Are you feeling overwhelmed by the thought of writing a graduate school letter of recommendation? Perhaps you’re unsure about what to include, how to format it, or simply feel like you don’t have the time to write one? Well don’t worry, because we’re here to help!
In this article, we’ll provide you with a graduate school letter of recommendation template that you can use as a guide when writing your own. Whether you’re a professor, employer or someone who has been asked to write a letter of recommendation for a graduate school applicant, our template will make the process easy and stress-free.
The great thing about our template is that you can simply fill in the blanks with your own information and edit it as needed to suit the specific applicant and their needs. We’ve also included examples of strong recommendation letters that you can use for inspiration or as a reference when writing your own.
So take a deep breath and relax! Our graduate school letter of recommendation template and examples are here to help you write a compelling and effective endorsement that will help your applicant get into the graduate school of their dreams.
The Best Structure for a Graduate School Letter of Recommendation Template
If you are applying for graduate school, one of the most important components of your application will be your letters of recommendation. These letters are written by people who know you well and can attest to your academic ability, work ethic, and character. Your letter of recommendation is an opportunity for someone else to sing your praises and convince the admissions committee that you are an excellent candidate for their program. But how do you create a letter of recommendation template that will effectively communicate all of your strengths?
First and foremost, your letter of recommendation template should be personalized to the individual you are recommending. This means that you should take the time to get to know the person and understand their goals and interests. Once you have a good understanding of who they are, you can structure your letter in a way that highlights their achievements and potential.
A great way to start your letter of recommendation is by providing an enthusiastic introduction. Let the admissions committee know who you are and how you know the applicant. Then, begin highlighting their strengths and accomplishments. Talk about their academic record, their work experience, and any extracurricular activities that demonstrate their dedication and commitment.
After you have highlighted the applicant’s achievements, you can delve deeper into their character and personality. Talk about their personal qualities, such as their curiosity, creativity, and perseverance. Share any anecdotes or stories that demonstrate their abilities and give the admissions committee a sense of who they are as a person.
Finally, wrap up your letter of recommendation by summarizing the applicant’s strengths and potential. Reiterate your enthusiastic endorsement of the applicant and let the admissions committee know that you believe they would be a valuable asset to their program.
In summary, an effective letter of recommendation template should be personalized, enthusiastic, and focused on the applicant’s strengths and potential. With this structure, you can create a letter that will help your friend or colleague stand out from the crowd and get accepted into the graduate program of their dreams.
Graduate School Letter of Recommendation Templates
Recommendation for Graduate School Admission
Dear [Admissions Committee],
I am writing to highly recommend [student’s name] for admission into your graduate program. As [his/her] [teacher/professor/supervisor], I have had the privilege of working closely with [him/her] and can attest to [his/her] exceptional qualities.
[Student’s name] is a diligent and hardworking student with a passion for [field of study]. [He/She] has an insatiable curiosity and constantly seeks to further [his/her] understanding in the subject matter. [He/She] has consistently demonstrated an ability to think critically and solve complex problems, and has also displayed excellent research and analytical skills.
Moreover, [student’s name] has been an active participant in [extracurricular activities/research projects/volunteer work], which has allowed [him/her] to gain valuable experience and skills. [He/She] has also shown good communication and interpersonal skills, which are crucial in any academic or professional setting.
Overall, I have no doubt that [student’s name] has the drive, skills, and qualities needed to excel in your graduate program. I highly recommend [him/her] for admission into your program and believe that [he/she] will not only succeed but thrive in the academic environment you provide.
Sincerely,
[Your name and title]
Recommendation for Scholarship Application
Dear [Scholarship Committee],
I am writing to strongly recommend [student’s name] for [scholarship name]. As [his/her] [teacher/professor/supervisor], I have had the pleasure of working with [him/her] and can attest to [his/her] outstanding academic and personal qualities.
[Student’s name] is an exceptional student with a strong work ethic and dedication to [his/her] studies. [He/She] has consistently demonstrated excellence in [specific academic subject/field], earning top grades and academic honors. [He/She] has also shown a great interest in [specific extracurricular activity/research project/volunteer work], which showcases [his/her] passion and drive.
In addition to [his/her] academic achievements, [student’s name] is a responsible and dependable individual with strong communication and leadership skills. [He/She] has shown [his/her] ability to work well in teams, displaying excellent cooperation and coordination skills.
