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Common App 101: Letters of Recommendation | Complete Guide

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Acing standardized tests , writing a compelling personal statement and supplements , and maintaining a high GPA are all challenging tasks, but at least you have the comfort of having control over these critical components of your college application. A letter of recommendation , on the other hand, requires you to trust a teacher or advisor to advocate for you and help you get into your top choice universities. Because of the unique nature of the letter, we’ve put together a list of the things you need to consider when you ask someone to write your letter of recommendation.

The letter of recommendation is an integral part of the college application for a reason. Much like your personal statement, a recommendation letter provides more insight into the person behind the application. In a way, your letters of recommendation provide an even better picture of you, because they allow your prospective colleges to see you through the eyes of a trusted teacher, counselor, or mentor .

These individuals can speak to your best qualities as a student and as a person: Do you work hard to improve your grades when you struggle with a particular unit? Crack a joke when your teammate seems upset about losing a game? Hold the door open for your peers? Lend a helping hand to your confused classmate struggling through a problem set? These are all questions a good recommender can answer in a strong letter of recommendation.

Aside from the fact that most college applications will require you to provide one or more letters of recommendation, asking for letters of recommendation is a great way to practice skills of self-advocacy, time-management, and even humility.

Perhaps the most important question you’ll ask yourself is who to ask for a letter of recommendation. Depending on the schools to which you’re applying, you may need three or more different recommenders:

• N Counselor
• N "Other" Recommender

The first two are pretty self-explanatory; you can choose any teacher and counselor at your school, but don’t ask just anyone. You should choose a teacher who knows you well and who you believe will put time and effort into writing a recommendation letter that reflects your unique personality and skill set . Choosing a teacher who also advises an extracurricular activity you’re in or a teacher you’ve known since sophomore year can help ensure you have a meaningful connection . Choosing a teacher who can speak to your passion for a specific field, particularly if it’s one you plan to study in college, can also be a good move.

Some schools have specific recommendations for who you should ask to write letters on your behalf if you want to apply to their programs, so be sure to research each school’s specific requirements. Here’s an example from MIT .

“MIT requires two letters of recommendation from teachers. One recommendation should be from a math or science teacher, and one should be from a humanities, social science, or language teacher, although this is not a hard requirement. ” – MIT Admissions

Though it’s not a hard requirement , it’s a good idea to demonstrate your strengths in STEM if you’re planning to apply to a STEM major.

The third category, “ Other Recommender ” might be a little more confusing. Commonapp.org describes “Other Recommenders” as “Arts Teacher, Clergy, Coach, College Access Counselor, Employer, Family Member, Peer, [or] Other.”

As you know, with freedom comes responsibility, so you should be extra scrutinizing when you select your outside recommender. This recommendation letter is a chance to reveal much more than what your test scores and transcripts disclose about you; choose a recommender who understands your character, interests, and potential, and who will be able to relay that to your college admissions officer. For all of your letter writers, you should ideally choose someone who has known you for multiple semesters and can provide honest and unique insight into who you are as a person .

Think strategically about how your recommendation letters can strengthen your application as a whole. While many students assume that the best recommendations come from teachers whose courses they have aced, this is not necessarily the case.

If you have established through your extracurriculars and transcripts that you are a particularly strong science student, but you have scored lower in English courses, you might choose an English teacher who knows you well to attest to the progress you’ve made, the hard work you put in to improve your writing, and the dedication you had to learning the material.

All of these things are not apparent in a numerical score or letter grade, and having a teacher attest to those qualities can make even the weaker points in your application look more like strengths.

Since many colleges and universities have different deadlines, and early action and early decision applications complicate this even further, there’s no single date by which you should request a letter of recommendation . In general though, we recommend asking your recommenders for a letter in the late spring of your junior year, and at minimum, at least two months before the submission deadline . This will give your letter writers plenty of time to review your resume, write the letter, and tackle any technical issues they might encounter during the submission process.

In the words of the Common App , “The more advance notice you give, the more time they have to craft a well-written letter.”

Keep in mind that you can submit your application through The Common App before your recommenders submit their letters. That means you can’t use your teachers’ potential procrastination as an excuse for your own. Getting your application in early means less stress, so make sure you stay proactive about submitting all of your materials ahead of time and check in with your teachers to ensure they submit your letters on time.

Between school and sports practice or your many other extracurricular involvements, it might not be possible for you to meet with your recommender in person. Or, you might be reaching out to someone you interned for over the summer or whose team you no longer play on, and no longer see day to day. If that is the case, you can definitely send your request for a letter of recommendation over email.

Asking for a letter of recommendation from a coach will be slightly different from asking for a letter of recommendation from a teacher, employer or internship supervisor. Here are examples you can use for guidance as you draft your own emails.

Unless you’ve applied for competitive internships or summer programs before, you might not have had the chance to learn the etiquette for asking for a recommendation letter. The first thing to bear in mind is that, as awkward and new as this feels for you, your teacher has likely written dozens of letters of recommendation for other students over the years. They already know the drill, so let that give you comfort if you have been working yourself up about asking them. Plus, if you’re asking someone who already has a strong personal connection with you, they want the best for your future and are eager to help you achieve the goals you’ve set your sights on!

If you are asking a current teacher, you should ask them privately after class or during an extra help session . If you plan to ask a teacher whose class you aren’t currently in, you can stop by their classroom in between classes, before or after school, or write them an email asking them to meet.

Hover over the hotspots to view tips and details.

Make sure to be flexible with your own schedule to accommodate theirs.

You should approach your teacher in a one-on-one setting when asking for a letter of recommendation. Here are four things you should prepare in advance of the meeting.

You want to provide as much context as possible so they can tailor the letter toward your application or help complement what you include in your application. You should also ask them if they’d like you to provide any additional information that might aid them in the process.

Some teachers will ask students to complete a letter of recommendation questionnaire, while others prefer to schedule a meeting to discuss students’ accomplishments, goals and future plans in person or over Zoom.

The list of schools you’re considering applying to

Insert update and/or note of gratitude here

Provide reasons as to why you think they would be able to write a strong letter on your behalf

Then, you will want to add a specific anecdote about a project or assignment you are particularly proud of.

If you completed a research internship at any point during your high school career, you might consider asking your internship supervisor to write your third letter of recommendation. An internship supervisor can likely speak to your interest in a field or research topic, your work ethic, and your ability to be resourceful as you seek answers to your questions, among other things. They can also write about your capstone project or final research presentation, if you completed your internship with either.

To: Mr/Mrs/Ms X From: You Subject: Question about College!

Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms X,

I hope all is well! I wanted to reiterate how much I enjoyed interning for you this past summer. Since August, I have been continuing to explore my interest in neuroscience by taking Cognitive Neuroscience at my local university. I am also working to complete my Junior Research Paper about advances in Alzheimer’s research.

I have also been preparing to complete my college applications over the next few months. I was wondering if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf. I feel as though you could write a strong letter of recommendation for me because I grew a lot as a student and researcher during my time interning for you.

I was particularly proud of the final presentation I gave about my summer research during our lab meeting in August, and of the presentation I gave at the High School Research Symposium the following week. Completing my summer internship was particularly challenging at times, especially when I felt I lacked the biochemistry knowledge needed to understand certain molecular pathways and reactions relevant to our research, but putting in the extra time needed to understand them was particularly rewarding. Thank you again for all of your guidance and for answering all of my questions.

If you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf, I would love to schedule a Zoom meeting or phone call to catch up, discuss the letter and to answer any questions you might have. I would also be happy to send you my resume and college list, or any other materials that might be helpful!

All the best, Your Name

While your teacher can speak to your qualities in the classroom, a coach can speak to your qualities on and off the field. A coach can tell your admissions officers about your dedication to your sport, your ability to collaborate and communicate with your teammates, or to lead your team through a difficult game or scrimmage.

To: Mr/Mrs/Ms X From: You Subject: Question about College! Dear Coach ______,

I hope all is well and that you’ve been enjoying your free time in the off-season!

In addition to obsessively watching collegiate tennis, I have spent the last few months competing with the school’s soccer team during the spring season. We recently placed ___ in the ___ tournament, and I believe the technical skills, conditioning, and mental fortitude that you helped me build during the tennis season have been invaluable on the soccer field this spring.

As I look towards the summer, I am beginning to prepare for my college applications in the fall. I know our pre-season will begin in a few months’ time, but I wanted to reach out now to ask if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf.

I think you would be able to write a strong letter on my behalf because you have been there to support my growth as a player, as a leader, and as a person over the last ____ years. I have really enjoyed leading our team in warm-ups, organizing competition logistics and of course, our team dinners as a junior captain. Being a part of this team has been the highlight of my high school experience, and I can’t wait to see what our final season together will bring.

If you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf, I would love to schedule a Zoom meeting or phone call to catch up, discuss the letter, and answer any questions you might have. I would also be happy to send you my resume and college list!

The step-by-step process of submitting your recommendation letter through the Common App will look something like this: Select the people you want to submit a letter of rec on your behalf, and ask them following the advice outlined above. Send them your resume, college list and other information about you to give them more context.

After August 1st, log into the Common Application website, and add your recommenders to your “Invite and Manage Recommenders” list.

Go to the Recommenders and FERPA section of one of your schools in the My Colleges tab. Before you can assign your recommender(s), you’ll need to complete the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) release authorization process. We recommend waiving your rights.

Then, you can assign your recommender(s) to each school you are applying to. By assigning recommenders, you are notifying the Common App which letters you want to be sent to which school on your list. Make sure to meet each of your school’s specific requirements regarding letters of recommendation as you choose which letters are sent to which school. Some schools allow three letters while others only allow two, so be sure to double check each school’s policy on their admissions website.

Your recommenders will be invited to submit their letter of recommendation online (either through Common App or Naviance eDocs, depending on the school).

Check in online periodically. If the submission deadline is drawing near and your recommenders haven’t yet submitted their letters, check in with each one.

Be patient with your recommenders throughout this process. Once they have submitted your letter, be sure to take the time to write them a handwritten note thanking them for writing your letter of recommendation! Once you start hearing from colleges, keep them updated with your success stories, as they will want the chance to congratulate you!

For more guidance on how to assign your recommenders on the Common Application, read this .

One of the best ways to say thank you and express your appreciation for a teacher or other recommender is by giving them a handwritten card. You should write your note in your own voice, genuinely and thoughtfully expressing how they have supported you in your academic and/or personal journey. Avoid using platitudes like “you are the best teacher in the world,” and instead, write a note that conveys their unique contribution to your growth. You can write about fond memories and stand out events you’ve shared with the teacher in or outside of their class. Even as you express your thanks in writing, you should also make an effort to verbalize your gratitude in person when you give them your letter. Spark a conversation, thank them for advocating for your candidacy, and let them know you will keep them in the loop about your college decisions.

Yes, letters of recommendation are an essential component of the college admissions process. They provide valuable insights into a student's character, academic abilities, and personal qualities from the perspective of teachers, counselors, or mentors. Strong letters of recommendation can positively influence an applicant's chances of acceptance, highlighting their strengths and potential for contributing to their future campus communities.

Admissions officers use letters of recommendation to gain a holistic understanding of applicants and assess their suitability for admission to their institution. Letters of recommendation speak to the qualities of a student that are not encapsulated in their “on-paper” materials and provide a third-party perspective on a student’s candidacy.

