any teachers or counselors. Otherwise, you should always ask someone who knows you well. When asking someone you don't know well, the best option can often be asking them in person and then telling them more about who you are.

If the first conversation goes well, you can send a follow up email more information and consider requesting another meeting. Since they don't know you well, be sure to have a resume and a summary of your time and accomplishments in their class.

Who should I not ask for a letter of recommendation?

You may be tempted to ask a well-known teacher, but if that teacher doesn't know you well, the letter won't mean a lot. You should also avoid teachers that you had several years ago.

Don't ask a family member or a friend for a recommendation as a college may not take them seriously. You should always follow the guidelines from the colleges you are applying to when choosing who to write your letter of recommendation. Finally, if you have a teacher that doesn't have the best opinion of you, avoid asking them for a recommendation letter.

What should a college letter of recommendation include?

A recommendation letter should feel personal to the school: The teacher should state why you'd be a good fit for that particular college, and should include information that will not be found elsewhere on your application. For example, your letter of recommendation shouldn’t repeat the list of student activities already on your college application. It should include any relevant projects or work you've done. Experiences that relate to your character and academic potential are helpful, too. The teacher should include specific details about their experiences with you. Letters of recommendations can be brief and bullet points are fine! Remember that admissions officers are reading thousands of these letters, so sometimes less is more.

Find the right college for you.

Four Incredible College Recommendation Letter Samples To Help Your Child Get Into College & Win Scholarships

4 Incredible College Recommendation Letter Samples To Help Your Child Get Into College & Win Scholarships

Did you know that you can’t rely on your GPA and test scores alone to secure your place at a great school? While these are important aspects of your application, they don’t tell your whole story as a student.

According to data collected by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) , 40% of colleges reported that counselor and teacher recommendations are significant to the final admissions decision. This means that, if you want to create a well-rounded application that guarantees your chances of acceptance, you’ll have to submit good letters of recommendation.

As the founder and CEO of Prep Expert, I have had the honor of helping more than 100,000 students attain a spot in top colleges and earn thousands of dollars in scholarships. In this guide, I will teach you how to make sure your letters of recommendation are as strong as they can be through both tips and sample letters. Let’s get started!

Why Recommendations Matter

While it is important to have a high GPA and great test scores, your teacher recommendation letters might just make the difference between whether or not you get into your dream school.

Colleges and universities want to see that their applicants are well-rounded, passionate, and determined. Thousands upon thousands of students can earn a 4.0 GPA, but far fewer students are able to do so while also demonstrating strong leadership skills, advanced critical thinking skills, and impeccable character.

Schools rely on recommendations from teachers to gain a more holistic view of their applicants, allowing them to see which students have what it takes to thrive on their campus and contribute to the institution. In short, recommendations help you stand out. They showcase your personality and the way you interact in an academic setting.

How to Get Good Letters of Recommendation

If you want to get into your dream school, you’re going to need letters of recommendation that highlight your strengths. The last thing you want is a generic letter that makes it sound like you were just another face in a sea of hundreds of students within a teacher’s classroom.

Let’s go over a few tips you can use to make sure your letters of recommendation are strong and personal.

1. Ask Teachers Who Know You Well

This may seem like an obvious tip, but it’s important to consider. You probably have a lot of teachers and educators who have made a difference in your life. However, you can’t ask all of them to write you a recommendation. Most colleges will ask for only 2 or 3 recommendations, so you have to narrow down your choices to the teachers who know you the best.

Think about how long each person has known you and how much you have interacted with them. It may be helpful to choose teachers who have also worked with you outside the classroom in a club or volunteer setting because they may have a better understanding of your personality.

2. Ask in Advance

Your teachers are busy! Make sure you give them enough time to write a well-thought-out recommendation letter. Not only is it impolite to ask them the day before a deadline, but it will also require them to rush through writing it, meaning it might not be as strong as it could be. Provide at least 2 weeks notice before the deadline, if not more.

3. Be Polite in Your Request

Approach your teachers politely when you ask them to write a recommendation for you. It’s important to let them know what the recommendation is for so they can write as effectively as possible. However, try to avoid telling them exactly what you want them to say. It’s better to let them come up with their own evaluation of you and your strengths.

4. Provide Relevant Information

Some schools require recommenders to answer a specific prompt or submit their recommendation in a certain way. Be sure to give your teachers all the information they need to submit the recommendation correctly and on time. It may also help to provide your resume or personal statement that they can use as a reference while writing.

If your school asks that you mail in your letters of recommendation rather than submitting them electronically, include a stamped and addressed envelope for each teacher as well.

5. Don’t Forget a Thank You Note

Your teachers write letters of recommendation for you out of kindness, so remember to thank them for helping you. A hand-written thank you note is an excellent gesture of appreciation. If you aren’t sure what to write in your note, you can include an update about the outcome of your application and the role your teacher played in your success. Most teachers will be happy and excited to receive a follow-up.

Sample Letters of Recommendation

Here are 4 college recommendation letter samples that will help you learn what type of letter boosts your chances of admission.

Dear Admissions Committee,

My name is Mr. Smith, and I have had the honor of teaching John in AP Literature and Composition at High School X, during which I noticed his impeccable character, discipline, and leadership. John is a self-motivated student who always went above and beyond in my class. It is a pleasure to recommend him.

John has an insatiable desire to learn, and he demonstrated this throughout his year in my class. His questions were insightful and eloquent, and he produced work that was far above that of the average student. John’s writing and research skills are phenomenal. For his final project, he produced a truly remarkable essay analyzing cultural identity in Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Namesake. John’s academic strengths are unparalleled, and I know he will be an asset to your institution.

John’s character is also impressive. He acts with generosity and compassion, and he is well respected by his peers and teachers alike. John is a natural leader, and he was such a joy to have in class.

As a learner and a leader, John is beyond exemplary. He has my strongest recommendation. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.

English Teacher

High School X

It is with great pleasure that I recommend Jill for admission to your institution. Jill is one of the strongest students I have taught in my 22 years of teaching, and I am beyond impressed by her academic performance and her leadership skills. Jill was in my AP Literature and Composition class, and I had the honor of coaching her on the High School X debate team. I am happy to recommend her, and I know that she will be a great addition to your university.

As captain of the debate team, Jill has spent countless hours conducting research and analyzing sources to prepare for our competitions. Her hard work and dedication led to her winning first place at the Iowa State Tournament this year. Jill not only has a strong aptitude for learning and debate, but she is also a strong leader. I watched her go beyond what is required of her to take students under her wing and help them become better debaters throughout our season. She is an incredible captain that understands the importance of leading by example and serving others. I firmly believe that both her personal and academic strengths will contribute greatly to your school.

Jill is an exceptional student, and she has my strongest recommendation. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.

Debate Coach

It has been a pleasure to have Jason in my English classes over the past four years. Jason is an exceptional student, and I have long been impressed by both his academic and interpersonal skills. Throughout the years that I have known Jason, his natural curiosity and desire for learning, his maturity and leadership, and his desire to serve his community have been remarkable. He has my strongest recommendation for admittance into your institution.

In my AP Literature and Composition class, Jason wrote some of the most insightful papers I have read in my 12 years of teaching. I was blown away by his analytical skills and his ability to make connections between different texts. His paper on Toni Morrison’s Sula, was one of the most incredible pieces of student work that I have ever had the joy to read.

Jason’s personal strengths are also strong. He treats his peers and teachers with respect, and he is one of the most compassionate and gracious students I have had in class. Jason is a strong applicant, and I know he will be the perfect addition to your university.

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.

Dear admissions committee,

Teaching AP Physics at High School X is rewarding because of students like Abigail. I have had the joy of watching Abigail’s critical thinking skills and passion for science grow over the past four years in my AP Physics class and as captain of the High School X Robotics team. Abigail is one of the brightest and hardest working students I have had in all of my years of teaching, and it is truly an honor to recommend her for admission to your institution.

Abigail takes her position as captain of the Robotics team very seriously. I have seen her go above and beyond what is required of her to make new members feel welcome and ensure our team is prepared to do well during our competitions. I have never met a student with her level of dedication and passion for sciences, and I know she will be a strong addition to your school’s engineering program.

In addition to her academic strengths, Abigail also has strong leadership skills. She always takes initiative, tackles challenges head on, and serves as a role model for the other students on the team. I know her work ethic and leadership abilities will make a positive impact at your institution.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Physics Teacher

Robotics Team Coach

Why These Letters Work

Notice the structure of these 4 college recommendation letter samples. Not only do they highlight each student’s strengths, but they also provide specific examples of the qualifications that back up those strengths. Specificity is important in recommendation letters because it shows that the recommender does know the student well and, thus, is qualified to recommend them. Their recommendation becomes both more trustworthy and more personal as a result.

So, when you request a letter of recommendation from your educators, remember to choose a teacher who knows you well enough to write an insightful, detailed letter about you. That letter might just be the final push that helps you secure a spot at your top school.

For more information about improving your chances of admission, I recommend booking a free appointment with Prep Expert’s college admissions consulting team. Every year, I work with our team of experts to help 96% of Prep Expert students gain admission to at least one of their top-3 choice colleges and win millions of dollars in merit scholarships. Sign up today to receive guidance for applications and holistic college planning for all students in grades 7 through 12.

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College Recommendation Letter Sample & FAQs

The college recommendation letter – an introduction.

As you begin your college application process, you will likely hear a lot about college recommendation letters. In this guide, with insight from CollegeAdvisor’s expert Admission Officers, we’ll explain exactly what a college recommendation letter is. We will also cover how to request a recommendation letter for college. And, we will present an example of what a strong college recommendation letter sample looks like.

After reading this guide, hopefully you will understand the importance of the recommendation letter for college. Above all, you will want your college recommendation letter to be written by someone who knows you well. That way, your letter of recommendation for college will be the strongest it can possibly be. As you’ll see in the college recommendation letter sample that helped one student earn admission to Harvard University , a strong letter of recommendation can help you attend your dream school . But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Let’s begin with the most important question: what is a letter of recommendation for college?

What is a college recommendation letter?

A college recommendation letter is exactly what it sounds like. It’s an opportunity for those who know you in an educational setting to explain to an admissions committee the ways you stand out. It also helps them highlight why you would be a good candidate for college admission.

Your recommendation letter for college admission will help admissions officers get to know you from a third party perspective. They will glean insight into you beyond your personal essay , academics , and extracurricular achievements . It will help admissions officers understand: What are you like in the classroom? How do you lead your peers? What qualities do you have that would make you a great fit for the university you want to attend? A good recommendation letter for college will answer these questions and more.

