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Student Recommendation Letter
For student recommendation letters, one size does not fit all. While it provides the author with a good starting point, personalized letters are still the best. As someone who knows the student academically, emphasizing the unique characters, desirable traits, and accomplishments can go a long way. That is why this letter is essential if a student applies to an academic program or career. Find out more about how to write an effective recommendation letter with this article. Read More
What Is a Student Recommendation Letter?
Both essay and transcript provide a lot of information; however, it does not give a full sense of the student’s character. A student recommendation letter, also known as a letter of reference, is a document written, whether by teachers, coaches, guidance, counselors, or employers, that entail insights about the applicant’s overall personality. It includes the name and the contact details of the author. Generally, it provides an honest endorsement of the student’s candidacy, which may help in their new endeavor. The student recommendation letter should be submitted directly to the requesting party.
How Do You Write an Effective Student Recommendation Letter in Four Easy Steps?
Quality education and a lasting career do not come easy, which means they need to be hard-earned. That is why you need to lay your cards down for a student you want to support through an academic or professional journey. In this case, a student recommendation letter is the best tool. Since it vouches for a student’s character, it gives them a higher chance of getting their interest. If it is difficult to write a student recommendation letter, our website offers various ready-made templates on top of tips and steps on writing a letter of reference below.
1. Make Sure You Have Enough Information
You can turn down a request to write a student recommendation letter if it is uncomfortable to compose a positive endorsement. This will benefit the student in the long run because it will allow them to look for a better advocate. On the other hand, if you want to write a letter of reference but lacks knowledge about the applicant, you can ask the student to provide background materials—resume, transcript, and personal statement.
2. Acknowledge Your Relationship to the Student
The credibility of the student recommendation letter depends on the author. So, identify yourself as the writer at the beginning of the letter. Include why you are qualified to speak on behalf of the applicant and the relationship you shared. Putting this into words can be a little tricky, especially there is a limited room in the introduction. To utilize this, discuss the applicant’s qualification in the body of the letter instead. With this, the student recommendation letter will have a strong introduction. Then, address the letter correctly to ensure it reaches the right receiver.
3. Highlight the Applicant’s Qualifications
The student recommendation letter highlights the applicant’s qualifications. It should be made to emphasize the interest of the candidate to be part of an organization. Many universities and companies look for applicants who they think beneficial to the organization. Although some documents can aid a student’s application, the role of a recommendation letter is very crucial. That is why it is essential to request a letter from a person who is personally known by the applicant. An influential person is not primarily a good author unless they can pledge for the candidate.
4. Conclude the Letter
After discussing the applicant’s qualifications in the body, conclude. The ending statement is an integral part of every letter because it summarizes the entire content into two to three sentences. A well-written conclusion leaves a lasting impression. To do this, restate the support for the student and offer to remain reachable should the receiver has further questions about the letter. Thus, include the writer’s contact details, such as phone number and email address. Doing this shows the author’s faith in the student’s abilities. Finally, provide a sign-off—your complete name and signature at the bottom section of the student recommendation letter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a recommendation letter and a letter of reference?
Often, a recommendation letter is more specific than a letter of reference. These letters differ in style and purpose—while a recommendation letter supports an application process, a letter of reference is a general endorsement.
Who should receive the student recommendation letter?
The author of a student recommendation letter should address the correct receiver. It is not permissible for an applicant to read the letter after submission. Both authors and students will be in an awkward position if this happens. Also, it might hinder the honesty and thoughtfulness of the letter.
How long should a recommendation letter be?
Generally, a recommendation letter is more than one or two paragraphs. If a letter is this short, it suggests that the writer does not know who requests the letter. Hence, keep the letter concise and focused with a short introduction. Then, support the claims in the body, consists of a maximum of two paragraphs. Lastly, end the letter with a conclusion.
What is a character reference?
A character reference is also known as a personal reference. It is a letter written by an individual who has a personal relationship with the letter’s requester. The character reference is different from professional references because an employer does not write it.
A good student recommendation letter is one of the best assets in applying to a university or corporation. But, a recommendation letter is only a reflection of a student’s overall characteristics. Aside from finding an excellent advocate who can compose a strong endorsement, the student should also be at their best, which will be reflected in the letter later on. The efficiency of a recommendation letter does rely on the hands of its author but the student.