Yes, letters of recommendation are typically confidential documents. While students are given the option to waive or not to waive their right to access their letters of recommendation (the FERPA Waiver on the Common App), it is typically encouraged that students waive this right. Admissions officers expect recommenders to provide candid and honest assessments of students' abilities and character without fear of repercussions or influence from the student or the student’s family. Confidentiality ensures the integrity and authenticity of the recommendation process, allowing recommenders to provide genuine and unbiased evaluations.

Recommenders will send their letters to counselors, upload them to Naviance or the Common App, or send them directly to the colleges or universities electronically or via mail.

It is essential for students to check the specific requirements and deadlines set by each institution to which they are applying and communicate deadlines to their recommenders to ensure that their letters of recommendation are submitted on time. Do not worry if your recommender sends your letter before you send in your other application materials. If letters are submitted before students’ applications, they will be stored in students’ files for safekeeping until applications are complete and ready for review. On the other hand, while some colleges may allow recommenders to submit letters after the application deadline, not all do, so it is best to adhere to the designated timeline to avoid any delays or complications in the admissions process.

Depending on the schools to which you’re applying, you may need three or more different letters of recommendation from a teacher, a school counselor, and one other recommender, such as a mentor, employer, or coach who has had significant interactions with you and can speak to your strengths and accomplishments. Students should be diligent in checking each school’s requirements for recommendations before requesting their letters.

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Common App Letter of Recommendation: A Comprehensive Guide

The Common Application, widely known as the Common App, is a platform used by over 900 colleges and universities for the college application process. A critical component of this application is the letter of recommendation. This document provides colleges with insight into your abilities, character, and achievements from the perspective of someone who knows you well academically or personally. Here's a comprehensive guide to understanding and securing an impactful Common App letter of recommendation.

What is a Common App Letter of Recommendation?

A Common App letter of recommendation is a written endorsement from a teacher, counselor, or other educational professional that supports your college application. It highlights your strengths, achievements, and potential, providing a holistic view of you as a candidate beyond grades and test scores.

Why Are Letters of Recommendation Important?

• Personal Insight: They offer colleges a glimpse into your personal and academic life from someone who has observed you in an educational setting.
• Holistic Review: They help admissions officers conduct a holistic review of your application by adding context to your academic performance and personal achievements.
• Differentiation: A strong letter can differentiate you from other applicants with similar academic credentials.

Who Should Write Your Letters of Recommendation?

Choosing the right recommenders is crucial. Here are the main types of recommenders for the Common App:

• Teachers: Ideally, choose teachers who have taught you in core academic subjects like math, science, English, or history. They should know you well and be able to speak to your academic abilities and classroom behavior.
• Counselors: School counselors can provide a broader perspective on your academic journey, extracurricular involvement, and personal growth.
• Other Recommenders: If applicable, additional recommenders such as coaches, employers, or club advisors can offer supplementary insights into your character and achievements outside the classroom.

How to Request a Letter of Recommendation

• Start Early: Give your recommenders plenty of time to write a thoughtful letter. Ideally, request letters at least two months before your application deadline.
• Choose Wisely: Select recommenders who know you well and can provide detailed, positive insights into your abilities and character.
• Provide Context: Supply your recommenders with a resume, a list of your achievements, and any specific points you'd like them to address.
• Formal Request: Make your request in person, if possible. Follow up with a formal email detailing deadlines and submission instructions.
• Express Gratitude: Thank your recommenders for their time and effort in supporting your college application.

How to Submit Letters of Recommendation via Common App

• Add Recommenders: Log in to your Common App account, navigate to the "My Colleges" tab, and select "Recommenders and FERPA."
• Invite Recommenders: Enter the email addresses of your chosen recommenders to send them an invitation.
• Track Submission: Monitor the status of your recommendation letters through the Common App dashboard to ensure they are submitted on time.

What Makes a Strong Letter of Recommendation?

A strong letter of recommendation should:

• Be Specific: Provide detailed examples of your accomplishments, strengths, and contributions in the classroom or community.
• Highlight Unique Qualities: Emphasize qualities that make you stand out, such as leadership, creativity, resilience, and passion for learning.
• Be Authentic: Reflect genuine observations and insights from someone who knows you well.
• Complement Your Application: Reinforce themes and strengths highlighted in your application essays and other materials.

Sample Request Email for a Letter of Recommendation

Subject: Request for a Letter of Recommendation

Dear [Teacher/Counselor's Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to ask if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for my college applications. I have thoroughly enjoyed [mention specific class or activity] with you, and I believe your insights would be invaluable to my application.

Here are some details that might help:

• Application Deadline: [Date]
• Colleges Applying To: [List of Colleges]
• Key Achievements/Experiences: [Brief Summary]
• Submission Instructions: [Provide Details]

I have attached my resume and a list of accomplishments for your reference. Please let me know if there is any additional information you need. Thank you for considering my request. I greatly appreciate your time and support.

Best regards, [Your Name]

Additionally, if you're looking for the best resources to prepare for standardized tests, check out our blog post on Choosing the Best ACT Prep Book: Your Ultimate Guide . This guide will help you find the right materials to boost your test scores and strengthen your college applications .

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What’s the Common App? Everything to Know for Senior Year

The Common Application, or Common App , is an online platform used by students to apply to multiple colleges and universities with one application. Over 900 institutions worldwide participate, saving students time applying to colleges during a hectic senior year . The application usually opens on August 1 each year. But be sure to verify the exact date.

Why Use the Common App?  

1. simplifies applications:  .

During your senior year, balancing academics, extracurricular activities, and college applications can be challenging. The Common App allows you to enter your personal details, academic history, and extracurricular activities just once, and then send this information to any  participating colleges you wish to apply to. 

2. Manages College Essays Efficiently:  

One of the key components of the Common App is that it eliminates the need for multiple  college essays . With the Common App, you write a single personal essay that’s sent to all the colleges on your list. This saves you time and effort. It allows you to focus on crafting a strong essay that highlights your unique experiences and strengths. Some colleges may require supplemental essays, which can also be managed through the Common App. 

3. Streamlines Recommendation Process:  

The Common App makes it simpler to submit  letters of recommendation . You can invite your teachers and counselors to upload their letters directly to the platform. It’s easy to track the status and be assured that all required documents are submitted.

4. Includes a Fee Waiver Option:  

Applications come with fees, but if that’s a concern, the Common App offers a fee waiver request option. If you’re eligible for  SAT fee waivers , you can have your application fees waived at many colleges. This makes it less burdensome for students from various financial backgrounds to apply .

5. Provides Deadline Management:  

The Common App lets you keep track of all your application deadlines in one place, which is especially useful during your busy senior year. This feature helps you stay organized so you won’t miss any deadlines. 

8 Templates: A Perfect Letter of Recommendation

• When to Write a Letter of Recommendation Part 1
• Letter of Recommendation Format Part 2
• How to Write a Letter of Recommendation Part 3
• Letter of Recommendation Templates and Examples Part 4

Part 1 When to Write a Letter of Recommendation

You should write a letter of recommendation when someone you know well asks you to support their application for a job, academic program, or other opportunity. It’s important to only agree to write the letter if you genuinely believe in the person’s abilities and can provide specific examples of their qualifications and experience. Related: The Full Guide to Reference Letters [Best Templates]

Part 2 Letter of Recommendation Format

Format considerations.

• Start with your contact information, followed by the date, the recipient’s information, and a formal greeting.
• The body of the letter should highlight the person’s skills and achievements.
• Feel free to use examples from their resume or job description for relevance.
• To wrap up, add your signature, printed name, and title

Part 3 How to Write a Letter of Recommendation

Step 1: introduction and greeting.

Begin your letter with a polite and professional greeting, addressing the recipient by name if possible. If you’re unsure of the recipient’s name, consider using “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Hiring Manager.”

Dear Dr. Smith,

Related: How to Start a Letter (and Mistakes to Avoid)

Step 2: Overview of Relationship and Qualifications

In the first paragraph, briefly explain your relationship with the person you’re recommending. Include information such as how long you’ve known them, in what capacity, and any relevant qualifications that make you an appropriate reference.

I have had the pleasure of working with Jane Doe for the past four years at (…) Company, where she served as a project manager under my supervision. During this time, I have been consistently impressed with her dedication, expertise, and ability to lead.

Step 3: Highlighting Skills and Accomplishments

Outline the person’s most relevant skills and accomplishments, demonstrating how they have excelled in their role or contributed to the success of your team. Be specific and provide examples, focusing on their most notable achievements within the context of the position they’re applying for.

Jane’s exceptional skills in data analysis and project management enabled her to deliver high-quality results on a tight deadline, ensuring the success of our team’s initiatives. Throughout her employment, she not only met but also exceeded the expectations for her role, successfully managing a complex workload and fostering a collaborative work environment.

Step 4: Personal Anecdote and Testimonial

Try to share a personal anecdote or testimonial that demonstrates the person’s character and emphasizes their professionalism. This personal touch can provide a more in-depth understanding of the applicant’s personality and work ethic.

I recall a particularly challenging project where we faced numerous setbacks. Despite the adversity, Jane remained steadfast and took on additional responsibilities to keep the team on track. Her persistence and positive attitude not only contributed to the project’s success but also inspired her colleagues to stay motivated.

Step 5: Closing Statement

Conclude your letter with a strong statement that clearly expresses your confidence in the person, your willingness to serve as a reference, and the fact that you believe they’re the right fit for the position or opportunity. Offer your contact information as well, in case the recipient has any further questions or needs clarification.

In summary, I highly recommend Jane Doe for the position of Senior Project Manager. She is a valuable asset and her unparalleled skills in data analysis, project management, and teamwork make her an ideal candidate. Please feel free to reach out to me if you require any additional information or clarification. I am confident that Jane will excel in whatever role she takes on next.

Part 4 Letter of Recommendation Templates and Examples

Professional letter of recommendation template 1.

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

It’s with great pleasure that I recommend [Candidate’s Name] for [Position/Opportunity] at [Company/Academic Institution]. I have known [Candidate’s Name] for [Number of Years] while we worked together at [Your Company/Previous Company], and I have always been impressed by [his/her/their] outstanding work ethics, dedication, and ability to contribute effectively to our team.

[Candidate’s Name] is skilled in [Relevant Skill 1], [Relevant Skill 2], and [Relevant Skill 3]. One example that stands out is when [Candidate’s Name] [Describe a specific achievement or project highlighting their abilities]. This accomplishment not only showcased [his/her/their] technical expertise but also [his/her/their] exceptional problem-solving skills.

I am confident that [Candidate’s Name] would make an excellent addition to any team. [His/Her/Their] dedication and commitment to excellence will undoubtedly contribute to the success of [Recipient’s Company/Academic Institution]. I highly recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the [Position/Opportunity]. Please feel free to contact me if you need additional information or have any questions about [Candidate’s Name].

Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Contact Information]

Professional Letter of Recommendation Template 2

I am excited to recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the [Position/Opportunity] at [Company/Academic Institution]. As a [Your Relationship to Candidate], I have had the opportunity to observe [Candidate’s Name] firsthand and can attest to [his/her/their] outstanding performance, work ethic, and potential to excel in this role.