Later in this guide, you’ll see a sample college recommendation letter that will demonstrate this. The college recommendation letter sample will show you first hand the type of content your teachers will be writing about you. The letter in this guide is a real recommendation that helped a student earn admission to Harvard University !

These 4 steps break down how to get a great letter of recommendation for college in more depth. And, here are some more FAQs about the letter of recommendation for college admission. For now, let’s discuss why a letter of recommendation for college matters so much.

Why is a college recommendation letter important?

Not all colleges will require a letter of recommendation, but the majority do. So, it’s generally best to plan to secure them as part of your college application process. It’s impossible to weigh the role letters of recommendation play in the overall admissions process. It will vary a bit by school. However, many schools have shifted to a holistic admissions strategy as they review college applications. A holistic admissions approach means that colleges will consider all components of your college application more evenly. This includes your academics, your extracurriculars, and especially the recommendation letter for college.

According to Inside Higher Ed , more than 60% of colleges reported that the counselor recommendation had at least ‘moderate importance’ in admissions decisions. The article explores the fairness and validity of letters of recommendation. However, one thing is for certain: they will continue to be used in the application process.

So, it is worth understanding how to secure strong college recommendation letters. Due to COVID-19 , standardized testing has taken a back seat and some high schools are resorting to pass/fail grades. Therefore, letters of recommendation may matter even more in the admissions process, especially at more selective schools.

Let’s take a look at the times when a letter of recommendation for college admission can play an even more important role in college admission decisions.

When might a letter of recommendation for college matter most?

A few scenarios can play out where your letter of recommendation for college could be a deciding factor in an admission decision. Firstly, at highly selective schools , where each component of the application process counts, this may very well be the case. Let’s say for instance the admissions committee is deciding between two candidates. Both applicants have similar profiles in terms of academic interests, extracurricular involvement, test scores (if applicable), GPA, and curriculum. A strong letter of recommendation for college admission just may be the deciding factor.

In a second scenario, let’s take a less selective school with a truly holistic admissions process. A candidate might seem like an average student, but a strong letter of recommendation for college might show admissions how the student excels beyond grades. A strong letter of recommendation might motivate an admissions officer to take a chance on that candidate.

The deciding factor

Lastly, a common scenario at selective schools is one in which a candidate may be on the cusp. Academically, they aren’t strong enough for a definite offer of admission, so the decision can go either way. That’s when a recommendation letter for college or a personal essay can really make all the difference. A strong combination of the two can provide that boost admissions officers need to settle on a decision to admit.

At the end of the day, while a required recommendation letter for college isn’t the end-all be-all in the college application process, these letters can play an important role in the final decision. They are a third-party testament to your ability to excel. This insight can be an important addition to your college application packet. As such, it’s best to ensure your letters are as strong as possible. You’ll see an example of that in our college recommendation letter sample.

Asking for a recommendation letter for college: Things to know

Now that we’ve explained the basics of the letter of recommendation for college admission, let’s get into some more detail. We’ll even look at a sample college recommendation letter later on to give you a clear idea of what these letters look like!

Check out this step-by-step guide to the process, and keep reading to see our college recommendation letter sample later in this guide.

Who should I ask for a letter of recommendation for college?

This is probably the most important question you will ask yourself as you begin to think about your college recommendation letters. Deciding who should write your letter of recommendation for college admission requires careful consideration. It sounds a bit transactional, but you should take inventory of your teachers early in your junior year . The college application process requires planning , so you need to assess every step of the way. Be intentional about building strong relationships with your teachers with your letter of recommendation for college in mind.

Do you already know what particular school, major, or program you will be applying to? If so, you will certainly want to ask a teacher in the appropriate subject. If two letters are required, we suggest one letter of recommendation for college from a math or science teacher and another recommendation letter for college from a humanities teacher. Our college recommendation letter sample below is from a math teacher, so the best contrasting letter would be an English or history teacher.

Junior-year teachers are best

Junior year teachers are ideal candidates to write your letter of recommendation for college admission. This is because they are the last ones to have taught you for a full year before the application process, and your classes are more rigorous. If you are lucky enough to have a junior year teacher that you had in previous years, that could certainly be an advantage. Either way, make sure to forge relationships with your teachers throughout your junior year. Let them know your interests, go to see them during their office hours, and be an active participant in class discussions.

Do you have the opportunity to work with one of your teachers outside of your class? Perhaps your history teacher advises the Yearbook committee, or your calculus teacher advises the Black Student Association. It’s a good idea to join the clubs your teachers advise so they can get to know you better outside of the classroom. Of course, these should be activities that you’re genuinely interested in.

Counselor recommendations

In addition to the teachers you will ask for a letter, your school counselor will also submit a letter of recommendation for college. This letter of recommendation for college admission will typically provide an overview of your years as a high school student. It will discuss your academics, extracurricular involvement and impact, as well as your personal traits and growth throughout the years. For that reason, even if you do work with an outside advisor (such as one of CollegeAdvisor.com’s Advisors ), it is also important to form a relationship with your school-assigned counselor.

Your counselor’s recommendation letter for college can help fill in gaps in your application story by providing contextual information. For example, if your GPA suffered your sophomore year due to your parents’/guardians’ divorce or separation, or a death in the family, your counselor can include that information. For some information, such as medical conditions, your counselor will require written consent to include said information in your letter of recommendation for college.

Some colleges and universities will allow you to submit a supplemental letter of recommendation for college admission. The amount will vary by school, but one is typically enough.

This letter could come from:

Supervisors
Religious mentors
Community leaders
Research advisors
Band teachers

You will want the person writing your supplemental recommendation letter for college to provide a unique perspective different from your other letters. A word of caution: be sure to check the individual college’s policy on the submission of a supplemental letter of recommendation for college admission. Not all schools welcome them, so do not have an additional letter of recommendation for college sent if they specify that it is not wanted.

Keep reading to see a favorite college recommendation letter sample of ours!

How to ask for a letter of recommendation for college?

You should try to ask for a college recommendation letter face-to-face rather than over email. If possible, ask your potential recommenders in person or ask to set up a meeting online. Understand that your teachers can decline your request to have them write a letter of recommendation for college. However, teachers know about the process of writing a recommendation letter for college and will be open to writing one for you.

One important thing to do ahead of time when asking for a college recommendation letter is to prepare a resume and a list of key extracurricular activities and awards to give your potential recommenders. This will make their job much easier! They’ll know exactly what they should be highlighting as they write your letter. As you’ll see below in our sample Harvard recommendation letter, the student’s recommender lists her extracurriculars in the letter. This helps paint a more well-rounded picture of the student for admissions officers.

Verify in the portal

Once you’ve confirmed who your recommenders will be, you will need to verify them through your application portal. For example, on the Common App, you invite the recommender to write you a letter by putting their email into the recommendation section of the application. The recommenders will receive a notification and be able to upload their letter of recommendation for college admission directly to the application portal.

Looking for more information on how to ask for a letter of recommendation for college admission? Check out this article. And, keep reading to see us analyze a strong college recommendation letter sample.

When should I ask for a college recommendation letter?

We cannot stress enough the importance of respecting your teachers’ time when asking for a letter of recommendation for college admission. While you should ask four weeks in advance at minimum , we advise asking in May or June before the end of the school year . Many teachers will use their free time during the summer to write college recommendation letters, so the earlier the better.

You don’t want to be the student asking your teachers for a letter of recommendation for college admission just days before the application deadline; your teachers have enough to juggle. Ask your teachers in person if possible, and understand that they can decline.

What is the deadline for teachers to submit college recommendation letters?

If you are applying to schools with a November deadline, your teachers and counselor will generally submit your letters by then. Likewise for applications with a January deadline.

A letter of recommendation for college admission can generally come in after the deadline , within reason. Sometimes your college counselor will continue to submit information on your behalf throughout the cycle if necessary. What matters is that your application is submitted by the deadline. For schools with rolling admissions, your application will not be reviewed until it is complete.

What can I do as a sophomore/junior to ensure a good college recommendation letter?

The best thing to do to ensure a good letter of recommendation is to form relationships with your teachers. You can accomplish this by coming to class prepared so that you can answer questions and also ask questions. That said, you will want to make sure you consistently complete your homework and class assignments on time.

You can set yourself apart by contributing to class discussions, respecting your peers, and getting along with your teachers. You can also show leadership by volunteering to help out in class and take the lead on group projects. You’ll want to identify teachers you trust and can ask for help in order to build relationships with your teachers. Additionally, you’ll also want to get to know your teachers and allow them to get to know you. In fact, you’ll see in our college recommendation letter sample how one student set herself apart for all four years of high school.

For more information on how to get a great recommendation letter for college, check out this article .

Letter of Recommendation for College: Form and Function

Now, we’ll go into detail about what the college recommendation letter should look like, what it should contain, and how many letters you should aim for. Keep reading for our analysis of a college recommendation letter sample as well.

How long should a college recommendation letter be?

The standard length of a college letter of recommendation is one page. Some teachers may write a bit more or a bit less in a letter of recommendation for college. But expect approximately a page worth of content. Below, you’ll see our sample college recommendation letter is one full page, single-spaced.

What should a college recommendation letter include?

A strong recommendation letter for college will provide key details that are not obvious from the rest of your application. In fact, you will see exactly what we mean below in the college recommendation letter sample. While you may have a strong academic profile, a letter of recommendation for college admission can provide contextual information. Information such as: your journey in that particular class; insight into how you think; how you treat your classmates; your relationship with your teacher; and how you contribute to the class. That’s information that a simple letter grade cannot provide.

Thinking beyond the “A”

And speaking of grades, you don’t have to ask teachers whose classes you earned an A in to write your letters. Sometimes the strongest letters can come from teachers whose class you didn’t ace — that’s not always the end result of hard work, after all. A strong letter can attest to the commitment you made to do well. You might have met the teacher outside of class, seen a tutor, or asked for additional resources to better grasp the material. What admissions committee wouldn’t appreciate a teacher speaking to your resilience and work ethic? Admissions officers aren’t looking for perfection, but they are looking to form the ideal class of students who can thrive academically.

Wondering about writing a recommendation letter for college from the teacher’s perspective? Check out this guide from MIT about what they like in a letter. Looking to read a college recommendation letter sample? We’ll be analyzing a very strong sample college recommendation letter below!

Who should my teachers address the college recommendation letters to?