I have no doubt that [student’s name] will excel in [his/her] academic pursuits and contribute positively to [his/her] community. I strongly recommend [him/her] for [scholarship name] and believe that [he/she] deserves this opportunity to continue [his/her] academic journey.
Sincerely,
[Your name and title]
Recommendation for Internship Application
Dear [Internship Hiring Manager],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [student’s name] for [internship position]. As [his/her] [teacher/professor/supervisor], I have had the pleasure of working closely with [him/her] and can attest to [his/her] competent, professional, and friendly qualities.
[Student’s name] is a highly motivated and skilled individual with a passion for [specific field/industry]. [He/She] possesses excellent technical skills, and is able to take complex concepts and explain them with ease. [He/She] also has extensive experience in [relevant extracurricular/research/volunteer work], which has allowed [him/her] to acquire relevant skills and knowledge.
Furthermore, [student’s name] has excellent interpersonal skills, which make [him/her] easy to work with. [He/She] is an excellent listener and communicator, and is able to work well in a team environment. [He/She] is also proactive and takes initiative, which would make [him/her] a valuable member of your team.
Overall, I strongly endorse [student’s name] for [internship position] and strongly believe that [he/she] would be a great asset to your organization. Thanks for considering [him/her] for this opportunity.
Sincerely,
[Your name and title]
Recommendation for Research Assistant Position
Dear [Research Supervisor],
I am writing to highly recommend [student’s name] for the position of research assistant in your team. As [his/her] [teacher/professor/supervisor], I have had the pleasure of working closely with [him/her] and can attest to [his/her] exceptional qualities.
[Student’s name] is an outstanding student with a great passion for research in [specific field/industry]. [He/She] has an insatiable curiosity, and is always exploring new research areas. [He/She] also has excellent research skills, collecting and analyzing data with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency.
Moreover, [student’s name] has been actively involved in [specific research project/extracurricular activity], which has allowed [him/her] to acquire valuable skills and experience. [He/She] has also shown excellent teamwork skills, working collaboratively with other researchers and contributing to the team’s success.
I firmly believe that [student’s name] would excel as a research assistant in your team. [He/She] has the required skills, motivation, and dedication to contribute positively to your research endeavors and achieve significant progress. Thank you for considering [him/her] for this position.
Sincerely,
[Your name and title]
Recommendation for Teaching Assistant Position
Dear [Department Head],
I am writing to strongly recommend [student’s name] for the position of teaching assistant in your department. As [his/her] [teacher/professor/supervisor], I have had the pleasure of working closely with [him/her] and can attest to [his/her] excellent academic and interpersonal qualities.
[Student’s name] is a diligent and hardworking student with a passion for [specific field of study]. [He/She] has shown exceptional mastery of the subject matter and is able to clearly and effectively communicate complex concepts. [He/She] has also demonstrated strong mentoring skills, having tutored and mentored many students in [specific academic course/program].
Furthermore, [student’s name] has excellent organizational skills and is able to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities efficiently. [He/She] is also a proactive and positive team player, working collaboratively with other teaching assistants and professors to achieve common goals.
Overall, I strongly endorse [student’s name] for the position of teaching assistant in your department. [He/She] has the required academic and interpersonal skills, as well as the dedication and passion needed to help students succeed in their academic pursuits.
Sincerely,
[Your name and title]
Recommendation for Fellowship Application
Dear [Fellowship Selection Committee],
I am writing to strongly recommend [student’s name] for [fellowship name]. [He/She] is an exceptional student with an outstanding record of academic and research achievements, and I believe [he/she] deserves this opportunity to continue [his/her] academic journey.
[Student’s name] has a deep love for learning and a great passion for [specific academic field/research area]. [He/She] has demonstrated exceptional research, analytical, and technical skills, as well as an ability to think creatively and independently. [He/She] has also had extensive research experience in [specific research project/extracurricular activity], which has allowed [him/her] to acquire a wealth of knowledge and skills.
Moreover, [student’s name] has demonstrated an ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple tasks and responsibilities effectively. [He/She] is also an excellent communicator and collaborator, with strong interpersonal skills that make [him/her] an invaluable member of any team.
Overall, I strongly recommend [student’s name] for [fellowship name], and believe that [he/she] has the potential to achieve great things with this opportunity. Thank you for considering [his/her] application.
