Write a Letter of Recommendation for Student by emphasizing how their future ambitions align with the mission and values of the desired program or position.
Updated May 20, 2024
Written by Raina Chou | Reviewed by Brooke Davis
A Letter of Recommendation for Student attests to a student’s abilities, character, and achievements in various contexts such as higher education, internship placements, and employment opportunities. It is usually penned by someone who knows the student well to provide insight beyond academic transcripts or resumes.
Recommendation letters for students can be crucial in competitive scenarios. They offer a more holistic view to decision-makers and help students stand out by showcasing real-world applications of their skills and character.
Try using our Letters of Recommendation for College or Graduate School.
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great pride that I recommend Sofia Hernandez for admission to Stanford University’s Environmental Science program. I have had the privilege of teaching Sofia in both Advanced Placement Chemistry and Honors Biology during her junior and senior years at Franklin High School. In my 25 years of teaching, Sofia stands out as one of the most dedicated and intellectually curious students I have ever encountered.
Sofia’s intellectual prowess in the sciences is exceptional. In my AP Chemistry class, she consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of complex concepts and a remarkable ability to apply this knowledge practically. Her independent project on the impact of local agricultural practices on water quality in our community was particularly noteworthy. Sofia conducted extensive fieldwork, collected water samples, and analyzed data to provide actionable insights for local farmers. This project earned her a commendation at the regional science fair and sparked interest from local environmental groups.
What truly sets Sofia apart is her passion for environmental science and her commitment to community service. She founded and leads the school’s Eco Club, where she has organized multiple community clean-up events and educational workshops on sustainable practices. Her leadership has not only increased environmental awareness in our school but also motivated her peers to take active roles in conservation efforts.
Sofia’s resilience and determination are equally remarkable. Coming from a Hispanic family that has faced economic hardships, Sofia has worked tirelessly to excel academically while supporting her family. She balances her rigorous academic schedule with part-time work to help with household expenses, all while maintaining her position at the top of her class.
In conclusion, Sofia Hernandez is an exceptional young woman whose academic talents, leadership abilities, and personal qualities make her an ideal candidate for Stanford University’s Environmental Science program. Her passion for environmental sustainability and her hands-on experience in the field align perfectly with the program’s mission. I am confident that she will excel in her studies and contribute significantly to your university community. I wholeheartedly endorse her application and am excited to see the impact she will undoubtedly make in the future.
Regards,
Jonathan Carter
Guidance Counselor
Riverside High School
An effective student recommendation letter contains three essential elements: a strong opening, focused body paragraphs, and a powerful closing.
In the opening of your letter, briefly explain:
A strong introduction should concisely frame the student’s background and goals. Apply an enthusiastic tone to engage your readers and make the endorsement more memorable.
The body paragraphs should provide specific examples and anecdotes that illustrate the student’s achievements, character traits, capabilities, and overall fit for the program or position. Each paragraph should focus on a distinct theme or attribute with vivid details to support it.
Here are some key points to consider when organizing information for your body paragraphs:
The conclusion should summarize why the student is an excellent candidate and assert your confidence that the student will thrive in the opportunity. End with a formal letter closing.
If appropriate, offer to provide any additional information about the student. For example, “Please contact me directly if I can provide any further details about why Jane Doe would thrive at your institution.”
For maximum impact, review the letter for clarity, conciseness, and logical flow after you have finished the draft. Eliminate errors, vague statements like “outstanding student,” and filler words. Seek feedback from a colleague to strengthen the recommendation, ensuring the portrayal of the student’s strengths is clear and impactful.
Dear Admissions Officers,
I am delighted to recommend Jason Liu for the Software Developer position at your esteemed company. I have had the privilege of knowing Jason for the past four years as his professor and academic advisor in the Computer Science department at Riverside University. During this time, I have observed Jason’s growth and development in both his academic and personal endeavors, particularly through his exemplary performance in my Advanced Algorithms and Software Engineering courses.
Jason’s intellectual curiosity and technical proficiency are remarkable. In my Advanced Algorithms course, he consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of complex concepts and a keen ability to apply them practically. His capstone project, where he developed an innovative algorithm to optimize route planning for delivery services, was particularly impressive. The project received top marks and garnered interest from local businesses looking to implement his solution.
What sets Jason apart is his exceptional problem-solving skills and collaborative spirit. As the team leader for our annual hackathon, Jason guided his team to victory with a project that tackled real-world issues related to urban traffic management. His ability to motivate and organize his peers, coupled with his technical expertise, was instrumental in their success.
Jason’s dedication extends beyond his academic achievements. He is actively involved in our university’s mentorship program, where he volunteers to tutor first-year students in computer science fundamentals. His patience, empathy, and commitment to helping others succeed will undoubtedly serve him well in a professional setting.