Each letter of recommendation for college admission can simply be addressed “To whom it may concern,” as they are not written for specific colleges. Or, see our college recommendation letter sample for how to start a letter.

How many letters of recommendation for college?

Usually, you will need two letters of recommendation. We suggest you get one recommendation letter for college from a STEM teacher, and one recommendation letter for college from a humanities or social sciences teacher. This helps to show colleges that you are a well-rounded student.

However, if you are applying for a specific program or major , for example any very competitive engineering programs, you may want to instead get a college recommendation letter from both a math teacher and a science teacher. Our college recommendation letter sample is from a math teacher, so if that student were applying for engineering, she may want to get a second college recommendation letter from a science teacher.

Some colleges allow you to submit more than two recommendation letters. It may be helpful to check out schools on your college list ahead of time so you know whether to ask for a third recommendation letter for college.

Supplemental letter of recommendation for Harvard

For example, our sample letter below is a Harvard recommendation letter. Although you only need two Harvard recommendation letters, the college will accept a supplemental Harvard recommendation letter. A third Harvard recommendation letter can help the admissions committee to see an additional part of your background or personality. You can touch on things not already covered in your application or first two Harvard recommendation letters.

However, do not think that every additional Harvard recommendation letter that you send will subsequently increase your chances of admission. In fact, sending too many additional Harvard recommendation letters may make the admissions office wary of accepting you. Knowing when enough is enough is key.

Now, let’s check out a sample college recommendation letter. This college recommendation letter sample will provide you with a concrete example of what these letters should look like. And, it helped Jennifer gain acceptance into Harvard!

College Recommendation Letter Sample

The moment you’ve been waiting for: a real college recommendation letter sample. Below, we’ll discuss what makes this a strong college recommendation letter sample, and how you can get a similarly strong college recommendation letter. This sample letter is actually a real Harvard recommendation letter that helped one student gain admissions Harvard University.

The above college recommendation letter sample is a strong example of a good college recommendation letter. We can break this Harvard recommendation letter down into three parts: the student’s academic background, specific examples of the student’s high achieving behavior, and the student’s extracurricular background. The recommender closes out the letter by offering an overall endorsement of the student. Now, let’s dive into the details of this sample college recommendation letter.

The letter provides context

This college recommendation letter sample begins by offering context for Jennifer as a student and how the recommender knows Jennifer. This demonstrates to admissions officers why the recommender is qualified to endorse Jennifer as a candidate for admissions; Jennifer was a past student in two of the recommender’s extremely challenging courses.

It highlights academic accomplishments with examples

The first paragraph of this sample college recommendation letter focuses on Jennifer’s academic accolades. She took AP Calculus freshman year of high school, then moved on to take a college level course in Multivariate Calculus as only a junior in high school.

This college recommendation letter sample also mentions Jennifer’s successes on the AP exams, not only in math courses, but in AP Computer Science and AP History as well. Finally, this college recommendation letter sample details that Jennifer has taken multiple classes at the college level. All of this is extremely impressive, and we’re only on the first paragraph of this college recommendation letter sample!

In the next paragraph of this sample college recommendation letter, the recommender discusses specifics of Jennifer’s work that were outstanding. These specific examples back up the claims made in the above paragraph: Jennifer is a unique and brilliant student.

Describes excellence outside the classroom

Finally, this college recommendation letter sample discusses Jennifer’s accomplishments outside of the classroom. This is always helpful for a recommender to mention in a letter of recommendation for college admission. It emphasizes that Jennifer is well-rounded and that her recommender took the time to get to know her outside of the classroom space. As we mentioned before, you can provide your recommender with a list of key extracurriculars and accomplishments. That way, like in this Harvard recommendation letter, your recommender can address the many facets of your high school career!

This sample college recommendation letter specifically highlights Jennifer’s success in mathematical courses. However, it also talks more broadly about Jennifer’s involvement in other courses and extracurriculars. It’s no wonder this Harvard recommendation letter helped earn Jennifer admission into the college. In fact, it really contributed depth and detail to her application. A college recommendation letter like this college recommendation letter sample would be a huge asset to an application!

College Recommendation Letters: Additional FAQs

Now that we’ve gone through a sample college recommendation letter, you should have a pretty clear idea of what a letter of recommendation for college admission looks like. Below, we’ll answer remaining questions you may have about getting a letter of recommendation for college admission.

Can a college recommendation letter be from a family member?

No. A family member cannot write a letter of recommendation for college on your behalf. You could have a mentor or a boss write a recommendation letter for college, but they should not be related to you.

Will I be able to read my college recommendation letter?

Your teachers will typically submit your letter of recommendation for college admission to your school counselor. From there, it gets uploaded to the platform your school uses such as Naviance or MaiaLearning, from which your counselor will submit your supporting documents to the colleges you’ve selected.

Typically, students must sign a FERPA waiver when they request their letters of recommendation for college. This agreement states that you waive the right to view your recommendation letter for college admission.

How do I know if my college recommendation letter is good?

The quality of a recommendation letter for college can vary depending on the teacher writing it. Not all teachers are wordsmiths, and that’s ok. What matters most is the content, which is why it’s important to forge those teacher connections and choose recommenders who know you and your abilities best. If a teacher feels that they would not be the best person to write a solid recommendation on your behalf, they may decline your offer.

Letter of Recommendation for College- Final Thoughts

We hope this guide has provided a comprehensive explanation of the college recommendation letter process. We hope you also gained a better sense of what a strong college recommendation letter sample looks like. Remember that not all letters of recommendation will be exactly like the above college recommendation letter sample. So, you shouldn’t compare your successes to the student in the college recommendation letter sample. You are you , and that’s the greatest advantage in the college admissions process! Find recommenders who understand you, and be sure to ask for a college recommendation letter far before the deadline. Be prepared to provide recommenders with a list of extracurriculars, as the student in our college recommendation letter sample did. Your personal essay (if you’ve written it) may also be helpful for recommenders to see. Any additional information you can provide will be helpful for your teachers. Like in our college recommendation letter sample, you want to seem a well-rounded, unique, and hard working student.

For more information on the college recommendation letter process, check out this Common App article. Good luck!

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Letter of Recommendation for College Template

Create a persuasive Letter of Recommendation for College that underlines your potential and boosts your college admission chances.

Updated May 17, 2024 Written by Raina Chou | Reviewed by Brooke Davis

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.

Applying for a major in Nursing?

Use our tailor-made Letter of Recommendation for Nursing School to secure your application.

Why It's Important

Whom to Ask

How to request, how to write, letter of recommendation for college: examples, letter of recommendation for college sample, frequently asked questions, 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.

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.

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,

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.

Sample #1: Celine for Major in Business

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.

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.

Mr. Alan Grant Economics Department Springfield Academy [email protected] 555-321-0987

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].

___________________ [Recommender’s Name] ___________________ [Recommender’s Department or Title] ________________________________ [Recommender’s Email or Phone]

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.

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Lead admissions expert, table of contents, section 1: how to ask for a letter of recommendation for college, section 2: guidelines for common app letters of recommendation, section 3: college letter of recommendation: 10 sample letter requests.

Stay up-to-date on the latest research and college admissions trends with our blog team.

How to Get Letters of Recommendation for College (10 Examples)

Getting a letter of recommendation is more than just a requirement—it’s an essential skill that can set you apart in the college admissions process and beyond.

A strong letter of recommendation can provide a personal perspective on your strengths, accomplishments, and character that grades and test scores alone can’t convey. Learning how to ask for one is a skill that will serve you well, not just in college applications but throughout your academic and professional career. So, you might as well master the skill now!

This article is your go-to guide for securing stellar letters of recommendation from teachers and mentors. Whether you need help with how to ask, how many letters you’ll need, or what to include in your request, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we’ll provide examples and templates to help you craft the perfect ask, making the process as smooth as possible.

Why do letters of recommendation matter ?

Letters of recommendation give colleges insights into who you are beyond your transcript. They highlight your strengths, character, and how you’ve impacted your school and community. Therefore, it’s crucial to approach this request thoughtfully.

How Many Letters of Recommendation Will You Need?

Typically, colleges ask for two to three letters of recommendation. Some schools may require specific types , such as one from a teacher in a core subject and another from a counselor or extracurricular advisor. Always check each college’s requirements carefully to ensure you’re meeting their expectations.

Who Should You Ask?

Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your strengths . Ideally, select teachers from your junior or senior year, especially those who taught subjects related to your intended major. Counselors and mentors from extracurricular activities are also excellent choices.

When Should You Ask for a Letter of Recommendation?

The best time to ask is at the end of your junior year or the very beginning of your senior year. This gives your recommenders plenty of time to write a thoughtful letter without feeling rushed. Aim to ask at least four to six weeks before the deadline.

Review: Quick Tips

Choose Your Method: A face-to-face request is always best, but if that’s not possible, a well-crafted email works too.
Be Respectful: Start by expressing appreciation for their time and effort. They’re doing you a favor, after all!
Provide Context: Let them know why you’re asking them specifically. Mention how their class or mentorship has impacted you and how it relates to your college goals.
Make it Easy: Provide all necessary details, including deadlines, submission methods, and any specific points you’d like them to highlight.
Follow-up: A gentle reminder a week or two before the deadline is helpful. Be sure to thank them again once the letter is submitted.

The Common Application is used by hundreds of colleges, and they all have slightly different requirements when it comes to letters of recommendation.

Here’s what you need to know:

Once you create an account, the Common App allows you to invite and manage recommenders directly through the platform. Colleges typically request one to two teacher recommendations and one from a school counselor.

Following the invitation, recommenders can upload their letters directly through the Common App. Ensure they have the correct instructions for each college, especially if some schools prefer letters via mail or another platform.

Teacher Recommendations:

Whenever possible, choose teachers who taught you in core academic subjects like Math, English, Science, or History. These letters should emphasize your academic abilities, work ethic, and contributions in the classroom.

Counselor Recommendations:

Your school counselor’s recommendation provides a broader picture of your high school career, including your academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal development. Even in large high schools, it benefits students to start meeting with their counselors early on to help develop this relationship .

Supplemental Recommendations:

Some colleges allow or even encourage additional recommendations from c oaches, employers, or other mentors . Make sure these letters add new perspectives rather than repeating what’s already covered by your teachers and counselor.

Ultimately, follow the instructions of the college applications closely when submitting. When in doubt, check the college’s website or contact a college admissions counselor for help!