During our time together, [Candidate’s Name] displayed exceptional skills in [Relevant Skills 1], [Relevant Skills 2], and [Relevant Skills 3]. One notable example is when [Candidate’s Name] [Describe a situation demonstrating their skills]. This instance illustrates [his/her/their] ability to take initiative and deliver outstanding results in a challenging environment.

I am confident that [Candidate’s Name] will be an excellent fit for the [Position/Opportunity] at [Company/Academic Institution]. [He/She/They] are dedicated, talented, and ready to contribute in meaningful ways. I wholeheartedly recommend [Candidate’s Name] and encourage you to consider [him/her/them] for this opportunity.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification about [Candidate’s Name] and [his/her/their] qualifications.

Best regards,

[Your Name] [Your Contact Information]

Professional Letter of Recommendation Template 3

I am writing to recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the [Position or Program] at [Company or Institution]. As [Your Relationship with the Candidate], I have had the pleasure of closely working with [Candidate’s Name] and can confidently vouch for their abilities and determination.

[Insert 1-2 paragraphs highlighting specific examples and achievements of the candidate. Focus on their skills, experience, and personality traits that make them a great fit for the opportunity.]

In these instances, [Candidate’s Name]’s skills and experiences have only continued to impress me, and I am certain that they would be an incredible addition to the [Company or Institution]. I wholeheartedly recommend [Candidate’s Name] and would be happy to provide further information if needed.

Letter of Recommendation Template 4

To Whom It May Concern,

I enthusiastically recommend [Candidate’s Name] as an ideal candidate for the [Position or Program] you are offering at [Company or Institution]. I have worked with [Candidate’s Name] for [Length of Time] in the capacity of [Your Relationship with the Candidate], and I can attest to their exceptional capabilities.

[Insert 1-2 paragraphs discussing the candidate’s strengths and accomplishments that set them apart from others. Highlight their dedication, creativity, and capacity to excel in the desired role or program.]

Based on my experience working with [Candidate’s Name], I am confident that they possess the skills, determination, and commitment to excel in the [Position or Program] at [Company or Institution]. I highly recommend [Candidate’s Name] for this opportunity and feel free to reach out if you require any further information.

Letter of Recommendation Template 5

I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend [Candidate’s Name] for [Role/Position] at your [Company/Organization]. During the [Number of Years] I have worked with [Candidate’s Name] at [Previous Company], I have witnessed their strong work ethic, dedication, and determination.

[Example of candidate’s achievements or specific skills]

[Example of candidate’s problem-solving, leadership, or teamwork]

I strongly believe that [Candidate’s Name] would be a great fit for [Role/Position] at your [Company/Organization]. If you require additional information, please feel free to contact me.

Letter of Recommendation Template 6

It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the position of [Role/Position] at your esteemed [Company/Organization]. I have had the privilege of working closely with [Candidate’s Name] for [Number of Years], and I can confidently say that they possess the skills and competencies required for this role.

[Example highlighting candidate’s performance or adaptability]

[Example illustrating candidate’s communication or interpersonal skills]

I am confident that [Candidate’s Name] will make a valuable contribution to your [Company/Organization] and excel in the [Role/Position]. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Letter of Recommendation Template 7

  Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I’m writing to recommend [Person’s Name] for [Job/Position/Program]. As [Your Relationship to Person], I’ve had the opportunity to observe their [Skill/Strength/Quality] first-hand. [Person’s Name] consistently demonstrates [Specific Examples that Highlight Skill/Strength/Quality].

[Provide a short story or situation that demonstrates the person’s abilities]

[Person’s Name] would be a valuable addition to your [Company/Team/Organization] not only because of their [Key Strength], but also their unique approach to [Relevant Topic/Process/Task]. They’ve shown time and time again [How They Provide Value/Make a Difference].

I wholeheartedly recommend [Person’s Name] for [Job/Position/Program]. If you have any questions or would like to discuss further, please feel free to reach out.

Letter of Recommendation Template 8

I’m delighted to recommend [Person’s Name] for [Job/Position/Program]. I’ve had the pleasure of working with them as [Your Relationship to Person] and can attest to their [Skill/Strength/Quality]. They have made a significant impact on our [Company/Team/Organization].

Notably, [Person’s Name] has demonstrated [Specific Examples of Accomplishments]. Their dedication to [Relevant Task/Role/Responsibility] undoubtedly contributed to [Positive Outcome/Result/Impact].

Their exceptional skills in [Mention Skill Set or Trait] make them an excellent fit for [Job/Position/Program]. I am confident they will exceed your expectations and thrive in this role.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you require any further information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are key components in a recommendation letter.

Key components include addressing the recipient, introducing the candidate and your relationship with them, providing specific examples of the candidate’s skills and achievements, expressing confidence in the candidate’s abilities, and offering contact information for any further inquiries.

How to structure a letter of recommendation?

Start with a formal salutation, followed by an introductory paragraph expressing the purpose of the letter and your relationship to the candidate. Include 1-2 paragraphs discussing the candidate’s relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. Conclude with a strong statement of recommendation and your contact information.

What are some tips for effective writing?

• Use clear, concise language
• Focus on the candidate’s strengths and accomplishments
• Provide specific examples of the candidate’s work
• Maintain a professional yet personable tone

How to personalize a recommendation letter?

To personalize a recommendation letter, share unique examples of the candidate’s work or skills, highlight their individual qualities, and provide insights into their character. Use specific instances and anecdotes to showcase how they excelled in different situations.

How to choose a suitable template?

Choose a template that aligns with the purpose of the recommendation, fits the writing style you are comfortable with, and highlights the candidate’s strengths effectively.

What are common mistakes to avoid?

Avoid using vague language, exaggerating the candidate’s abilities, being overly informal, not providing specific examples, or submitting a generic letter without any personalization. Make sure to proofread the letter for grammatical and spelling errors.

Related: The Full Guide to Reference Letters [Best Templates]

• 6 Example Emails: How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation
• 65 Example Phrases for Perfect Reference Letters [and 5 Templates]
• 10 Smart Examples of An Interview Thank You Email
• How to Start a Letter (and Mistakes to Avoid)
• 10 Examples: How to End an Email Professionally

Letters of Recommendation for College Admission: A Step-by-Step Guide to Asking for Them

Letters of recommendation are integral to the college application and acceptance process. They're also necessary for some scholarship applications . A letter of recommendation for college admission is a short document typically written by a teacher, counselor, or mentor highlighting your strengths and potential contributions to a school.  

You must carefully choose who will write your letters of recommendation and be thoughtful and responsible when asking for them. To help you steer clear of any missteps, we’re going to answer some of the most common questions about college letters of recommendation and then provide some essential advice.  

How Important Are Letters of Recommendation? 

To start, it’s common to wonder how important college letters of recommendation are . According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), your letters of recommendation are equal to grades and test scores in terms of weight of importance. They're submitted with your application essay , extracurricular information, and other essential pieces of your college application.

But why are recommendation letters important? As Stephanie Gonzalez, the Associate Director of Admissions at Williams College, explains in the short video below that schools look at each candidate holistically. That means the classes you’ve taken, your grades, extracurriculars, and what your teachers say about you as a learner all matter in the decision process. 

How Many Letters of Recommendation Do I Need? 

The answer to this question is that it depends. Colleges often ask for two or three letters of recommendation, but each institution has different requirements. So, it’s always best to check and be sure about what you need.   

Who Can Write a Letter of Recommendation?  

Anyone who can attest to your character, drive, experiences, and potential contributions at a new school can write your letter of recommendation. Ideally, though, it will be someone who knows you well, is willing to endorse you, and is considered a leader or authority figure. Since you want to present a well-rounded picture of who you are, you should ask a few different types of people to write your letters if possible.  

To start, asking a high school teacher with whom you have a good relationship always makes sense. When choosing that teacher, think about the major you’re applying for. For instance, a recommendation from an English teacher can go a long way if you're applying to an English program. It can also be helpful to work on getting one of your letters from a teacher who teaches a core subject. Sure, letters from elective teachers are fantastic. But sometimes, endorsements from core teachers hold more weight.  

Next, a teacher or mentor for your school's extracurriculars is another great person to ask. You should choose an extracurricular you’ve been involved with for a while, if possible, hopefully having done something integral to support the group. Alternatively, a counselor at your school could fill in here if you don’t have extracurricular participation to rely on.  

Finally, if you need a third letter, consider asking a community leader who knows you well. That could be a church leader, someone at an organization you volunteer with, or even someone you’ve worked for during your summer breaks.  

How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation for College 

Asking for a letter of recommendation can  feel  awkward. But know that most teachers view students asking them for a recommendation as a positive — you trust or think highly of them, so much so that you want them to be a part of your college application process. 

Moreover, you’ve got exciting plans and dreams for your future, which speaks to the success of the teachers and mentors in your life. That said, they’re doing you a favor. They’re not  required  to write college letters of recommendation. Nor are they required to write positive recommendations. So, you’ll want to be upfront, courteous, and thankful in addition to following these essential tips:

Cultivate the relationship before asking for a letter of recommendation.  

The time you need to build these relationships will vary depending on the context. But in general, be thoughtful and think about ways to give and connect before asking for their help.  

Ask in person for the letter unless that’s not an option. 

Asking in person demonstrates respect and thoughtfulness. So, try to catch the person one-on-one and in private to make the request. If you’re asking one of your teachers, you should schedule a brief meeting with them during their planning time.  

Give them at least two months to write the letter of recommendation.  

What? You’re probably surprised to hear that or wondering exactly how long letters of recommendation take. Most high school counselors tell us they can take between three and eight weeks. Counselors tend to have more letters to write, so they usually take a little longer to complete them than teachers do.  

Remember, you probably aren’t the only student asking for a letter, but you can be the most thoughtful by requesting yours early and being patient. (Requesting them right before summer break of your junior year or before your senior year starts can be a smart way to demonstrate your organization and planning) 

Share the essential information for your letter. 

Tell them when your earliest application is due, answer all their questions, and offer to send additional information in an email. Then, in that email, share your legal and preferred name and pronouns, why you asked them to write your letter, and the majors and colleges you plan to pursue.  

Your recommenders may also ask if there’s anything specific you want them to talk about in the letter. For instance, if you’re entering an English program, perhaps they can write about a great argument you made in your last essay. It’s also helpful to provide your recommenders with cool and notable things you’ve done, maybe in the email we mentioned above.  

Write a thank you letter or note as a follow-up.  

We know you’re busy, but it’s essential to take the time to thank the people who write letters for you. So, grab a thank you card the next time you’re at the store, or write a brief note expressing gratitude. It will be worth your time - we promise.  

Can I Reuse Letters of Recommendation Multiple Times?  

Definitely! Reusing one teacher’s recommendation for multiple colleges can save you much time and is an intelligent way to handle the process. Depending on how you’re filling out the applications - whether on the college or university’s site or an application platform, you’ll have to deal with each situation differently.  

You may need the person sending the letter of recommendation to submit it separately each time. The easiest way to reuse letters of recommendation is usually on an application platform, where the letters are automatically used as often as you apply to colleges. 

What is a FERPA Waiver?  

FERPA is a complicated law, so we’ll stick to the basics here. Essentially, FERPA regulates the privacy of student education records , including but not limited to your college application and all attached components.  