Sincerely,
[Your name and title]
Recommendation for Job Application
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I am writing to recommend [student’s name] for [job position] at your organization. [He/She] is an exceptional individual with a wealth of knowledge and experience in [specific field/industry], and I strongly believe [he/she] would make a valuable addition to your team.
[Student’s name] has an impressive educational and professional background, with excellent technical skills and expertise in [specific area of specialization]. [He/She] has a track record of success in handling complex technical projects, and has also shown exceptional leadership and teamwork skills.
Moreover, [student’s name] has excellent interpersonal skills that make [him/her] an ideal candidate for the job position. [He/She] is an excellent listener and communicator, able to build strong relationships with clients and colleagues alike. [He/She] is also highly organized and detail-oriented, ensuring that every task is completed with a high degree of accuracy and professionalism.
Overall, I strongly endorse [student’s name] for [job position]. [He/She] has the required skills, experience, and qualities to succeed in the job, and I believe [he/she] would make a significant contribution to your organization. Thank you for considering [him/her] for the position.
Sincerely,
[Your name and title]
Tips for Writing a Graduate School Letter of Recommendation Template
Writing a letter of recommendation for a graduate school applicant can be a challenging task. You want to convey the applicant’s strengths and potential without sounding generic or over-the-top. Here are some tips to help you write an effective letter of recommendation:
- Start with a positive tone: Begin your letter by expressing your enthusiasm for the applicant and his or her potential as a graduate student. This will set the tone for the rest of your letter and help the admissions committee view the applicant in a positive light.
- Provide specific examples: Instead of simply stating that the applicant is hard-working and intelligent, provide specific examples of times when he or she demonstrated these traits. For example, you could mention a particularly challenging project that the applicant completed successfully or a time when he or she went above and beyond to help a teammate.
- Use specific language: Avoid using vague or general language in your letter. Instead, use specific adjectives and descriptive language to convey the applicant’s strengths and potential. For example, instead of saying that the applicant is “a good communicator,” you could say that he or she “possesses exceptional written and oral communication skills.”
- Address potential weaknesses: If the applicant has any weaknesses that you feel are relevant to his or her application, address them directly in your letter. However, be sure to also highlight how the applicant is working to overcome these weaknesses or how they may positively contribute to the graduate program.
- Tailor your letter to the program: Review the program requirements and objectives and tailor your letter to match those expectations. For example, if the program values research experience, be sure to highlight the applicant’s research skills and experience in your letter.
- End with a strong summary: End your letter by summarizing why you feel the applicant would be an excellent candidate for the program. This should reinforce the main points you’ve made in your letter and leave a lasting impression on the admissions committee.
By following these tips, you can craft a strong and effective graduate school letter of recommendation template that will help the applicant stand out in a competitive pool of applicants.
Graduate School Letter of Recommendation Template FAQs
What is a graduate school letter of recommendation?
A graduate school letter of recommendation is a letter written by someone, typically an academic or professional reference, who knows the candidate well and can evaluate their qualifications for graduate study.
Who should I ask for a letter of recommendation?
You should ask someone who knows you well and can speak to your academic abilities, professional skills, and personal qualities. This could be a professor, supervisor, mentor, or other professional contact.
What should be included in a graduate school letter of recommendation?
A graduate school letter of recommendation should include information about the candidate’s academic achievements, professional skills, and personal qualities. It should also provide examples and anecdotes to support these assessments.
What is the format for a graduate school letter of recommendation?
A graduate school letter of recommendation should be written on formal letterhead and addressed to the specific program or institution. It should be one to two pages in length and follow a standard business letter format.
When should I ask for a letter of recommendation?
You should ask for a letter of recommendation as early as possible, ideally four to six weeks before the application deadline. This will give your reference enough time to write a thoughtful and comprehensive letter.
How many letters of recommendation should I submit?
The number of letters of recommendation required varies by program and institution. Typically, you should submit two to three letters of recommendation, but you should check the specific requirements for each program you are applying to.
What should I do if my reference declines to write a letter of recommendation?
If your reference declines to write a letter of recommendation, don’t take it personally. They may simply not have the time or feel that they cannot provide a strong recommendation. You should thank them for their consideration and try to find another suitable reference.
Time to Get to Work!
Well, folks, that’s all for today! We hope this graduate school letter of recommendation template helps you achieve your academic and professional dreams. Remember, your professors and mentors are here to support you and help you succeed. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or guidance along the way. Thanks for tuning in, and we look forward to seeing you back here soon for more tips and tricks on your journey to success. Keep on grinding!