Crafting the perfect request can be challenging, so here are 10 sample letters you can use as inspiration:

1. Formal Email Request to a Junior Year Teacher

Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request

Dear [Teacher’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out to ask if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for my college applications. Having been in your [Subject] class during my junior year, I deeply value the insight you have into my academic abilities and work ethic.

I don’t have a final list yet, but I know that I am applying to several colleges next year, and your perspective on my growth in your class would be invaluable. The deadline for submission will be [Date], and I can provide any additional information or materials you might need.

Thank you so much for considering my request. Your support would mean a great deal to me.

Best regards, [Your Name] [Your Contact Information]

2. Face-to-Face Request Template

Opening: “Hi [Teacher’s Name], do you have a moment to talk?”

Request: “I wanted to ask if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for my college applications. I really enjoyed your [Subject] class, particularly [your favorite memory or shared anecdote]! Because of this, I believe your insights into my academic growth and participation would provide a strong perspective for my applications.”

Follow-up: “I understand this is a significant request, so if you need any materials or information from me, I’d be happy to provide them. The deadline is [Date], and I’ll make sure to give you plenty of time.”

Closing: “Thank you so much for considering this. Your support would really mean a lot to me.”

3. Request for a Counselor Recommendation

Dear [Counselor’s Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I’m in the process of preparing my college applications and was wondering if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me.

I believe your knowledge of my academic history, extracurricular involvement, and personal development over the past few years would be incredibly valuable to the admissions committees. The deadline for the recommendation is [Date], and I’d be happy to provide any additional details you might need.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration. I truly appreciate your support.

Warm regards, [Your Name] [Your Contact Information]

4. Request from an Extracurricular Advisor

Subject: Request for a Letter of Recommendation

Dear [Advisor’s Name],

I hope you’re having a great day! I’m reaching out to ask if you could write a letter of recommendation for my college applications.

Your mentorship in [Activity/Club] has had a significant impact on my personal and leadership development over the last [X Years], and I believe your perspective would greatly enhance my application. The deadline for submission is [Date], and I’d be happy to provide any additional information you need.

Thank you so much for considering this. Your guidance has meant so much to me, and your recommendation would be invaluable.

5. Email Follow-Up Reminder

Subject: Friendly Reminder: Letter of Recommendation

Dear [Teacher/Counselor/Advisor’s Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to send a quick reminder about the letter of recommendation for my college applications. The deadline is approaching on [Date], and I just wanted to make sure you have everything you need from me.

If there’s anything else I can provide to assist, please don’t hesitate to ask. Thank you again for your support!

Warm regards, [Your Name]

6. Request to a Teacher for a Specific College Program

Subject: Request for Letter of Recommendation for [College Program Name]

I hope this email finds you well. I am applying to [Specific College Program] at [College Name], and I wanted to ask if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf.

Your class in [Subject] was instrumental in shaping my interest in this field, and I believe your insights into my passion and skills would be particularly compelling to the admissions committee. The deadline for submission is [Date], and I’m happy to provide any additional information you might need.

Thank you so much for considering my request and for stoking my interest in this field. Your recommendation would mean a lot to me.

7. Request from a Coach for an Athletic Program

Dear Coach [Coach’s Name],

I hope you’re doing well. As I prepare to apply for college, I am hoping you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for my application, particularly highlighting my participation in [Sport/Team].

Your guidance over the past [Years] has been crucial to my development both on and off the field, and I believe your perspective on my teamwork, leadership, and dedication would greatly enhance my application. The deadline for submission is [Date].

Please let me know if there’s anything you need from me to assist in writing the letter. Thank you so much for your support!

8. Request from a Mentor for a Scholarship Application

Subject: Request for Scholarship Recommendation Letter

Dear [Mentor’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I’m in the process of applying for the [Scholarship Name], and I was wondering if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf.

Your mentorship in [Area of Mentorship] has greatly influenced my growth, and I believe your insights would be invaluable to the scholarship committee. The deadline is [Date], and I can provide any additional details you might need.

Thank you so much for considering my request. Your support has always meant a great deal to me.

9. Request for a Last-Minute Letter (Only if Necessary)

Subject: Urgent Request for Letter of Recommendation

I hope you’re doing well. I apologize for the short notice, but I was wondering if it would be possible for you to write a letter of recommendation for my college application. The deadline is [Date], and I completely understand if this timing is not feasible for you.

If you’re able to assist, I can provide any information you need right away. Please let me know your availability, and again, I sincerely apologize for the urgency.

Thank you so much for considering my request. I appreciate your understanding.

10. Thank You Email After Submission

Subject: Thank You for Your Recommendation

Dear [Teacher/Counselor/Advisor/Mentor’s Name],

I wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for writing my letter of recommendation. I truly appreciate the time and effort you put into supporting my college application.

Your support means a great deal to me, and I am so grateful to have had you as [a teacher/mentor/counselor]. I’ll be sure to keep you updated on my application process.

Thank you again for everything!

Bonus: Brag Sheet Style Resume Template

A brag sheet is a simple resume that highlights your achievements, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and any other information that can help your recommender write a compelling letter. This template will guide you in organizing your brag sheet:

Header: Include your name, contact information, and high school.
Academic Achievements: List your GPA, test scores, and honors or awards.
Extracurricular Activities: Detail your involvement, leadership roles, and key achievements.
Community Service: Highlight your volunteer work and impact.
Personal Attributes: Mention qualities like leadership, teamwork, and perseverance.

When in doubt, it’s best to prepare these materials and share them with your recommenders proactively so that you can get the most detailed letter possible.

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Securing strong letters of recommendation can be a game-changer in your college admissions process. By asking the right people at the right time and in the right way, you’ll set yourself up for success. Remember to follow up, provide your recommenders with all the information they need, and thank them for their support.

Need more personalized guidance?

At Empowerly College Counseling, we specialize in helping students like you navigate every step of the college admissions process, from building your application to securing crucial letters of recommendation. Contact us today to learn how we can help you increase your odds of acceptance by up to 11x.

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16+ College Recommendation Letter Templates & Samples – DOC, PDF

Many colleges demand that applicants forward two or three college recommendation letters , written in word, excel or pdf files, from specific persons. Most likely they will target your former class teacher, your principal and maybe your pastor. Some may also ask for a letter from your part-time employer. A recommendation templates for student is very important as it frames the admission boards’ expectations of you.

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Sample Recommendation Letters for College Applicants

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Many colleges, universities, and business schools request recommendation letters as part of the application process. Choosing the person to ask for your recommendation is often your first challenge because you want an honest letter that will improve your chances of being accepted. Also, if you are the person writing a letter of recommendation, it may be difficult to know where to begin.

No matter which side you're on, reading through a few good letters of recommendation will certainly help. With these samples, you can make better decisions about whom to ask, what should be included, and take note of the best format for writing one.

Every college applicant has a different situation and your relationship with a student and recommender is also unique. For that reason, we're going to look at a few different scenarios that can be adapted to fit your needs.

Choosing the Right Person for a Recommendation

A good recommendation letter from a high school teacher, college professor, or another academic reference can really help an applicant's chances of acceptance. Other sources of recommendations might include a club president, employer, community director, coach, or mentor.

The goal is to find someone who has had time to get to know you well. A person who has worked closely with you or known you for a significant period of time will have more to say and be able to offer specific examples to back up their opinions. On the other hand, someone who doesn't know you very well may struggle to come up with supporting details. The result might be a vague reference that doesn't do anything to make you stand out as a candidate.

Selecting a letter writer from an advanced course, extra-curricular group, or volunteer experience is also a good idea. This shows that you are motivated and confident in your academic performance or willing to put in extra effort outside the typical classroom. Although there are a lot of different things that are considered during the college application process, previous academic performance and work ethic are among the most important.

Recommendation Letter From an AP Professor

The following letter of recommendation was written for a college student who is also an undergraduate program applicant. The letter writer is the student's AP English professor, whose class other students may struggle with, so there are some extra benefits here.

What makes this letter stand out? As you read this letter, note how the letter writer specifically mentions the student's outstanding work ethic and academic performance. He also discusses her leadership capability, her ability to multi-task, and her creativity. He even offers an example of her record of achievement—a novel project that she worked on with the rest of the class. Specific examples like this are a great way for the recommender to reinforce the main points of the letter.

To Whom It May Concern:Cheri Jackson is an extraordinary young woman. As her AP English Professor, I have seen many examples of her talent and have long been impressed by her diligence and work ethic. I understand that Cheri is applying to the Recommendation Letter From a Debate Coach

This letter was written by a high school teacher for an undergraduate business school applicant . The letter writer is very familiar with the student since they were both members of the school's debate team, an extra-curricular that demonstrates a drive in academics.

What makes this letter stand out? Getting a letter from someone who is familiar with your classroom behavior and academic ability can show admissions committees that you are dedicated to your education. It also demonstrates that you have made good impressions on those in the educational community.

The content of this letter could be very beneficial to the applicant. The letter does a good job of demonstrating the applicant's motivation and self-discipline. It also cites specific examples to support the recommendation.

As you are reading this sample letter, take note of the required format for recommendations. The letter contains short paragraphs and multiple line breaks for easy readability. It also contains the name of the person who wrote it as well as contact information, which helps makes the letter look legit.

To Whom It May Concern:Jenna Breck was a student in my debate class and has also been on my Recommendation Letter From Volunteer Experience

Many undergraduate business programs ask applicants to supply a recommendation letter from an employer or someone who knows how the applicant works. Not everyone has professional work experience, though. If you have never worked a 9 to 5 job, you can get a recommendation from a community leader or non-profit administrator. Though it is traditionally unpaid, volunteer experience is still a work experience. What makes this letter stand out? This sample letter demonstrates what a recommendation from a non-profit administrator might look like. The letter writer emphasizes the student's leadership and organizational skills, work ethic, and moral fiber. Although the letter doesn't touch on academics, it does tell the admissions committee who this student is as a person. Demonstrating personality can sometimes be just as important as showing good grades on a transcript.

To Whom It May Concern: As the Director of the Bay Area Community Center, I work closely with many of the community

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3 Sample Recommendation Letters for Students

July 3, 2023

In most cases, recommendation letters are a standard requirement for the college admissions process. Admissions boards use these letters to better understand the applicant’s promising qualities and characteristics that a transcript may not fully demonstrate. When you submit a strong letter, it can increase your chances of success in a large and competitive applicant pool. But do you know how a strong letter of recommendation sounds? What makes it memorable? Before you request letters of recommendation , it can be helpful to review a sample recommendation letter for college. That way, you can determine what will differentiate your application from the rest. Whether you need to write a recommendation letter for student success or are college-bound yourself, the following sample recommendation letters for students will help you better define how a winning letter should sound.