Signing a FERPA Waiver means that, should you request your college records at a later date, you will not be given access to your letters of recommendation. 

Should I Sign the FERPA Waiver?

Yes, you should sign the FERPA Waiver. It indicates to colleges and universities that the letters associated with your application are truthful and unchanged. But what about reading your letters of recommendation first?

Can I Still See My Letters of Recommendation Before They’re Sent? 

Some recommenders have no problem showing students their letters of recommendation before they send or seal them. On the other hand, many won’t agree to write a letter if you insist on seeing it before it’s sent or choose not to sign the FERPA agreement.  

Colleges want to see unfiltered thoughts about their applicants, and recommenders are more likely to speak honestly about a student if they know the student is not going to see what they say before the letter is sent. All of this explains why choosing the right people to write your recommendations is crucial! 

Common App Letters of Recommendation 

The Common Application, or Common App , makes the process of getting letters of recommendation easy. Mainly because it’s all handled right on the platform.  

Common App gives you four recommendation types: Personal, Professional, Academic, and High School Official. You can invite recommenders and provide them with context, i.e., “I was in your AP English class last year as a junior. I did a presentation on The Portrait of Dorian Gray that received an A (plus extra credit! Thank you!), and I would love it if you could work this into the recommendation.”  

You can also monitor the status of your letters of recommendation. Once they’re all in, you can easily assign letters of recommendation to any (or all) schools you apply to.  

You may want to send those notifications out post-haste, but make sure you always ask for letters of recommendation separately from the Common App platform FIRST. It isn’t polite to send a request through the Common App platform without first speaking to the person ahead of time. Moreover, it will not reassure them that you deserve a positive recommendation. So be sure to make the formal request before submitting the Common App request.  

Final Thoughts on College Letters of Recommendation 

By following the advice above, you’ll easily navigate the process of asking for and receiving your letters of recommendation. Just remember to start the process early and be thoughtful and organized with your communication.  

Still, you may be wondering if going through this effort is worth it and which schools you should prioritize in the application process. With the Appily College Acceptance Calculator, you can calculate your chances of getting into any college . Find out where you rank for the schools you are considering. Determine if the schools on your list are reach schools or safety schools so you can make the best use of your time. 

Click the button below to see where you stack up.  

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The Common Letter of Recommendation (LOR)

Streamlining the lor process.

One of the biggest pain points for applicants in the MBA application process has been asking managers to fill out multiple recommendations, which deters the applicants from applying to more schools. For recommenders, completing multiple letters of recommendation can also be a stressful experience. Not being able to spend enough time on each letter leads to less thoughtful and insightful recommendations. To address these challenges, GMAC has been working with a group of leading business schools to help reduce the burden of asking for — and submitting — letters of recommendation. The goal is to make life easier for MBA applicants and recommenders, as well as provide better insights for schools.

The Common Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is a recommendation form developed with the goal of saving recommenders and alumni valuable time by providing a single, common set of questions. The questions remain embedded in each participating school’s existing application system, so it requires few significant changes.

Some key benefits of the Common LOR:

• Provides deeper insights into the candidacy of applicants by capturing the best practices from leading programs and leveraging the latest science in executive evaluation
• Offers potential for expanding prospective student pipeline and having more applications by making it easier for applicants to ask for multiple LORs
• Frees up valuable time for recommenders and allow them to dedicate focus and energy to craft a more robust and insightful letter

While GMAC is supporting this initiative, it is the business schools who are leading the effort, with GMAC helping to convene, gather information from industry experts, and solicit input from candidates from around the globe.

Listen to an Overview of the Common LOR

Access the Template

Who's Using LOR?

Schools using the common lor form.

How to Participate

Schools are welcome to try the new form for the admissions cycle. The Common LOR is available to use free of charge by any program around the globe. Participating programs can customize the Common LOR to accommodate any unique questions required by the programs. 

The Common LOR is available to use for  free  by any program around the globe. Participating programs can customize the Common LOR to accommodate questions required by the programs.

Terms of Use (PDF) Common LOR Sample Instructions

If you would like to learn more and are interested in participating, please complete the form below:

Common LOR Sections

Section 1: personal information about the recommender, section 2: leadership assessment grid.

The grid is comprised of 12 competencies and character traits that contribute to successful leadership. The competencies and character traits are grouped into five categories:

• Achievement 
• Influence 
• People 
• Personal Qualities 
• Cognitive Abilities

Section 3: Recommendation Questions (Open-ended Questions for Recommenders)

• Please provide a brief description of your interaction with the applicant and, if applicable, the applicant’s role in your organization.
• How does the performance of the applicant compare to that of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? Please provide specific examples.
• Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response.
• Is there anything else we should know? (Optional)

Click here for Instructions on how to use

The form is also available for READING PURPOSES ONLY in the following languages: 

• Common Letter of Recommendation Template: Simplified Chinese (Word)
• Common Letter of Recommendation Template: French (Word)
• Common Letter of Recommendation Template: German (Word)
• Common Letter of Recommendation Template: Korean (Word)
• Common Letter of Recommendation Template: Spanish (Word)
• Common Letter of Recommendation Template: Italian (Word)

How to Secure the Perfect Recommendation Letter

Letters of Recommendation: Your Secret Weapon in College Admissions?

Hi, I’m Ian Parker, a Collegewise counselor, as well as a former tutor and teacher. I’m here to talk to you about letters of recommendation, how they’re used, and why they’re important.

One of the biggest questions facing any college applicant is: “Which teachers should I ask for letters of recommendation?” But why are letters of recommendation so important? How do colleges use them? And how should a student decide whom to ask?   

As a Collegewise counselor who has assisted more than a hundred successful college applicants, I enjoy reviewing applications with my students; all the information is there, precisely organized, and presented in just the way we wanted it.  

Except for the letters of recommendation.  

You may not be familiar with the recommendation process. It certainly gets less press than other pieces of college applications, like transcripts, essays, or extracurriculars. But at many colleges, it’s an important element — and it’s one that doesn’t fit cleanly within that perfectly organized application I love. Ready to learn about this strange creature? Let’s go!  

What are Letters of Recommendation & Why Do Colleges Want Them? 

College applications are often thorough and well-built, but there is no form on earth that could possibly capture the unique circumstances, interests, and challenges of every student. So, many colleges (more than 350 US colleges, in fact) require teachers and school counselors to provide additional information beyond what’s available in the application.   

Most often, recommendations include both a quantitative and a qualitative measure. For instance, a recommendation submitted through the Common App will have a space for recommenders to mark students on a scale that ranges on various points from “below average” to “one of the top few I have encountered in my career.” The qualitative portion will ask educators to submit a written recommendation where they can explain how, exactly, they believe their student stands out from their peers. There can be a lot of power in those explanations, and there are important reasons many colleges ask for them.  

First, students often leave important information out of their application, especially if they think it’s embarrassing or doesn’t seem appropriate for a college application. But those explanations can often provide admission officers the context they need to understand the rest of the application. For instance, a student might go from straight As in 9th and 10th grade to Cs in 11th, and without context, that trend would raise some real worries in an admission office. But if their counselor explains that the student’s parents were going through a messy divorce during that time and her schoolwork is already back to her usual excellence in 12th grade, all of a sudden the Cs are less concerning.  

Many colleges also value something hard to see in a transcript: intellectual curiosity. It’s one thing to take many challenging classes because you know selective colleges expect it; it’s an entirely different thing to contribute to the intellectual climate of those classes. Teachers can use their recommendations to point out a student without whom their class just wouldn’t be the same — the student who asks questions, raises great points, and goes above and beyond in their class reading. If you’ve ever asked a question that made a teacher stop and think, been the driving force behind a classroom debate, or helped someone struggling on a project, then you’ll know what that might look like.  

But here’s my favorite answer when my students ask why colleges care about these recommendations: the people reading your application just want to know that their professors are going to enjoy having you in their classes. Admission offices often work closely with faculty to make sure they’re attracting and accepting the types of students who will mesh with professors. Students who are kind, questioning, curious, and thoughtful make any classroom better; students who are passive, self-centered, or grade-grubbers usually don’t.  

A General Timeline for Letters of Recommendation 

I usually bring up recommendations with my students early in the spring of their junior year. At that point, they’ve had their 11th-grade teachers for a few months, and they’ve figured out which classes they’ve thrived in and which teachers they’ve really clicked with. We can then have an intelligent conversation about which two or three teachers would be most appropriate to ask to provide letters of recommendation. Their next assignment: to continue impressing those teachers for the rest of the semester with their kindness and thoughtful participation in class.   

Depending on their high school’s policies, my students will actually ask those teachers a couple of weeks before summer or just after school resumes in 12th grade. Ideally, I think, earlier is better — when I was a teacher, I would have appreciated knowing in advance so I could use the summer to write. Some high schools have specific periods in which to request recommendations, and that’s just fine, too; it’s not a race! Just make sure you give your teachers enough time to write an effective recommendation (meaning several weeks, at minimum).  

How to Find the Right Recommender  

In which class do you participate the most?   

Which teacher knows you the best, including the things you do outside of class? Have you had real conversations, outside of a classroom discussion, with any of these teachers?

Can any of your teachers tell a positive story about you? Which teacher has seen you be kind to others?

These are some of the questions I ask my students when we’re discussing which teachers they might ask for a recommendation. Invariably, there are two or three classes in which their teachers have seen them at their best, and those are usually the ones my students focus on.  

Beyond that general advice, there are also some specific guidelines you should try to follow:  

Try to ask teachers from core subject areas (math, science, English, social science, and languages other than English). Because they’re core classes with a standardized academic curriculum, your admission officer will be able to contextualize your achievement and consider your potential as a college student more easily.  

Try to ask junior-year teachers. You’ll be applying to college during the fall and early winter of 12th grade. At that point, your 12th-grade teachers will have only known you for a couple of months; that’s usually not enough time to have an in-depth picture of who you are. At the same time, your 10th-grade teachers will have gone nearly two years without you in their classroom; the things they can write about may not reflect who you are as that’s way too long for an accurate letter for a senior. So, stick to your 11th-grade teachers in most circumstances.  

Make sure to align your recommenders with the expectations of the colleges you’re applying to. For instance, MIT requires two letters of recommendation: one from a STEM teacher, and one from a humanities, social science, or language teacher. There’s no wiggle room there, and a student who requests recommendations from a history and an English teacher is not following the instructions.  

Don’t worry too much about your teachers’ writing ability. It’s the content, not the style, that’s important.  

How to Ask Your Teacher 

When you’re ready to request a recommendation from a teacher, a personal touch goes a long way.  

Start by finding a quiet time to chat one-on-one. The end of the day, after a teacher’s last class, is often a good time. Alternatively, use your teacher’s office hours or schedule a few minutes to talk. Try not to initiate this conversation over email.  

In that face-to-face conversation, be straightforward and honest. I often ask my students to include three elements:  

First, the reason why they’re asking this teacher (your love for the class and the subject; a particular project that sparked your curiosity and showcased excellence; your after-class chats about life).  

Second, explain the teacher’s unique ability to write a strong letter (“I think you’ve seen me at my best”; “I think you’ll be able to describe how I help other students in class”).  