In conclusion, Jason Liu is an outstanding candidate for the Software Developer position at your company. His technical skills, leadership abilities, and dedication to his work make him an ideal fit for your team. I am confident that he will excel in his role and contribute positively to your company’s success. Please feel free to contact me if you need any further information about Jason’s qualifications.
Dr. Emily Thompson
Professor of Computer Science
Riverside University
To Whom It May Concern,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend Maya Johnson for admission to your prestigious institution. I have had the pleasure of teaching Maya in Advanced Placement English and serving as her academic advisor at Lincoln High School for the past two years. Maya’s academic talents, leadership skills, and personal qualities make her an ideal candidate for your college.
Maya’s academic performance in my AP English class has been exceptional. She has a profound ability to analyze complex literary texts and articulate her insights with clarity and originality. Her essay on the themes of resilience and identity in Toni Morrison’s works was particularly outstanding, earning her the highest grade in the class and praise from the entire English department.
Beyond her academic achievements, Maya is a natural and compassionate leader. She serves as the president of our school’s debate team, leading her team to numerous victories at state-level competitions. Her ability to think critically, articulate her arguments persuasively, and support her teammates has been a driving force behind the team’s success. Maya’s leadership extends to her role as a peer mentor, where she provides guidance and support to first-year students, helping them navigate their academic and personal challenges.
Maya’s resilience and determination are inspiring. Despite facing significant personal challenges, including caring for her younger siblings while her mother worked multiple jobs, Maya has consistently excelled in her studies and extracurricular activities. Her ability to balance her responsibilities with grace and perseverance speaks volumes about her character and work ethic.
In conclusion, Maya Johnson is an exceptional young woman who possesses the intellectual ability, leadership skills, and personal qualities necessary to thrive in your college. I am confident that she will make significant contributions to your academic community and continue to excel in her future endeavors. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information about Maya’s qualifications.
Mr. Robert Anderson
AP English Teacher and Academic Advisor
Lincoln High School
To Whom It May Concern,
I am pleased to recommend Alex Martinez for the paid apprenticeship program at your esteemed organization. I have had the privilege of teaching Alex in Advanced Placement Physics and Honors Mathematics at Westfield High School for the past two years. In the two years, he has demonstrated exceptional technical skills, creativity, and work ethic.
Alex’s most impressive qualities is his creativity in problem-solving. As a participant in the Engineering Club, Alex took on a leadership role in designing a robotic arm capable of performing delicate tasks, such as picking and placing small objects. During the project, the team encountered a major obstacle when the arm’s precision gripper mechanism failed to consistently grasp objects of varying sizes. Rather than opting for a conventional solution, Alex proposed using a flexible, silicone-based material for the gripper that could adapt to different shapes. He meticulously researched materials, created prototypes using the school’s 3D printer, and tested various designs until he found one that worked flawlessly. This innovative solution not only solved the problem but also significantly enhanced the functionality of the robotic arm, leading to their first-place win at the regional engineering competition.
Alex has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of physics and mathematics principles and a remarkable ability to apply them to practical problems. In our AP Physics course, Alex led a project to design and build a functional model of a solar-powered water purification system. His innovative approach and meticulous attention to detail resulted in a highly efficient prototype that earned top marks and praise from our faculty during the annual science fair.
In addition, Alex is a dedicated team player and an effective communicator. He has helped the Engineering Club organize events, lead projects, and collaborate with peers and faculty. His ability to articulate ideas clearly and work collaboratively with others has been instrumental in the club’s numerous successful competitions and community outreach projects.
In conclusion, Alex Martinez possesses the technical skills, creativity, and collaborative spirit necessary to thrive in your apprenticeship program. I am confident that he will make significant contributions to your organization and continue to develop his engineering expertise. Please feel free to contact me if you need any further information about Alex’s qualifications.
Dr. Laura Stevens
AP Physics Teacher
Westfield High School
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]
___________________ [Recipient’s Name]
___________________ [Recipient’s Entity/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 ___________________ [Student’s name] for the ___________________ [Position/Program applied for] at ___________________ [Name of entity/institution]. Having had the pleasure of engaging with ___________________ [Student’s name] as their ___________________ [Relation to student] 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 ___________________ [Student’s field of study/interest], ___________________ [Student’s name] has consistently demonstrated ___________________ [Student’s attribute/skill]. A notable achievement was their commitment in _____________________________________ [Description of achievement]. As a result, _____________________________________ [Result of achievement].
Moreover, ___________________ [Student’s name] has shown remarkable ___________________ [Student’s attribute/skill] through their involvement in _______________________________ [Description of achievement]. Because of this, ___________________________ [Result of achievement].
Beyond ___________________ [Student’s name]’s accomplishments in ___________________ [Student’s field of study/interest], they have made significant contributions to ______________________________________ [Description of achievement], showcasing their ___________________ [Student’s attribute/skill]. Through these contributions, _____________________________________ [Result of achievement].
To conclude, I am confident in recommending ___________________ [Student’s name] for the ___________________ [Position/Program 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 ___________________ [Student’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]