Getting Started

Firstly, it’s important to ensure you follow all guidelines before submitting a recommendation letter. For example, some colleges may require a teacher and counselor recommendation . Most universities will outline their expectations for how many letters are required and from whom the letter should come. Professional contacts like former or current teachers, employers, and coaches are excellent sources. Ideally, the person you ask should be familiar with your work ethic and personality in addition to your academic achievements.

Let’s take a look at some sample recommendation letters for college. As you read, imagine this letter has just come across your desk. Think about whether or not this letter would stick out to you.

The first sample recommends Isabelle, a high school senior who is interested in studying psychology and is also a student-athlete.

Sample Recommendation Letter for Student: Example #1

Dear Admissions Committee,

I had the pleasure of coaching Isabelle throughout her four years at Lewis and Clark High School. From her first day at try-outs, she impressed me with her incredible determination, her commitment to uplifting her team members, and her ability to balance her schoolwork with basketball. She prioritized her classes even throughout the height of the season. Isabelle is a hard worker with the drive to succeed in all facets of her life, and she has my highest recommendation as a student and an athlete.

During her junior year, Isabelle assumed the leadership position of team captain. In this role, Isabelle led by example. She was quick to demonstrate sportsmanship and kindness through tough losses, communicated effectively with team members, and encouraged new members when they made mistakes. Without my prompting, Isabelle took new players aside to coach them through our drills if they needed extra help. Isabelle was eager to spend time with the new recruits. She ensured they put their best foot forward and also made them feel included and valued. Isabelle is a wonderful communicator, and I imagine this quality will serve her well as she studies psychology and works with future clients in a one-on-one setting.

Recommendation Letter Sample for Student #1 (Continued)

Throughout the school year, Isabelle was an active participant in events outside of the court. She led and organized athletic fundraisers and was elected president of the Student-Athlete Association. She created presentations for her peers and served as a mentor for the underclassmen. All the while, Isabelle continued to demonstrate punctuality by showing up on time for practice and maintaining an optimistic and energetic attitude.

I am certain Isabelle will continue to succeed and accomplish great things in her future. I highly recommend her for admission to your undergraduate program. Isabelle is a talented, compassionate, and highly-driven student who continually strives to better herself and those around her. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Coach Anderson

Athletics Director

Lewis and Clark High School

Even though this is a sample recommendation letter for college, imagine you have the opportunity to invite Isabelle into the undergraduate program. Does she sound like a promising candidate?

Why it Works

Obviously, Coach Anderson holds Isabelle in high regard. One way she demonstrates how much she appreciates Isabelle’s efforts is by using specific examples to demonstrate Isabelle’s impressive qualities. Instead of simply saying Isabelle is a dedicated student, Coach Anderson tells us what organizations Isabelle is involved in. She even tells us what some of Isabelle’s responsibilities are and how she has assumed leadership positions in these roles.

Similarly, Coach Anderson also highlights how Isabelle’s work ethic will help her succeed in her future career goals and college major . Isabelle’s ability to communicate well with her teammates will help her create meaningful and important relationships with her future clients. Isabelle has the right kind of demeanor for the career she wants to pursue.

When writing the recommendation letter for student applications, Coach Anderson’s admiration reads clearly because she thoughtfully recalls Isabelle’s accomplishments. Coach Anderson’s enthusiasm will certainly make the recommendation letter more memorable, as it shows Isabelle’s genuine connection with her coach.

Let’s look at another sample recommendation letter for college. This sample will recommend Jacob, a high school senior who is interested in studying biology. Let’s see if this letter is as successful as the first one.

Sample Recommendation Letter for Student: Example #2

Jacob was my student in AP Biology his senior year, and I had the great pleasure of working with him during that time. Throughout the academic year, Jacob impressed me not only with his natural aptitude for science but also with his curiosity and ingenuity. His dedication to exploring new concepts and procedures, even outside of the classroom, marked him as one of my most impressive students. Jacob has my highest recommendation, as I believe he will continue to succeed at the next level of scientific research.

Jacob is an inquisitive student whose motivation drives him to look for new opportunities. I am the supervisor for the Robotics Club at Robinson High School, and Jacob approached me about joining even before classes began. With each new project I assigned, Jacob constantly went above and beyond what was asked of him. He admitted to me that in his free time, he learned how to better utilize the codes I taught and worked hard to understand what confused him. Jacob is naturally curious about how things work together and is always willing to put in the time to figure it out.

Recommendation Letter Sample for Student #2 (Continued)

In the classroom, Jacob is an attentive and eager student. All of his assignments are rendered with thoughtfulness and great attention to detail. Jacob’s understanding of the classroom material is so great that he tutors underclassmen in biology. However, he never falls behind on his own assignments and always prioritizes his own workload. In fact, Jacob submitted a research thesis to a national competition in the fall and won third place. His research in artificial tissue production far surpasses the caliber I usually expect from my students. I know Jacob wants to continue this avenue of research at the university, and I believe he already has a solid foundation.

I imagine Jacob’s independence and motivation will serve him well as he continues on in a university lab. He is a self-starter with the initiative and drive that will help him succeed at any university he attends. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Ms. Patterson

AP Biology Instructor

Robinson High School

Does this recommendation letter for student Jacob pique your interest more than the recommendation letter for student Isabelle? They are both strong letters but for varied reasons.

Like the first one we read, this sample recommendation letter for college also utilizes specific examples to help us understand why Jacob would be a good fit for a university lab. Ms. Patterson knows Jacob as both her student in AP biology and as a member of the robotics club. She is sure to emphasize how Jacob’s inquisitive nature helped him succeed in both of these environments.

A different but equally important quality of this letter is that Ms. Patterson is sure to mention the work Jacob has completed outside of the classroom . Not only does Jacob tutor other students, but also he continues to study helpful skills, like coding, in his spare time. From these examples, we infer Jacob works well with others and is highly motivated.

Ms. Patterson also made sure to highlight Jacob’s prize-winning thesis. The work Jacob has already completed in high school is the perfect foundation for the research he wants to continue in college. In this way, Jacob is already prepared for the rigor and challenge of a college course. This example shows that he’s a student who is willing to take ownership of his assignments and displays great initiative.

Let’s take a look at one final sample letter of recommendation for college. This one is for Wendy, a high school senior who is interested in studying English literature.

Sample Recommendation Letter for Student: Example #3

Wendy was my student in English class her freshman year. She is a very thoughtful student who enjoys reading and writing. I always saw her nose in a book. I remember that her essays were perceptive, and she integrated quotes from her research well. Further, I believe she will succeed at studying literature. For that reason, Wendy has my recommendation.

Wendy enjoys reading nonfiction. I remember she liked to learn about different historical eras, as several of her essays covered earlier time periods. She reads every day and takes diligent notes on what she reads. Wendy always scored highly on her reading comprehension examination

Because of these reasons, I believe Wendy will be a good fit for your school. She is a dedicated student. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

English Instructor

Fields High School

How do you think this sample recommendation letter for college portrays Wendy? Is this sample stronger or weaker than the first two?

Strengthening the Letter of Recommendation

In this sample recommendation letter for college, Wendy’s qualities are vague and generic . Of course, an admissions board would assume that any student applying for an English literature degree would enjoy reading and writing. But what makes Wendy a unique candidate? Mr. Riley fails to denote any of Wendy’s specific strengths and qualities.

It is also unclear how authentic the relationship is between Mr. Riley and Wendy. It sounds like Mr. Riley had Wendy in class only once, and this happened many years ago. While Mr. Riley may have remembered her as a good student, he is not specific about why.

Finally, the letter is too short . Generally, it is a good rule of thumb to allow for at least three full paragraphs. Mr. Riley’s paragraphs feature clipped sentences, and the letter cuts off abruptly. This taut style of writing suggests that perhaps Mr. Riley does not know Wendy very well. Therefore, it feels like he is struggling to write this recommendation.

Sample Recommendation Letter for Student – Final Thoughts

After reviewing each sample recommendation letter for college, it should be clear that above all, admissions boards seek specificity . The more detailed and thorough the examples of a student’s admirable qualities, the better. The goal is to leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee members.

Similarly, it is also important to understand how the prospective student will be a good fit for the college. In Isabelle’s example, we imagine that she could become a successful mentor for her peers and a great leader. In Jacob’s example, we imagine that he will continue the research he has already completed at a higher caliber.

Undeniably, recommendation letters are an important component of the admissions process. In each sample recommendation letter for college, we outlined helpful attributes to look out for. These qualities will be sure to help your writing shine. So, while asking for a letter or even writing one may feel a bit overwhelming, don’t stress! Follow these guidelines, and you will be sure to set your recommendation letter apart from the crowd.

High School Success

Meghan Dairaghi

With a BA in English and an MFA in Creative Writing, Meghan has served as a writing tutor at the University of Missouri St. Louis and Maryville University. Additionally, Meghan has held editorial roles at River Styx and Boulevard, and was a prose reader at Farside Review . Most recently, her work has been featured in Belle Ombre , Flypaper Lit , and Mag 20/20 , among others, and she was nominated for the Mary Troy Prize in Fiction.

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How to Write a Recommendation Letter for College

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When a student applies to a university, they will need at least one or two college recommendation letters from a high school teacher, employer, or other mentor. College admissions offices are looking for particular things in these letters.

The advice below will show you how to accomplish this task. Letter of recommendation samples are also included.

Advice for Writing a College Recommendation Letter

Think carefully about saying yes. Make sure you only agree to write the letter if you can write a positive recommendation. If you don’t think you can, tell the person you are not comfortable writing it. Here’s information on how to turn down a recommendation request.

If you feel you cannot write the letter, you might also consider pointing the student towards a teacher or administrator who might be a better fit.

Focus on the particular school. Ask the student for information on the school they are applying to. Try to focus on the student’s skills that relate to their ability to succeed. Even if it is a more general letter, ask the person about the types of institutions they’re hoping to attend. The college recommendation letter you write for a student attending community college will be different than one you’d do for someone who plans to go to a state or private university.

Collect information. Ask the student for a copy of their resume so that you can speak to their experience. You might also consider meeting with them in person to get a better sense of their interests.