Finally, the ask: “Would you consider writing me a strong letter of recommendation for my college applications?” By asking thoughtfully, you’ve given your teacher the warm fuzzy feeling of making a difference in your life, you’ve explained why they’re suited to the role of recommender, and you’ve given a subtle hint about what you’re really proud of — something that might support the rest of your application.  

Final Thoughts 

Recommendations are a privilege to write. It’s an educator’s chance to advocate for their student and to reflect on their future growth. In some ways, it’s validation for a career in education.  

But writing good letters of recommendation is hard. In fact, it’s a giant pain. And, what’s more, it’s not your teacher’s actual job to write them. So make sure to do your part, too. If your counselor or your teachers want a brag sheet, a resume, or a questionnaire from you, don’t argue; do it. Ask them far in advance, and beyond sending them the supporting information they asked for or materials they’d like (as well as a quick thank-you), don’t bother them for a while.   

The reward for your patience will be an authentic, glowing letter that helps colleges understand your unique capabilities and potential for growth. It’s well worth the trade.  

Take a look at our recommendation letter request email example .  

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MBA Application Tips: How to Secure Your Letters of Recommendation

Wondering who you should ask to write your recommendation letters here are some helpful tips from admissions to keep in mind when selecting recommenders..

• By FT Admissions EW Admissions
• August 02, 2024
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As you begin working diligently on your application, it’s important to recognize that letters of recommendation are an important part of the process. Your recommenders' letters allow the admissions committee to view your candidacy through the unique perspective of a third-party point of view. Given how often we get asked about recommendations, we thought we’d share answers to the most commonly asked questions so you can select the best recommenders and submit your application .

Who should I select as my first recommender?

While not required, we recommend that your first letter come from your current supervisor. This individual can offer intimate knowledge of your impact in and across the organization.

What if it’s not feasible to ask my current supervisor?

Perhaps you’re in a new job, or you’re not ready to tell your boss you’re looking to do an MBA—that’s okay. Choose another professional contact with relevant knowledge of your strengths and weaknesses, such as a client, business partner, or prior supervisor. Just be sure to explain in your application why you are not selecting your current supervisor.

Who should I select as my second recommender?

Oftentimes, this can be trickier to figure out than the first recommender. While we have no preference of who you select to write the second letter, don’t immediately target the person with the most impressive title, a notable name, or the Booth alumnus you met briefly at an event. Instead, opt for someone who can speak to recent, specific examples of your performance and contributions. Consider how their perspective will offer new dimensions and insight into your candidacy.

How can I best prepare my recommenders?

Once you add them as recommenders in your application, make sure to confirm that they have received the link. Use the weeks that you’ve allotted for them to write your letter to connect further and have conversations. Share your goals for pursuing an MBA, the reasons you’re selecting Chicago Booth in particular, and refresh their memory on your specific professional accomplishments and any challenges you’ve overcome. This will help them to highlight your unique attributes and allow you to stand out.

What’s a common misstep in selecting recommenders?

The biggest blunder we’ve seen is not giving your recommenders enough runway before the deadline to think deeply about your candidacy and craft a thoughtful letter. Give your recommenders a leg up by sending the invite through our application early on. Then there is more time to have conversations, process, and write—and ensure your application will be its strongest when you’re ready to submit.

We hope you found these tips useful and look forward to getting to know more about you through your recommendation letters!

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4 Amazing Recommendation Letter Samples for Students

Letters of Recommendation

How important are recommendation letters in a college application? According to William Fitzsimmons, dean of admissions and financial aid at Harvard, they are "extremely important."

If you're a student, examples of great letters of recommendation can help you understand how to get strong letters yourself from your teachers. If you're a teacher, the examples in this guide will inspire you to support your students strongly as they apply to college. Keep reading for four excellent letters from teachers that will get anyone into college , along with expert analysis on why they're so strong.

Important Note: Are you looking for job recommendation letters? If so, check out my great post here!

First, let's understand the role of recommendation letters in your application.

Why are Recommendation Letters Important?

The majority of admissions officers at four-year colleges, especially private schools, emphasize that their process is holistic . They seek to gain a sense of the student as a "whole person," rather than focusing on pieces of who she is based solely on grades and test scores. Since they rarely meet the student in person, the recommendation letters, along with the student's own personal essay, play a huge role in illuminating her intellectual and personal qualities.

That's why recommendation letters from teachers, especially those who know their students well, carry a great deal of weight in applications. A letter that expresses a strong vote of support, as well as highlights a student's impressive academic and personal strengths , can have a powerful effect on that student's chances of admission.

Let's look at some samples of strong recommendation letters, one from an English teacher, another from a physics teacher, the third from a history teacher, and the final one from a math teacher. Then we'll break down exactly why these letters of recommendation are effective.

The first example recommends Sara, a senior who loves to write and read poetry.

Sample Letter #1: Sara the Poet

Dear Admissions Committee, I had the pleasure of teaching Sara in her 11th grade honors English class at Mark Twain High School. From the first day of class, Sara impressed me with her ability to be articulate about difficult concepts and texts, her sensitivity to the nuances within literature, and her passion for reading, writing, and creative expression- both in and out of the classroom. Sara is a talented literary critic and poet, and she has my highest recommendation as a student and writer. Sara is talented at considering the subtleties within literature and the purpose behind authors' works. She produced an extraordinary year-long thesis paper on creative identity development, in which she compared works from three different time periods and synthesized cultural and historical perspectives to inform her analysis. When called upon to give her thesis defense in front of her peers, Sara spoke clearly and eloquently about her conclusions and responded to questions in a thoughtful way. Outside of the classroom, Sara is dedicated to her literary pursuits, especially to poetry. She publishes her poetry in our school's literary magazine, as well as in online magazines. She is an insightful, sensitive, and deeply self-aware individual driven to explore art, writing, and a deeper understanding of the human condition. Throughout the year Sara was an active participant in our discussions, and she always supported her peers. Her caring nature and personality allow her to work well with others in a team setting, as she always respects others' opinions even when they differ from her own. When we held a class debate about gun laws, Sara opted to speak for the side opposite her own views. She explained her choice as motivated by a desire to put herself in other people's shoes, view the issues from a new perspective, and gain a clearer sense of the issue from all angles. Throughout the year, Sara demonstrated this openness to and empathy for the opinions, feelings, and perspectives of others, along with shrewd powers of observation, all qualities that makes her outstanding as a student of literature and burgeoning writer. I am certain that Sara is going to continue to do great and creative things in her future. I highly recommend her for admission to your undergraduate program. She is talented, caring, intuitive, dedicated, and focused in her pursuits. Sara consistently seeks out constructive feedback so she can improve her writing skills, which is a rare and impressive quality in a high school student. Sara is truly a stand-out individual who will impress everyone she meets. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions at [email protected]. Sincerely, Ms. Scribe English Teacher Mark Twain High School

This is a thorough, glowing recommendation for a student that Ms. Scribe clearly knows well. What other features make it stand out as a strong letter of rec?

The Breakdown

Ms. Scribe has a high opinion of Sara and her skills at writing and literary analysis. One way that she expresses this is by using powerful and specific language. She doesn't merely say Sara is a good writer. She says she's articulate about difficult concepts and sensitive to the nuances within literature. She calls her insightful and self-aware with shrewd powers of observation.

These descriptors don't happen by accident. Ms. Scribe took the time to choose her words carefully , and that effort paid off with a strong letter that captures Sara's special qualities.

Ms. Scribe also supports her characterization of Sara with examples . She describes her thesis paper and how she responded to questions thoughtfully under the pressured situation of her thesis defense. She gives the example of the debate on gun laws to illustrate Sara's openness to many different points of view.

In addition to illuminating her intellectual and personal strengths and supporting them with specific examples, Ms. Scribe speaks to Sara's goals for the future. She points out that she is talented at writing, poetry specifically, and that she is committed to continuing to improve as a writer in her future.

This letter, by virtue of its wording, length, and specificity, shows that Ms. Scribe took the time and effort to recommend Sara thoughtfully and with conviction. The fact that she knows Sara well and is committed to helping her application succeed with a thoughtful letter further adds weight to her assessment.

This letter would be a boon to Sara's application, especially if she's applying to study writing or English. She clearly impressed her English teacher and, in return, got a memorable, complimentary letter of recommendation for her college application.

This next example is similarly enthusiastic and detailed. It's for a student applying to an engineering program.

Sample Letter #2: Stacy the Engineer

Dear Admissions Committee, It is a great pleasure to recommend Stacy for admission to your engineering program. She is one of the most exceptional students I have encountered in my 15 years of teaching. I taught Stacy in my 11th grade honors physics class and advised her in Robotics Club. I am not surprised to find out she is now ranked at the top of an extraordinarily capable class of seniors. She has a keen interest in and talent for physics, math, and scientific inquiry. Her advanced skills and passion for the subject make her an ideal fit for your rigorous engineering program. Stacy is a perceptive, sharp, quick individual with a high aptitude for math and science. She is driven to understand how things work, whether they be the old computer hard drives in the school library or the forces that hold our universe together. Her final project in class was especially impressive, an investigation of frequency-dependent sound absorption, an idea that she said was sparked by not wanting to bother her parents with her hours of guitar practice at home. She's been a strong leader in Robotics Club, eager to share her knowledge with others and learn new skills. I have the students in the club prepare lessons and take turns leading our after-school meetings. When it was Stacy's turn, she showed up prepared with a fascinating lecture on lunar nautics and fun activities that got everyone moving and talking. She was our only student teacher to be met with much deserved applause at the end of her lesson. Stacy's personal strengths are as impressive as her intellectual accomplishments. She's an active, outgoing presence in class with a great sense of humor. Stacy's the perfect person to get a group project rolling, but she also knows how to sit back and let others take the lead. Her cheerful nature and openness to feedback means she's always learning and growing as a learner, an impressive strength that will continue to serve her well in college and beyond. Stacy is just the kind of driven, engaging, and curious student that helped make our classroom a lively environment and safe place to take intellectual risks. Stacy has my highest recommendation for admission to your engineering program. She has demonstrated excellence in all that she puts her mind to, whether it's designing an experiment, collaborating with others, or teaching herself to play classical and electrical guitar. Stacy's endless curiosity, combined with her willingness to take risks, leads me to believe there will be no limit to her growth and achievements in college and beyond. Please don't hesitate to contact me at [email protected] if you have any questions. Sincerely, Ms. Randall Physics Teacher Marie Curie High School

Ms. Randall is clearly as much of a fan of Stacy as she is of Mileva Marić. How does she communicate her recommendation?

Ms. Randall plugs for Stacy right off the bat with a statement of outstanding ranking : Stacy is one of the most exceptional students she's had in 15 years of teaching. A statement like this is pretty extraordinary and will make an impact in the mind of its readers. Stacy sounds like a special student, and she chose her recommender well.

Like in the last example, this letter uses strong, specific language , calling Stacy a perceptive and sharp person who has the confidence and good humor to take intellectual risks. Through its accurate and expressive language, this letter helps Stacy come to life in the mind of the reader.

Beyond the evaluation, Ms. Randall gives specific examples of Stacy's academic and personal strengths. She talks about her successful teaching in Robotics Club, her leadership in group projects, and her dedicated practice to teaching herself to play the guitar.

Rather than spreading the letter too thin, Ms. Randall highlights a few core themes. She connects Stacy's love of music with her passion for physics by talking about the frequency-dependent sound absorption project. All the threads tie together in a nice, memorable bow.

This letter is a strong vote of support for Stacy's application to an engineering program. Her physics teacher admires Stacy's skills and goals, and she made it clear that Stacy had her highest recommendation in this letter.

This next example also comes from a teacher who's extremely impressed with his student. It focuses on the student's performance in class and his volunteer work outside the classroom.

Sample Letter #3: William the History Buff and Social Organizer

Dear Admissions Committee, It is hard to overstate the meaningful contributions that William has made to our school and surrounding community. As both his 10th and 11th grade History teacher, I've had the pleasure of seeing William make profound contributions both in and out of the classroom. His school and community service is motivated by a strong sense of social justice, which he informs through a nuanced and sophisticated understanding of historical trends and events. I can say with confidence that William is one of the most caring and driven students I've ever taught in my fifteen years at the school. As a child of immigrant parents, William is especially drawn to understand the immigrant experience. He produced an extraordinary semester-long research paper on the treatment of Japanese-Americans in the U.S. during WWII, in which he went beyond all expectations to conduct Skype interviews with relatives of his featured subjects to incorporate into his paper. William has a great capacity to draw connections between past and present and to ground his understanding of current issues in the context of historical events. He never retreats to a simple answer or explanation, but is comfortable dealing with ambiguity. William's fascination with U.S. and World History and skill for deep analysis have him an exemplary scholar, as a well as a motivated activist driven to promote civil rights and work towards social equity. In sophomore year, William noticed that the college planning seminars students attended included little information for first generation or immigrant students. Always thinking about how institutions can better serve people, William spoke with counselors and ESL teachers about his ideas to better support all students. He helped collect resources and design a college planning curriculum for immigrant and undocumented students to enhance their college access. He further helped organize a group that connected ESL students with native English speakers, stating his mission to be helping ELLs improve their English and increasing multicultural awareness and social cohesion at the school as a whole. William identified a need and worked with students and faculty alike to meet it in an extremely effective and beneficial way. Ever the history scholar, he did plenty of research to back up his ideas. William believes passionately in social progress and working for the common good. His own personal experiences, along with his profound grasp on social history, drive his advocacy work. He is a talented, intelligent student with the charisma, confidence, strong values, and respect for others to make a huge difference in the world around him. I'm looking forward to seeing all the good that William continues to do for his fellow humanity in college and beyond, as well as the excellent work that he will produce at the college level. William has my highest recommendation. If you have any questions, please contact me at [email protected]. Sincerely, Mr. Jackson History Teacher Martin Luther King, Jr. High School

Mr. Jackson's letter makes William sound like a pretty amazing student and person. How does he go about expressing his admiration for William in this rec letter?

Like Ms. Randall did in her letter, Mr. Jackson provides a statement of outstanding ranking for William, calling him one of the most caring and driven students he's ever taught. Considering his long teaching career of 15 years, this says a lot about William as a student and a person.

Also like in the last example, Mr. Jackson focuses on a few core aspects of William's character. He talks about his love of history and how it informs his social activism. He comments on his exceptional historical scholarship, as well as his personal qualities of caring for those around him and working for the social good.

Mr. Jackson also gives insight into William's personal life , explaining how he has a personal connection to his projects and volunteer work as the child of immigrant parents. This letter reveals that William is a thoughtful, motivated individual who connects his own experiences with his learning and desire to contribute to his community.

The letter also showcases William's exceptional accomplishments by giving specific examples of William's research paper and his work supporting the academic and personal needs of ELL students. Mr. Jackson expresses his enthusiastic recommendation while illuminating William's love of learning and strength of character. This letter would be both impressive and memorable to admissions officers considering William for admission to their school.

This next example comes from a math teacher. Let's see what Mr. Wiles has to say about Joe.

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. He has that combination of a positive attitude and the belief that he can always improve that's rare in a high school student, but so essential to the learning process. I am confident that he will continue to display the same commitment and diligence in everything he does. I highly recommend Joe for admission to your school. Joe would not describe himself as a math person. He's told me on several occasions that all the numbers and variables make his mind go fuzzy. Joe did, in fact, struggle to comprehend the material at the beginning of the year, but his response to this is what really struck me. Where so many others have given up, Joe took on this class as a welcome challenge. He stayed after school for extra help, got extra tutoring at the nearby college, and asked questions in and out of class. Due to all his hard work, Joe not only raised his grades, but he also inspired some of his classmates to stay after for extra help, as well. Joe truly demonstrated a growth mindset, and he inspired his peers to adopt that valuable perspective, too. Joe helped contribute to our classroom environment as one where all students can feel supported and able to ask questions. Joe's strong belief in his ability to acquire new skills and improve through practice was likely shaped by his years as a baseball player. He's played all through high school and is one of the team's most valuable players. In his final for our class, Joe designed an impressive project calculating and analyzing batting averages. While he initially described himself as not a math person, Joe reaped the benefits of his tremendous effort and found a way to make the subject come alive for him in a way that he was personally invested in. As a teacher, it is incredibly fulfilling to witness a student make this kind of academic and personal progress. Joe is a trustworthy, reliable, good-humored student and friend who supports others in and out of the classroom. He was a pleasure to have in class, and his positive attitude and belief in himself, even in the face of difficulty, is an immensely admirable asset. I'm confident that he will continue to demonstrate the same diligence, perseverance, and optimism that he showed myself and his peers. I highly recommend Joe for admission to your undergraduate program. Please feel free to contact me with any further questions at [email protected]. Sincerely, Mr. Wiles Math Teacher Euclid High School

While the students featured in the first three examples were top of their class or demonstrated leadership in the school, Joe isn't a top achiever in the traditional sense. However, this recommendation is still a strong one, even if it says he struggled in the teacher's class. What does Mr. Wiles focus on to recommend Joe?

Mr. Wiles writes a strong letter for Joe, with the same kind of enthusiasm and specific examples as the other three letters. Even though Joe may not have gotten the strongest grades in his math class, he found an enthusiastic recommender in his math teacher. Mr. Wiles was extremely impressed with Joe's attitude, effort, and growth mindset , which he demonstrated throughout the year and inspired in his fellow classmates.

Mr. Wiles focuses on Joe's substantial personal strengths, ones that would likely be impressive to his future educators. Even in a subject that may not come naturally to him, Joe is diligent and committed. He's not self-conscious about asking questions or seeking extra help, and he retains a strong belief in himself that he can continuously learn, improve, and acquire new skills.

This letter, like the others, is effective because it is focused, supportive, and backed up with examples. As you can tell from these examples, recommendations can communicate a great deal about a student. Because of this, they can have a powerful impact on a student's chances of admission. So what can teachers and students do to make sure they are sending a strong recommendation letter that will help their chances?

Enthusiasm is key.

How to Get a Strong Recommendation Letter

While these letters are about different students with different interests, they share certain fundamental features. One, they sound excited and enthusiastic. The teachers clearly communicate that they are impressed by these students and eager to help them get into college.

At the same time, the letters don't go overboard because they have examples to back up their assessments. Specific examples and stories are key for backing up the assessment. Plus, they make a letter more interesting and memorable. Rather than just another engineering applicant, Stacy is the student who researched sound-absorption to spare her parents from hours of guitar scales.

Finally, the teachers all discuss their students' personal strengths , along with their academic strengths. They present the holistic view that admissions officers are looking for, along with their strong vote of confidence in the students' future success.

Teachers should incorporate all these features into their letters, and students should help provide them with the raw material to write about. While students should choose a teacher who knows them well and has stories and observations to share, they should also give their teachers a detailed "brag sheet" and let them know what would go into their ideal letter. That way it can be even more personalized and complement the story the student is telling in the rest of her application.

While recommenders may or may not share their letters with students, there should still be open, two-way communication when the student makes her request . That way students and teachers can work together to produce an insightful, enthusiastic, and specific letter of recommendation to send to colleges.

What's Next?

Are you a teacher writing recommendations for your students? Read all about how to write an outstanding recommendation letter for your students , along with what not to include.

Are you or a student you work with applying to a selective school, like Harvard? Learn about what kind of letter she should get for the Ivy League.

Now that you've read these examples of strong teacher recommendation letters, check out these examples of bad ones . Warning: rec letters may appear better than they actually are.

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Rebecca graduated with her Master's in Adolescent Counseling from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She has years of teaching and college counseling experience and is passionate about helping students achieve their goals and improve their well-being. She graduated magna cum laude from Tufts University and scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT.

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How To Get a Letter Of Recommendation For Business School

Shannon Cook - BusinessBecause

Shannon Cook is a Writer for BusinessBecause and GMAC Media.

Letters of recommendation are critical to a strong business school application but securing a good one requires some effort from MBA applicants.

Knowing what a strong recommendation letter should look like, and who to ask for your personal reference letter, will stand you in good stead for this part of the process.

Why is a letter of recommendation needed for a student's application?

A letter of recommendation simply demonstrates to an admissions officer that you are a highly professional, well-regarded, individual who would be ready for the rigorous nature of a business school program.

Courtney Elmes, interim associate dean at California State University, says: "Think of the letter of recommendation as a guarantor of your success at business school, helping your target business school see your true potential as an applicant and professional.

"The professional recommendation allows us to gain a glimpse into your character and what makes you unique – to hear stories that provide a different perspective and that round out your application. All of that makes the MBA recommendation letter very important,"

The recommendation letter comes as an addition to your own letter that you will write for the business school application, which might be a personal statement, essay, or both.

Look at recommendation letter specific examples and recommendation templates

There's no one-size-fits-all approach to the recommendation letter but there are a few ways you maximize your chances of success. One way to make the process a lot easier is by gaining access to a recommendation template or recommendation sample letter.

The Graduate Management Admission Council™ (GMAC™), the makers of the GMAT™ exam, collaborated with a group of leading business schools to help develop a new set of “common” questions, with one goal in mind: to make requesting letters of recommendation easier for both the person writing the professional letter and the student.

The Common Letter of Recommendation (LOR) free template saves valuable time, providing a single, common set of questions. This approach allows letter writers to use the same responses for multiple letter submissions, alleviating the workload if applying for multiple schools.

The Common Letter of Recommendation form has three sections, covering the key letter of recommendation questions that schools require from the student.

Section 1: Personal information about the letter writer

This is where the person writing the recommendation letter identifies themselves and their relationship to the student.

Section 2: Leadership assessment grid of candidate

This section is divided into five categories, each identified for the way they help assess the candidate against 16 traits and competencies—such as influence, achievement, and cognitive abilities.

Section 3: Letter of recommendation questions

This essay-style section provides three prompts which must be answered in 500 words or less.

• Please provide a brief description of your interaction with the applicant and, if applicable, the applicant’s role in your organization. (Recommended word count: 50 words).

Please provide specific examples.  (Recommended word count: 500 words).

• Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response. (Recommended word count: 500 words).

There is a final open-ended question, “Is there anything else we should know?” that is optional and has no word count limit.

All responses can include specific examples or information about the student's work ethic, position, skills, and qualities. The recommender may wish to focus the letter on one example or home in on a few areas about your hard work and positive attitude.