Mention how you know the student. At the beginning of the recommendation letter , explain how you know the student and state how long you’ve known them. If you’re a teacher, state how many courses they have taken with you. If you are an employer, describe the student’s role and their performance with your organization.

Include specific examples. In the college recommendation letter, provide specific examples of ways in which the person has demonstrated various skills and qualities. Try to think of examples from when they were in your class or your company.

Remain positive. State that you think this student is a strong candidate for the school. You might say something like “I recommend this individual without reservation.” Emphasize this, especially at the beginning and end of the letter. After all, you want to help the student stand out.

Avoid clichés. There are many common clichés in college recommendation letters, including vague phrases like “hard worker” and “diligent student.” Make sure to avoid these clichés, and back up any statement with specific evidence.

Share your contact information. Provide a way for the school to contact you if they have further questions. Include your email address, telephone number, or both at the end of the letter.

Follow the submission guidelines. Ask the student how to submit the college recommendation letter. Make sure you follow any requirements, especially about where to send it and when, as well as the format (for example, PDF, physical letter, etc.). Double-check the submission deadline so that there will be no question of not having your letter arrive on time.

College Recommendation Letter From a Teacher

You can use this letter of recommendation sample as a model. Download the template (compatible with Google Docs and Word), or read the text version below.

College Recommendation Letter From a Teacher (Text Version)

Dear XYZ College Admissions Committee,

I have known Beth Crawley for the past two years, having served as both her English teacher and her supervisor on the ABC High School newspaper. I believe Beth would be an excellent addition to XYZ College.

While a student at ABC High School, Beth has always challenged herself academically. She is an active participant in class discussions and grasps material quickly. She has superb written and verbal skills that are a pleasure for any teacher to encounter. Beth even tutors incoming high school freshmen who are struggling with their English courses.

Beth also excels in extracurricular activities. She has served as the features editor of our high school paper for the past two years and has written a number of insightful, thought-provoking articles. Her ability to delegate work to her assistant editors also reflects her organizational skills and strong leadership abilities.

Beth would bring so much to your school, both inside and outside of the classroom. If you have any questions regarding Beth's qualifications, please feel free to contact me at (555) 555-5555 or Kara.White@email.com.

English Teacher and Department Chair ABC High School

College Recommendation Letter From an Employer

I highly recommend Peter Ballis as a candidate for XYZ College. I have served as Peter's supervisor in his capacity as a camp counselor at ABC Summer Camp for the past four years.

From serving as a counselor-in-training in eighth grade to being promoted to head counselor last year, I have watched Peter develop into a confident and capable leader.

Peter is extremely responsible; not only is he accountable for a group of fifteen children every summer, but, as head counselor, he also supervises the counselors-in-training and assists them with any issues they may have. On days when I am not on site, Peter is the counselor I know I can rely on to make sure the other counselors' days run smoothly. He is a natural leader who can always be counted on.

I am extremely impressed by Peter's organizational skills. Not only does he come up with detailed weekly schedules for his campers, but he also makes sure that his group arrives on time to every activity.

I know this ability to organize and budget time will serve him well in a college setting. Peter is an organized, intelligent, and capable young man who would be an excellent addition to your school. Feel free to contact me with any questions at (555) 555-5555 or Madeleine.Grimes@email.com.

Madeleine Grimes

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These 2 Recommendation Letters Got Me Into Harvard and the Ivy League

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When I applied to college, I was accepted into every school I applied to, including Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, MIT, the Ivy League, UC Berkeley, UCLA, and more. While I had a strong overall application, the two teacher letters of recommendation were critical in getting me admitted .

Why? Both teachers said I was one of the top students they had ever taught. Both enthusiastically advocated for my personality, leadership skills, and energy.

How can you earn recommendation letters that will get you into your top choice colleges? I'll show you how in this article.

For the first time, I'm sharing my full, unedited letters of recommendation as examples for you. These are the exact letters submitted when I applied to college. Even better, you'll see exactly what my Harvard admissions officer underlined—what really stood out as important and noteworthy.

Worried about college applications? Our world-class admissions counselors can help. We've guided thousands of students to get into their top choice schools with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies.

First Things First

Quick question— how confident are you in knowing what colleges are looking for in your recommendation letters?

Do you have a strong understanding of what an effective letter consists of, and what a bad letter looks like?

Many students have the totally wrong idea of what colleges are looking for in recommendation letters. This, naturally, leads to subpar letters for students.

Before I show you my letters, I first want to explain why recommendation letters from teachers are such an important part of your college application, and then what makes effective letters so effective.

If you're champing at the bit and really want to jump directly to my letters, here's Recommendation Letter Example #1 , and here's Recommendation Letter Example #2 .

But I highly recommend that you stick with me for the next two sections—you'll get a lot more out of this guide and get much stronger rec letters as a result.

Why Teacher Recommendation Letters Are So Important for College

The goal of your overall college application is to communicate who you are as a person, in an easily digestible package that can take 20 minutes to understand (or less). From this package, colleges will decide whether they want you to join their community or not.

Yeah, it doesn't feel great to have your 18 years of existence compressed into a web form. But that's the best system colleges have come up with so far to deal with the tens of thousands of college applications they receive every year. (Or in the case of UCLA , 135,000+ applications.)

What do colleges care most about? Ultimately, it boils down to two things:

how likely you are to succeed in college and in your career
how much you'll benefit the school community as a student and beyond

These are the ultimate goals of colleges when selecting their next class of students. Your application must convince the college that you will succeed in both goals.

Of course, these are complex ideas—success is not only hard to predict, but different people also have different ideas of what success means.

But there are a few general principles that hold true for most colleges:

previous academic success is a great predictor of future academic success , which in turn predicts career success.
you also generally want to avoid the opposite of these traits. These are all bad adjectives: unethical, narrow-minded, unmotivated, self-centered, arrogant, rude.

For the first admissions requirement of academic success, your coursework and test scores play the biggest role. If you took a rigorous courseload and got a high GPA , and you got a high SAT/ACT score , you have shown that you can handle high school academics. This means you're in a great position to succeed academically in college.

Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download them for free now:

How do you show the second requirement—personality traits? Part of this is in your personal essays and extracurriculars, where you'll show what you're interested in and give voice to your personality.

But of course you'll describe yourself as curious, creative, collaborative, kind, and so forth. Who would describe themselves as unethical and mean?

This is why colleges need objective, third-party observers to comment on who you are. This is where your teacher recommendations come in, and why they're so important.

The role of the rec letter is to show who you are as a person. Your teachers have engaged with you throughout at least a year of class. They've seen you in class with other students, and possibly out of class too. There are hundreds of small interactions that piece together to form your teacher's impression of you.

How do you interact with students? How do you interact with teachers? How creative was your work? How much did you participate in class discussions? How motivated were you to excel in school?

Are you a jerk nobody wants to be around? Or are you someone the teacher entrusts with the future?

A great teacher recommendation tells the college all of the above.

Let's Hear From Harvard's Dean of Admissions

What if you don't fully believe me yet? I'm just one guy with his own admissions experiences.

So I'm going to call on William Fitzsimmons, Dean of Admissions at Harvard College:

Recommendations from secondary school teachers and counselors are extremely important at Harvard and at many other colleges, particularly those with selective admissions processes. Faced with more academically qualified applicants than places in the freshman class, our admission officers review the two required teacher recommendations and the counselor report with great care, often commenting on them in writing on "reader sheets" in each application. We often project the recommendations themselves onto large screens so that all members of the Admissions Committee can see them during the subcommittee and full committee review processes in February and March. Recommendations can help us to see well beyond test scores and grades and other credentials and can illuminate such personal qualities as character and leadership as well as intellectual curiosity, creativity, and love of learning. Along with essays, interviews, and other materials in the application, recommendations can offer evidence of an applicant's potential to make a significant difference to a college community and beyond.

Notice how he says Harvard is "faced with more academically qualified applicants than places."

What does this imply? "Among a pool of students with the same academic qualifications, we use personality traits to decide who to admit or reject." And letters of recommendation for students describe those personality traits.

To beat a dead horse: your teacher recommendations add more color to your academic achievements, your test scores, and your GPA.

The best recommendation letters for colleges rave about your personality and personal qualities.

This is why my two letters below are so effective.

You do not want your recommendation letters to just be repeats of your resume. This gives the admissions officer zero extra information about who you are a person.

You do not want your recommendation letters to just say, "Johnny got an A and turned in his homework on time." This makes it very obvious that the teacher has no idea who you are as a person, which means it adds zero to your application.

Great recommendations talk about more than your class performance. They discuss your personal qualities, how interacting with you feels like, and why you're likely to succeed in the future.

First, I'm going to show my letters to you, with analysis of why they were so effective. You'll see the highlights made by my Harvard admissions officer, which will tell you what things she found important.

Then I'll give you advice on how to build relationships with your teachers so you can get letters like this on your own.

My Letter of Recommendation Samples

Usually you don't get to read letters of recommendation for students because you sign the FERPA waiver, waiving away your rights to read your application. But I was able to retrieve my full Common App and Harvard application from Harvard, complete with my original letters of recommendation.

Most colleges require you to have two letters from teachers in different subjects. The two teachers I asked for letters were my favorite two teachers in all of high school.

Personally, I vibed most strongly with teachers who actually cared about teaching . They gave engaged students with energy, treated us kindly and empathetically, and went above expectations to help students succeed. Not only did I have the most fun with these teachers, but they were also more likely to advocate for me enthusiastically in their letter.

You might not vibe with teachers for the same reasons, but it's important you choose teachers you get along with and who you feel will write you very strong letters .

My first letter comes from my AP Chemistry teacher from 10th grade. My second comes from my AP English Language teacher from 11th grade.

As you read these letters, remember—these letters didn't come instantly. They take hundreds of small interactions over a year or more to build an impression of who you are. You can't trick a teacher into writing a great recommendation letter for you.

If you honestly like learning and are an enthusiastic, responsible, engaging student, a great recommendation letter will follow naturally. The horse should lead the cart.

How long have you known this student and in what context?

I've known Allen as a student inside the classroom and outside the classroom in extracurricular academic activities since he was in the 10th grade. What are the first words that come to your mind to describe this student?

Intelligent, motivated critical thinker; Charasmatic, well rounded, talented individual; Independent, mature, responsible student.

List the courses you have taught this student, noting for each the student's year in school (10th, 11th, 12th) and the level of course difficulty (AP, accelerated, honors, IB, elective, etc.)

As a 10th grader, Allen was one of the top students in my AP Chemistry class.