General instructions for submitting the Common Letter of Recommendation

Once you’ve verified that you’re applying to a participating Common LOR school , refer to the steps below to streamline the experience for your recommender:

• Download the Common Letter of Recommendation PDF Template and email it to all recommenders once they’ve agreed to advocate for you in a letter of recommendation for business school.
• Provide your target schools with the name and email address for each recommender.
• Advise your recommenders to be on the lookout for the official invitation email from the school and follow the school’s instructions for submitting the recommendation.

For schools that offer the facility to complete recommendations online through a secure website, the recommender can use the completed Common LOR template to copy and paste their responses into the school’s online system.

For schools that accept the Common LOR by email or paper submission, ask your recommender to use the completed Common LOR template to copy and paste responses into the official form before emailing or mailing the completed recommendation to the school.

Ready to get started on your letters of recommendation for business school? Before you approach anyone, check out these expert tips , or watch the short video, “ Mastering the Letter of Recommendation .” 

If you or your letter writer needs the recommendation template in a different language, please click the appropriate link below. Note that it should still be filled out in English.

• Common Letter of Recommendation Template: Simplified Chinese  (Word)
• Common Letter of Recommendation Template: French  (Word)
• Common Letter of Recommendation Template: German  (Word)
• Common Letter of Recommendation Template: Korean  (Word)
• Common Letter of Recommendation Template: Spanish  (Word)

Select the right person to write the letter of recommendation

While an academic letter of recommendation is an asset to a graduate school candidate, your business school letter of recommendation should come from a professional. As our experts suggest , your ideal letter of recommendation would be from someone directly above you in the organization who has worked with you in a professional environment for at least one year, and can easily discuss how you fulfill your job description.

These professional contacts can best attest to the characteristics and competencies that make you a successful leader.

The person writing the letter could be your employer, such as a hiring manager or someone else in a position that's senior to you.

Remember, you shouldn't write the letter of recommendation yourself. You should also avoid choosing someone just because they have an impressive title, such as CEO, if this individual doesn't know you know you well or is unable to provide key information and details about your position and performance.

Request your recommendation letter in advance

The best way to ensure that your recommender writes a strong recommendation letter is by asking well in advance. A rushed request for a letter of recommendation is likely to lead to a letter that does not sufficiently emphasize your great qualities and skills.

Give your nominated person enough time – at least one to two months – to give you a thoughtful and sincere business school letter of recommendation that's signed off in good time before the deadline.

It’s also more effective to make an in-person request for your reference letter. Grab lunch or coffee with them so you can express why you’re excited about applying to graduate business school, and candidly discuss your strengths and weaknesses.

Sameer Kamat, founder of MBA Crystal Ball, says: “Instead of looking at the resume, essays and reference letters as standalone components, thinking of them as pieces of a bigger jigsaw puzzle can help. This would help the applicant plan the entire application in advance, instead of assuming that a sharp and coherent picture will appear magically at the end.”

Asking for your letter of recommendation in good time also allows the recommender enough time to ask further questions about the process. It can also help to provide your recommender with a clear deadline that's mindful of the individual's busy schedule.

Provide supporting materials for your personal reference letter

Give your recommender other materials that will accompany your MBA application, such as your MBA resume and application essay.

Provide as much guidance on the letter of recommendation process as possible by including a common LOR template  that conveniently includes all the elements your business school letter of recommendation needs. Also, encourage them to give specific examples or anecdotes that promote your strengths and leadership qualities.

Stacy Blackman, founder of Stacy Blackman Admissions Consulting, says: “The best way for your recommenders to help you stand out from thousands of other highly qualified applicants is by painting a clear picture of who you are both professionally and personally. Standing out is especially important for traditional applicants from finance and consulting.”

You may also wish to provide the writer of your recommendation letter with a short note about your personal career goals, how the business school program in questions fits into your goals, and what you hope to bring the classroom or school culture.

Remember, the more information you give to your recommender, the more likely you will receive a recommendation letter that touches on all the key points. It's important to not overwhelm, however  – providing a one-page letter is sufficient.

Express your gratitude to the writer of your professional letter

Remember, these are busy people and the time they give you is valuable. Reciprocate that by taking the time to acknowledge their efforts. Send your recommenders a handwritten card or thoughtful email and keep them posted on your acceptance status. The recommendation letter is just one part of your overall business school application. Find out more tips and advice about the MBA application process in the BusinessBecause MBA Application Guide . If you're looking to join a master's degree, you can find expert advice in the Master in Management Guide.

Shannon Cook is a Writer for  BusinessBecause  and GMAC Media. She is responsible for writing and managing sponsored and non-sponsored editorial content relating to the business school journey, as well as covering the latest business news trends. She also heads up the video series, building brand awareness of BusinessBecause across social media channels and the website.

Shannon earned a BA in English Literature with Legal Studies from the University of Sussex and an MA in International Journalism from the University of Leeds.

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Tips for Asking for LORs

When you apply to professional school, you will need to submit a specific requirement of letters of recommendation. Each school sets its own assortment requirements for letters of recommendation, so we recommend creating a spreadsheet to track the assortment requirements at each of your schools of interest.

Your letters should be written by non-relatives who are well acquainted with you from academic or professional settings (school, work, health-related activities, laboratory performance, volunteer work, etc.). You should select people who know you well enough that they can share several anecdotes that demonstrate personal strengths in action. (Conversely, if your letter writer can only comment on your grade or that you attended class, they will write a letter that not only is of no use but actually could be detrimental.)

Most schools require a specific assortment of three to five letters of recommendation; do not exceed their limits. When selecting the three to five people from whom you would like to receive letters, consider selecting individuals who know you in different ways so that the packet of letters will portray a variety of your strengths. In general, a strong assortment of letters typically includes the following three to four letters:

• A faculty member who taught you in a science course (biology, chemistry, neuroscience, or physics) who got to know you well enough to comment upon your intellectual engagement as a student
• An additional faculty member from any course (science or non-science) who also got to know you well enough to comment upon your intellectual engagement
• A research supervisor or other work/volunteer/clinical supervisor who knows you well and can provide specific examples of the personal strengths you exhibited in that activity
• [Usually optional] An additional faculty member or supervisor who knows you well. You could also consider a coach or spiritual advisor. 

Important notes about your assortment of letters: 

We regret that we are unable to offer Pre-Health Advisor Letters of Recommendation.

Some programs require a letter from a clinical supervisor, but most do not. If you are not required to submit a letter written by a clinical supervisor, it is only strategic to ask for this type of letter if you have worked directly with that supervisor, such that the person can share first-hand anecdotes that demonstrate your understanding of the profession and your personal approach to working with patients and staff in a clinical setting.

• If you have graduated and are currently working, you should obtain a letter from your employer. 

If you are preparing to apply to medical (MD and/or DO) or dental school , you will have two options for managing letters of recommendation:

• Your letter writers can upload their letters directly to the application service. This approach is straightforward, but comes with two potential drawbacks: First, your letter writers cannot submit their letters in advance. They must wait until the common application opens for your application year. Second, if you end up having to reapply, you would need to contact your letter writers again to ask them to upload their letters again.
• You can open an account with a third-party letter storage service, such as Interfolio or PrivateFolio .
• If you choose to use PrivateFolio, be aware that CU Boulder students can receive a $20 credit; read more here . If you want to have the pre-health advisors check the formatting of your letters, you will need to pay PrivateFolio to email them to us, but the cost should be less than the $20 credit.

If you use a letter storage service, your letter writer will upload your letter to the storage service, where it can be stored for as long as you want. When you are ready to apply to professional school, you will direct the letter storage service to forward specific letters to your application file. With this approach, your letter writers will be able to complete and submit your letters well in advance of your application season while maintaining the confidentiality of the letter. You will be able to rest easy knowing that your letters are ready-and-waiting. Also, if you end up having to reapply, you can have the same letter re-uploaded in a future year, if desired.

If you are preparing to apply to professional school for any of the other health care professions, your letter writers will be required to upload their letters directly to the server maintained by your common application service. When they do so, your recommenders will need to answer a few additional questions that a third-party vendor would not be able to answer. 

Although not all of your letters must be written by faculty, most schools require applicants to have at least two of their letters written by college faculty members who have taught you in the classroom. Therefore, you must get to know some of your faculty members! You can make these essential contacts by making use of office hours, by seeking out courses with small class sizes (honors courses and critical thinking courses are good bets), by doing research in a lab, or by taking an active role in a club or activity that has a faculty advisor.

The strongest letters are those written by writers who know you well and can attest to your relevant personal traits by sharing first-hand anecdotes of times when they have seen you demonstrate those traits. “Prestige” of the writer is far less important than the ability of your writers to share rich, illustrative, first-hand anecdotes.  

• Most health programs prefer not to have letters from Graduate Teaching Assistants. If you know a T.A. well, and you feel that the T.A. could write a professional evaluation, a good approach is to ask the professor of the course if he/she would be willing to write a joint letter with the T.A. If possible, it should be signed by both the professor and the T.A.
• Most professional schools explicitly state that they will not accept letters from family members or friends of the family. Your goal is to get a set of letters from people who can evaluate you from a professional perspective.

You may ask in person or over email. When you reach out to that person, we suggest that you ask the following three questions:

• "Would you be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me?"
• "Do you feel it can be a strong, supportive letter?"
• "May I make an appointment to talk with you and review my preparation?"

If the answer to all these questions is not an enthusiastic "yes," you may indicate that you want to do further thinking before proceeding, or you may simply say, "Okay, I appreciate your honesty. I'll try to find another recommender."

Documents to bring:

• Your resume
• If your GPA is strong, bring copies of your college transcripts
• A rough draft of your personal statement for your application to professional school. (If you haven't prepared it yet, bring a one-page explanation of the experiences that led you to become interested in your career of choice, and how your most meaningful experiences have informed your motivations, values, and goals.)
• If available, a copy of an especially good paper, exam, or project you did under the person’s supervision.
• Using the list of suggested topics on the back side of that document, highlight two to four topic areas that you feel this person is best-suited to address. Ask, "I was hoping you could tell stories about times when you saw me expressing these particular traits. Do you feel you can do that?” (Note: The decision rests with the writer.)
• Be sure to point out the fact that admissions committees are most interested in reading their comments about their direct interactions with you, not a rehash of your motivations to enter this career field or a description of your other activities, since you will cover those topics yourself in your application. 
• AMCAS, AACOMAS, AADSAS, OptomCAS, PharmCAS, PTCAS : You can and, in most cases, should leave the Evaluator section of your application blank at the time of submission. You can log back in later to add Evaluator entries, but you cannot delete any that were already listed. (That said, if a letter falls through at the last minute, there is a way to indicate that a given person no longer plans to submit a letter.)
• CASAA, CASPA, OptomCAS, and VMCAS : You must fill out the Evaluators section in order to submit your application.

When should I ask for a letter?

You should ask people to write a letter for you when they know you as well as they are going to know you by application time. In other words, if you want to ask for a letter from a professor from whom you are going to take another course before you apply, or from a research supervisor with whom you will be doing an independent project before you submit a professional school application, do not ask for the letter to be written prior to completing those activities. You can, however, ask a potential letter author if s/he would consider writing a letter for you in the future.