Please write whatever you think is important about this student, including a description of academic and personal characteristics. We are particularly interested in the candidate's intellectual promise, motivation, maturity, integrity, independence, originality, initiative, leadership potential, capacity for growth, special talents, enthusiasm, concern for others, respect accorded by faculty, and reaction to setbacks. We welcome information that will help us to differentiate this student from others.

See enclosed letter.

Compared to other college-bound students in his or her secondary school class, how do you rate this student in terms of:

This was the Common Application from 2004-05, over 10 years ago. In today's Common Application, all of these ratings are retained, aside from "Potential for Growth." Today's Common App also now includes Faculty Respect, Maturity, Leadership, Integrity, Reaction to Setbacks, Concern for Others, and TE Overall. You can tell that Common App teacher evaluations place a strong emphasis on personality.

From Miss Vorak, you can see a very strong evaluation. First she says she's known me for over two years and has had interactions inside and outside the classroom. Then she's very enthusiastic with her "first words" answer, listing off a lot of strong personal traits. Finally, she gives me the highest ratings possible for all qualities.

The Ratings section is really important. In one go, you're compared to all the students your teacher has ever taught. The better your ratings here, the more competitive you are relative to your classmates.

What makes for good enough ratings for you? That depends on your personal college goals and your school's competitiveness. The more competitive the colleges are, the higher up your ratings need to be.

If you're applying to your state school, where the admissions rate is >30%, and your high school is pretty competitive, simply being Very Good or Excellent can be a strong rating for you.

On the other hand, if you're applying to the most selective colleges like Harvard, Stanford, or the other Ivy League schools, it is important to be ranked "One of the top few encountered in my career" for as many ratings as possible . If you're part of a big school, this is critical to distinguish yourself from other students. The more experienced and trustworthy the teacher, the more meaningful this is. You really want to make sure you're one of the best in your school class, if not one of the best the teacher has ever encountered.

Next, let's look at her letter.

As you read this, think— what are the interactions that would prompt the teacher to write a recommendation like this? This was a relationship built up in a period of over 2 years, with every small interaction adding to an overall larger impression.

Again, if the images are too small to read, I'll have the exact text below, so scroll down.

And here's the letter in text form. I've bolded the sections that were underlined by my Harvard admissions officer:

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.

Cherryl Vorak

AP Chemistry, Chemistry Honors Teacher

The letter here is very strong for a multitude of reasons. First, the length is notable —most letters are just a page long, but this is nearly two full pages , single spaced. This is pretty rare, since teachers often have to write dozens of letters a year. It's clear she's interacted with me a lot, cares a lot about supporting me, and is willing to put in the work to do so.

The structure is effective: first Miss Vorak talks about my academic accomplishments, then about my personal qualities and interactions, then a summary to the future. This is a perfect blend of what effective letters contain. She highlights my most important extracurricular activities and awards (you can read more about it here in my Complete college application ).

At the detail level, her diction and phrasing are specific and supportive . She makes my standing clear with precise statements : "youngest student…top excelling student among the two sections" and "one of twenty students in the nation." She's clear about describing the effort I put in, like studying college-level chemistry and studying independently.

When describing my personality, she's exuberant and fleshes out a range of dimensions : "conscientious, motivated and responsible," "exhibits the qualities of a leader," "actively seeks new experiences," "charismatic," "balanced individual with a warm personality and sense of humor." You can see how she's really checking off all the qualities colleges care about and corroborating her ratings.

Overall, Miss Vorak's letter perfectly supports my application —my love for science, my overall academic performance, and my personality. The last part is especially important—she adds much more color beyond my A in AP Chemistry. This letter was important to complement the overall academic performance and achievements shown on the rest of my application.

Let's go to my second Common App teacher recommendation.

Curious about what my college application looked like, including personal essays, grades, test scores, and extracurriculars?

You're in luck—I've published my ENTIRE college application here . This includes my complete Common Application, teacher recommendations, counselor recommendation, and Harvard supplement.

This application got me into every school I applied to, including Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, and more.

Check out how Miss Vorak's letter complemented my entire college application and my Personal Narrative .

Teacher Letter #2: AP English Language Teacher

My second teacher Mrs. Swift was another favorite. A middle-aged, experienced English teacher, I would describe her as "fiery," in a good way. She was passionate, always trying to get a rise out of students in class discussions. She was challenging as a teacher and grader, and I always wanted to impress her. Emotionally she was a reliable source of support for students.

First, the teacher evaluation from the Common App:

2 years, AP student.

What are the first words that come to your mind to describe this student?

11th Grade AP English

You can see right away that her remarks are terser. She didn't even fill out the section about "first words that come to mind to describe this student."

You might chalk this up to my not being as standout of a student in her mind, or her just getting tired of recommendation letter requests every year.

In ratings, I earned three of the "one of the top in my career" for "Motivation," "Independence, initiative," and "Intellectual ability." The rest are marked as Outstanding (top 5%).

These are overall great ratings, but not as universally "top ever" compared to my AP Chemistry teacher.

There are a few explanations for this. As a teacher's career lengthens, it gets increasingly hard to earn this mark. Since Mrs. Swift was a lot older than Miss Vorak, she had run through a ton of students already, which makes it harder to be one of the top few ever encountered.

I probably also didn't stand out as much as I did to my Chemistry teacher— most of my achievement was in science (which she wasn't closely connected to), and I had talented classmates. Regardless, I did appreciate the 3 marks she gave me.

Now, the letter. Once again, as you read this letter, think: what are the hundreds of interactions, in the classroom and outside, that would have led to a letter like this?

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

Overall, this letter is very strong. It's only one page long, but she spends a lot more time on my personal qualities. She writes with her characteristic flair:

"In other situations where students would never speak their minds, he showed no hesitation to voice questions, thoughts, and ideas."

"controversial positions often being the spark that set off the entire class"

"ability to take the quiet and shy student and actively engage"…"went out of my way to partner him with other students who needed"

"strength of conviction"…"raw, unbridled passion"…"He will argue on any topic that has touched a nerve."

These comments support my personality strongly. I lean more towards an irreverent, straightforward personality, not being afraid to speak my mind. While this came across in my personal essays and application, an experienced teacher vouching for this adds so much more weight than just my writing it about myself .

Again, this impression was built up over a year of her teaching me. It wasn't just one time I stopped by after class. It was continuous participation in class discussions, strong performance throughout the year, and likely observations of me when I didn't know she was even looking.

With my two letters in mind, let's end with advice for how you can get the best college rec letters possible.

How You Can Get the Best Recommendation Letters from Your Teachers

By now, I've repeated my most important advice for you a few times. The important thing is that the advice sticks in, and that you actually practice it.

The best recommendation letters for students gush about your personal qualities and why that makes you the promising beacon of the future.

You can't trick a teacher into writing a strong letter for you. This is the wrong attitude to have, and most teachers will be able to sniff out insincerity. Don't think that you can just stop by after class three times and get the teacher to be your buddy.

Instead, your teacher's impression of you is built up over hundreds of interactions —in class discussions, in group projects, in your homework, during presentations, when arguing about test scores, and even when you think she's not listening.

With all this in mind, here are strategies for how you can build great relationships with your teachers and get super strong letters along the way:

Starting sophomore year, identify 2-3 teachers each year you get along with . Have at least one in math/sciences, and another in the other subjects. You won't get letters from all of them, but you do want backups in case your top choice writers don't work out.
Prepare well for class discussions, and don't be afraid of sounding dumb. Speak your mind and your teacher will remember it. As a teaching assistant in college and grad school, I can tell you firsthand how annoying it is to ask the class a question and have no one respond. Prep beforehand and show that you're one of the few students who actually cares about learning.
In your interactions with teachers, focus on improving yourself and learning , not on getting a better grade. This applies to talking about grading, group projects, and learning what's on a test. Students who grovel for extra points on a test are really annoying. In contrast, students who try to figure out where their weaknesses are and how to improve for the future are really fun to work with.
Try to make the teacher's life easier. If you can help the teacher save time, she'll love you for it. This might mean helping out classmates who are struggling, sharing notes with the class, or noticing problems she's having and trying to fix them.

This will take sustained effort and energy, but it's the most reliable way to get very strong recommendation letters. Even more, you'll likely have a lot more fun in school, and you'll build a strong relationship with an adult mentor who can teach you a lot.

For a lot more detailed advice like this on how to interact with teachers earnestly, check out my How to Get a 4.0 GPA and Better Grades guide .

Keep Reading to Build Your College Application

Do you like my advice in this guide? Great—I've written a lot more to help you build the strongest college app possible.

Want more recommendation letter samples? Check out 4 more excellent recommendation letters from teachers .

How to Get a Perfect SAT Score / How to Get a Perfect ACT Score

Do you feel like your SAT/ACT score is lower than what your top colleges are looking for? As someone who got a perfect score on the SAT and ACT, I learned important strategies to notice your weaknesses and drill to improve them. Read these guides to boost your SAT/ACT scores .

Also, check out my series on getting perfect scores in each of the sections on the SAT/ACT:

SAT 800 Series: Reading | Math | Writing

ACT 36 Series: English | Math | Reading | Science

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

Aiming for a top school like Harvard, Stanford, Yale, or Ivy League-level schools? Your impression of what they're looking for might be completely wrong.

In this guide, you'll learn:

why colleges exist, and what that means for what students they're looking for
why being well-rounded is the path to rejection
what an application Spike is, and why it'll get you into every college you apply to
how to develop a Spike of your own

If you're aiming for top tier colleges, this is a must read for you .

How to Get a 4.0 GPA and Better Grades

Do you feel like you're struggling to balance a rigorous course load with good grades? You're not alone—this is a challenge for many high school students nationwide.

In this guide, I'll tell you everything I know about how to get good grades. This includes mindset and psychology; study habits you need to have; and individual subject strategies. Even if you're not aiming for a 4.0 GPA, this is well worth the read—you'll learn something that can save you hundreds of hours of study time .

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As co-founder and head of product design at PrepScholar, Allen has guided thousands of students to success in SAT/ACT prep and college admissions. He's committed to providing the highest quality resources to help you succeed. Allen graduated from Harvard University summa cum laude and earned two perfect scores on the SAT (1600 in 2004, and 2400 in 2014) and a perfect score on the ACT. You can also find Allen on his personal website, Shortform , or the Shortform blog .

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, sample recommendation letter for college admission.

Hey, can anyone share what a strong recommendation letter for college admissions generally looks like? I want to give my teachers some guidance on what schools might be looking for, but don't know where to start.

A strong recommendation letter for college admissions typically contains the following components:

1. Introduction: The recommender should start by introducing themselves, their position, and their relationship to the student (how long they've known them and in what capacity). They might also mention the specific subject they teach and the level of the class or classes in which they instructed the student.

2. Context: Provide some context on the size of the class, the school environment, and how the student stands out in comparison to their peers. This helps colleges understand the student's standing relative to the applicant pool.

3. Academic performance and intellectual curiosity: The recommender should discuss the student's performance in their class and any notable accomplishments or achievements. This includes grades, projects they excelled in, and any instances of intellectual curiosity or passion for the subject matter displayed.

4. Personal qualities and character: Highlight the student's personal traits that make them a strong candidate for college admissions. These can include leadership, responsibility, work ethic, dedication, humility, resilience, and genuine care for others. It's important to give specific examples or anecdotes that showcase these qualities.

5. Extracurricular involvement: If applicable, the recommender can mention the student's involvement in extracurricular activities and how it relates to their classroom experience, the student's growth, or their potential to contribute to the college community.

6. Areas of growth: Mention any areas where the student has shown growth or improvement over time, providing tangible evidence of their progress. This demonstrates the student's ability to adapt and excel even in the face of challenges.

7. Conclusion: In wrapping up the recommendation, the recommender should reiterate their support for the student and express confidence in their ability to succeed in college. If possible, they could also draw a connection between the student's abilities and the qualities a college may be looking for in their students.

Keep in mind that each recommender's writing style and familiarity with the student might differ, but the key is for the letter to be authentic, specific, and focused on the individual student. You can also suggest that your teachers ask for examples or anecdotes from you to help them write a more personalized letter. Good luck!

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10 College Recommendation Letter Samples (Free Templates)
10 College Recommendation Letter Samples (Free Templates)
10 College Recommendation Letter Samples (Free Templates)
10 College Recommendation Letter Samples (Free Templates)
Free Letter of Recommendation Templates (19)
Recommendation Letter for College Admission-01

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COMMENTS

A Great College Recommendation Letter Template
The best recommendation letters are enthusiastic and highly positive about a student. They're not just filled with compliments, though. They dive deeply to illuminate a student's key intellectual and personal qualities. Additionally, these letters give specific examples to back up what they have to say. Rather than tell admissions ...
4 Amazing Recommendation Letter Samples for Students
Sample Letter #4: Joe the Hard Worker. 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.
10 College Recommendation Letter Samples (Free Templates)
The sample letter is a useful example for writing a recommendation letter as a teacher for many reasons: The teacher provides firsthand observations of the recommended person's academic abilities, particularly in AP English Literature. This directly relates to college-level work, making the endorsement especially relevant.
Letter of Recommendation Examples for College Applicants
Conclusion. The conclusion should summarize the letter and tie everything together, Jones says. This example, written from the perspective of a school counselor for the same fictitious student ...
Letter of Recommendation for College Application (Guide and Sample
At PrepMaven, we've guided thousands of students to acceptances at elite universities. Over that time, we've developed a proven system for navigating college admissions. In this guide, we'll cover 3 sample letters of rec, discuss what makes a good letter of recommendation, and explain what you can do to ensure you have one.
How To Write A Letter Of Recommendation For A College Application
Whether submitted in print or electronically, a recommendation letter should use a business-like font like Times New Roman or Arial (in other words, this is not the place for Comic Sans). Stick to ...
College Recommendation Letter Template
In this sample introduction the student is being recommended by the head of a noteworthy club (the "math team") which is a stand-out recommendation. Example #2. Dear Admissions Committee, It is my honor to recommend Jake to Faraway College as his high school basketball coach.
10 Best College Letter of Recommendation Templates
The format of a college recommendation is quite easy. All you need is an introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Typically, a college letter of recommendation is about 400 - 500 words and should fill a whole page. However, if you can get all the information required with lesser words, then go for it.
20 Best College Recommendation Letter Samples [Guide & Tips]
The template provides an easy means of producing beautiful letters. A document with easily replaceable, pre-written information structured in the exact format of a superb recommendation letter, a template is a perfect guideline for quickly and easily writing up the letter of your own. Letter Sample 01. Letter Sample 02.
College Recommendation Letter Samples & Writing Guide
College recommendation letter sample # 3. To Whom It May Concern. I am writing this recommendation letter at the request of Jonathan Smith, who is applying for admission to X university. Jonathan has been a student at JKL High School for three years and the captain of our football team for a year now.
How to Get a Great Letter of Recommendation
Requests for recommendations are often sent via email. Make sure that they have the correct email address of the recommender. Let teachers know the deadline for each college and ask them about their preferred turnaround time. You can keep track of your letter of recommendation submissions in your application portal.
4 Incredible College Recommendation Letter Samples
Here are 4 college recommendation letter samples that will help you learn what type of letter boosts your chances of admission. SAMPLE #1: Dear Admissions Committee, My name is Mr. Smith, and I have had the honor of teaching John in AP Literature and Composition at High School X, during which I noticed his impeccable character, discipline, and ...
College Recommendation Letter Sample & FAQs
A college recommendation letter like this college recommendation letter sample would be a huge asset to an application! College Recommendation Letters: Additional FAQs. Now that we've gone through a sample college recommendation letter, you should have a pretty clear idea of what a letter of recommendation for college admission looks like.
College Recommendation Letter Samples (+ Free Template)
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.
How to Get Letters of Recommendation for College (10 Examples)
9. Request for a Last-Minute Letter (Only if Necessary) Subject: Urgent Request for Letter of Recommendation. Dear [Teacher's Name], I hope you're doing well. I apologize for the short notice, but I was wondering if it would be possible for you to write a letter of recommendation for my college application.
16+ College Recommendation Letter Templates & Samples
11+ Sample Nursing Resignation Letter Templates - PDF, DOC. Resignation Letter Templates - 16+ Free Word, PDF Format Download! 15+ Letters of Recommendation for Graduate School - PDF, DOC. 13+ Employee Reference Letters - Samples, Examples. 10+ Sample Retirement Resignation Letters.
Sample Recommendation Letters for College Applicants
This sample letter demonstrates what a recommendation from a non-profit administrator might look like. The letter writer emphasizes the student's leadership and organizational skills, work ethic, and moral fiber. Although the letter doesn't touch on academics, it does tell the admissions committee who this student is as a person.
3 Sample Recommendation Letters for Students
Recommendation Letter Sample for Student #2 (Continued) In the classroom, Jacob is an attentive and eager student. All of his assignments are rendered with thoughtfulness and great attention to detail. Jacob's understanding of the classroom material is so great that he tutors underclassmen in biology.
How to Get the Best Letters of Recommendation for College (Sample
Here's a sample letter of recommendation follow-up email: Dear [Teacher's Name], I hope all is well with you. I plan to submit my college applications [on date or in # of days/weeks], so I'm sending a reminder regarding your recommendation letter. ... Sample College Recommendation Letter. Dear Admissions Committee, I had the pleasure of ...
How to Write a Recommendation Letter for College
Focus on the particular school. Ask the student for information on the school they are applying to. Try to focus on the student's skills that relate to their ability to succeed. Even if it is a more general letter, ask the person about the types of institutions they're hoping to attend. The college recommendation letter you write for a ...
Letter of Recommendation for College Students (With Examples)
Example of a letter of recommendation from a teacher. Here's an example recommendation letter that a teacher may write for a prospective college student: Dear sir or madam, My name is Stacey Jefferson. I have 15 years of experience working as a fine arts instructor at Academy High School and have seen many students come and go.
These 2 Recommendation Letters Got Me Into Harvard
These 2 Recommendation Letters Got Me Into Harvard and the Ivy League. When I applied to college, I was accepted into every school I applied to, including Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, MIT, the Ivy League, UC Berkeley, UCLA, and more. While I had a strong overall application, the two teacher letters of recommendation were critical in getting me ...
Sample recommendation letter for college admission
A strong recommendation letter for college admissions typically contains the following components: 1. Introduction: The recommender should start by introducing themselves, their position, and their relationship to the student (how long they've known them and in what capacity). They might also mention the specific subject they teach and the level of the class or classes in which they instructed ...

Letter of Recommendation for College Application (Guide and Sample)

3 Sample Letters of Recommendation for College

Sample Letter 1

Sample Letter 2

Sample Letter 3

How Can You Improve Your Letters of Recommendation for College?

How Much Do College Recommendation Letters Matter?

What Makes a Good Letter of Recommendation for College?

Who to Ask for College recommendation Letters

When to Ask for College recommendation Letters

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How To Write A Letter Of Recommendation For A College Application

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What’s the Purpose of a Recommendation Letter?

What to Expect from a Letter of Recommendation Request

Questions to Consider Before Saying ‘Yes:’

Do You Have Enough Experience With the Applicant?

Are You Excited to Recommend the Applicant?

What to Do if the Answer Is ‘No’

How to Write a Letter of Recommendation

Introduction

Recommendation Overview

Personal Anecdote

Tips for Writing a Recommendation Letter

Focus on the Positives

Maintain a Formal Tone

Pay Attention to the Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About How to Write a Letter of Recommendation

How do I write a simple letter of recommendation?

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10 Best College Letter of Recommendation Templates

What is a Letter of Recommendation?

What is a Letter of Recommendation for a College Student

Before Start Writing a Letter of Recommendation

Think carefully about saying yes

Focus on the particular school

Collect information

Mention how you know the student

Share your contact information

Follow the submission guidelines

Ask the student for their resume or a one-on-one meeting

Include a few key pieces of information

What do Colleges Look for in a Letter of Recommendation?

How to Format a College Recommendation Letter

Introduction

Body Paragraph 1

Paragraph 2

College Letter of Recommendation Samples

Letter of recommendation from a teacher

Letter of recommendation from a volunteer leader sample

Recommendation Letter Templates

Frequently Asked Questions

Do college letters of recommendation have to be in by the application deadline?

What happens if my letter of recommendation is late?

Keep reading

20 Best College Recommendation Letter Samples [Guide & Tips]

Free Templates

How to Request

Ask the right person

Choose the best time

Other pre-considerations

Information You Should Provide to Recommender

Details of the school you’re applying to

A list of all your achievements and awards

A list of all your academic skills

Specific examples are to be included in the letter

Details of the submission guidelines

You may also request the following from the recommender

Sample Letter

Some Last-Minute Tips

Key Takeaways

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