That said, if you know you would like to receive a letter from someone with whom you interacted in the past, you should ask for your letter sooner rather than later. You may choose to sign up for a letter management service such as Interfolio or PrivateFolio so that your letter writer can write and submit your letter in advance of the timing of your application to professional school. CU Boulder has negotiated a reduced cost for our students to use the PrivateFolio service; read more here .

Negotiate a due date with each letter writer

Ask each letter writer how long s/he thinks s/he needs to complete the letter. Two to three weeks is typical.

Be sure to negotiate a due date that is earlier than when you really need it, as it is common for letter authors to take longer than expected to complete a letter. (Ideally, negotiate a due date that is at least a month in advance of when it should be submitted.) By establishing an agreed-upon date in advance, you can feel comfortable sending a polite reminder email to the letter writer if/when the due date passes with no letter yet submitted. 

If prompted in your application to list a requested due date for your letters

Consult with each your evaluators before submitting the proposed date to ensure they will have ample time to respond to your request.

It is common to submit your common application before your letters have been submitted

Your common application will prompt you to enter the names and contact information for your letter writers. For most of the common application services, you can wait until after you have submitted your application to fill out this section. In other words, for most applications, you do not need to have any of your letters submitted to the application service in order for you to do your part in submitting the application. Aim to have your letters submitted by time when you have completed your secondary applications.

Under the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), you are guaranteed the right of access to the contents of any evaluation letter you request from a recommender, unless you specifically waive that right. That said, the vast majority of letters written for professional school applicants are written confidentially (that is, the applicant agreed to waive his/her right to read the letter). Admissions committees assume that confidential evaluations will be more candid, and thus assign more weight to those that were written confidentially. However, you should consider the pros and cons of keeping and waiving your right to read your letters of recommendation and make the decision that makes you feel most comfortable. Whatever your decision, you should apply that decision to ALL of your letters – you should either keep your right to read ALL of your letters or waive your right to read ALL of the letters

Factors to Consider in Deciding to Retain Access

• You will know the information schools have and can prepare for interviews accordingly.
• It may relieve stress and anxiety to know exactly what has been said.
• Factual mistakes in the letter can be corrected, if the writer chooses to make those corrections.
• If you conclude that the letter is unfavorable, you can choose not to have it sent out.
• By reading a subjective evaluation, you have a chance to benefit from criticism.
• Be aware that a potential recommender may choose not to write a letter for you if you retain access to the letter.
• If you retain access, you need to be prepared to explain your reasons for your choice during interview(s).
• The evaluation may be less candid because the writer knew that the student would see it. As a result, less weight may be assigned to such letters.
• The student wanted to discuss the letter with the recommended/evaluator before the final draft was written.
• The student feels a moral obligation to exercise his/her civil rights.

Factors to Consider in Deciding to Waive Access

• If your recommender knows you well, and has said that he/she can write a letter in support of your candidacy, you may feel that you can trust that the person will not include inaccuracies or unfair statements in the letter.
• The student has nothing to conceal
• The student has confidence in her/his ability to choose recommenders and did not feel it was necessary to review the letter before it was sent.
• The student does not feel a moral obligation to exercise his/her civil rights in this way. (It is, of course, impossible to know how each individual receiving the letters may react to the fact that a student did or did not exercise their rights under FERPA.)
• As noted above, if you create a free  Interfolio  Dossier Account, you can link your account to the University of Colorado Boulder's Post-Baccalaureate Health Professions Administrator Account. (Once you've set up your account, contact Interfolio by phone or email to ask them to link it to our administrator account for you.) Doing so allows your pre-health advisors to view your letters (no cost) so that we can double-check that the formatting is correct.
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How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation

By Madeleine Chalifoux, ChBE Alumnus:

Asking for a letter of recommendation can be intimidating. If you feel this way, you’re not alone! However, whether it is a professor, advisor, or boss, these people are here for you and want to see you succeed. So, don’t be too nervous to ask for a letter- these people are here for you!

The purpose of recommendation letters is for potential employers, graduate schools, or scholarship committees to get a more holistic idea of you as an application and, most importantly, as a person. They are looking for a deeper insight into who you are, beyond the information that is conveyed through your resume and on your transcript. For this reason, it is important to develop strong relationships with faculty and other working professionals early in your college career. This way, these people who know you well both inside and outside of the classroom can tell a story about who you are as a student and individual.

Here are some simple pointers to follow when asking for a recommendation letter so that you feel confident making the request, and so that you can get the most out of the recommendation letter:

• Ask ahead of time . Don’t wait until the last minute to ask for a letter of recommendation. Just like you, professors and other professionals are busy and have many competing deadlines. Ask several weeks (or months, if possible) in advance so that your reference has enough time to reflect deeply on what they will write, draft a letter, and return later to edit that letter. Generally, the more time you give a reference to write a letter, the more in-depth and introspective it will be.  
• Provide information and materials . Generally, it is acceptable to email a potential reference to ask if they would be willing to provide a letter for you. In your email, state the reason why you are submitting the application, briefly remind them of your academic or work history, and mention why you think they would be a good reference for your application. Then, suggest scheduling a brief meeting with them to talk more about your future goals and about your resume and experience to date. At the end of your email, make sure to attach your resume, a copy of your transcript if it is relevant to the application, and any additional information about the position you are applying for. Most importantly: make sure to include the application deadline in your initial email. If the reference responds with a “yes,” you can then follow up with more specific application submission instructions.  
• Follow up and keep in touch . Once your reference has agreed to provide you with a letter, be sure to express your gratitude for their support during the application process. Also let them know that you are happy to answer any additional questions that they might have for you during the letter writing process. As the deadline nears, do not hesitate to follow up once or twice with a gentle reminder. When doing so, also take the opportunity to update them on your progress throughout the semester. Since reference often have several letters to write at a time, it is important to stay on top of your submission status so that deadlines do not slip through the cracks. Thus, when you reach out with reminders, you can simultaneously use this opportunity to maintain a positive and current relationship with your reference.

All in all, applications can be daunting, and with the added stress of having to ask for letters of recommendation, students often feel overwhelmed. However, you should never fear asking for a recommendation letter because this is why faculty, professors, and other adults in your life are here: to help you succeed. Nonetheless, it is important to note that sometimes reference do not submit letters until after application deadlines for various reasons. If this happens, don’t fret! This happens quite often and therefore applications generally do not penalize students for recommendation letters that are turned in after the deadline. Letters are usually separate components of the application, so it is almost always possible to submit your portion of the application before your letters are submitted. Simply ensure that your part of the application is submitted on time and remember to stay in contact with your reference throughout the process!

Best of luck on your next application, whether it be for graduate school, a new job, a campus scholarship, or an international fellowship! I have no doubt that you will achieve great things!

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OUR: Letter of Recommendation 101

Recurring dates.

• Nov. 18, 2024, 2:30pm to 3:15pm

Office/Remote Location

Description.

Writing a strong letter of recommendation is an essential part of any successful application. In many cases, it is the letter of recommendation that determines whether an undergraduate student is awarded a particular scholarship, fellowship, or grant. Oftentimes a generic letter of recommendation can actually hurt the student applicant, and thus it is important for the letter writer to tailor each letter of recommendation to the specific student applicant and discuss their academic attributes. This workshop will discuss the components of a strong letter of recommendation.

Learning Objectives

By participating in this workshop you will:

• Understand how a letter of recommendation can impact a student applicant
• Learn the components of a strong recommendation letter Be able to apply the strategies of writing a strong letter of recommendation

Admission Information

Free to all UNLV students.   Please register .

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Immigration Letter of Recommendation: Expert Tips + Sample

What is an immigration letter of recommendation?

An immigration letter of recommendation is a letter written to support an individual’s immigration application, often to highlight their character, achievements, and overall suitability for living or working in a new country. This letter is usually written by someone who knows the applicant well, such as a friend, employer, teacher, or community leader, and can vouch for their positive qualities.

Purpose of an immigration letter of recommendation

The purpose of this letter is to provide a personal perspective on the applicant’s contributions, reliability, and how they might positively impact the community or workplace if granted immigration status. It helps immigration authorities get a fuller picture of the person beyond just their legal or financial information.

For example, if you’re an employer writing for a work visa, you could talk about the person’s skills, dedication, and how much they contribute to your team. If you’re a friend or family member, you might focus on their good character, their connection to the community, and how much they mean to the people around them.

Differences between immigration letter of recommendation vs letter of support

An immigration letter of recommendation and an immigration letter of support are similar in that they both serve to back someone’s immigration application, but they differ slightly in focus and who typically writes them.

An immigration letter of recommendation is often more formal and is usually written by someone in a position of authority or with a professional relationship to the applicant, such as an employer, teacher, or mentor. 

The main focus is on the applicant’s professional qualifications, achievements, and how their presence would benefit the country they’re applying to live or work in. 

An immigration letter of support is generally more personal and is often written by friends, family members, or community members who can speak to the applicant’s character, relationships, and integration into the community. 

The letter of support focuses more on the applicant’s personal qualities, moral character, and the importance of their presence for family or community reasons. It’s more about showing the emotional and social side of why the applicant should be allowed to stay.

How to effectively write a letter of recommendation for immigration

When writing an immigration letter of recommendation, it’s important to include key details that will make the letter compelling and effective. Here’s what you should include:

Introduction

Start by explaining who you are, how you know the applicant, and the nature of your relationship.

• Relationship: Clearly state how you know the applicant (e.g., “I am their employer”).
• Your Credentials : Briefly mention your own background or position to establish your credibility. This could include your job title, years of experience, or any relevant qualifications.
• Citizenship Status : Include your citizenship or residency status.

Statement of Support

This is the main part of your immigration letter of recommendation. You’ll need to clearly express your support for the applicant and outline why they deserve the immigration benefit. Focus on their character, work ethic, and contributions to the community.

• Support: Start with a strong statement of support (e.g., “I wholeheartedly support [Applicant’s Name]’s application for a green card.”).
• Reason for Support: Explain the various reasons why you believe the applicant deserves the benefit, speaking towards their qualifications, achievements, positive qualities, and moral character.

Evidence and Examples

Provide concrete examples that illustrate the applicant’s qualities and contributions. These examples should highlight why the applicant is a valuable member of their community or workplace.

• Examples: Share specific examples or anecdotes that demonstrate the applicant’s character.
• Supporting Documents: If possible, include any documents or evidence that support your claims.

Wrap up the immigration letter of recommendation by summarizing the main points of your recommendation and reiterate your support for the applicant. You can also offer to provide additional information if needed.

• Summary: Give a brief summary of the key points you made and include a final statement of support.
• Offer Further Assistance: Close by offering to provide any additional information or clarification if needed, as well as your contact information.

Finalize and Sign

Before sending off your immigration letter of recommendation, make sure to proofread and ensure it’s professional.

• Letterhead: Use a professional letterhead.
• Signature: Sign and date the letter to authenticate it. This simple step adds a personal touch and confirms your commitment to the support you’re offering.

Sample letter of recommendation for immigration

Check out the sample immigration letter of recommendation PDF below for a detailed example that can guide you in writing your own letter. This example walks you through each step, from introducing yourself and outlining your support to offering concrete examples and concluding the letter with impact.

Tips for writing a letter of recommendation for immigration

Letter of recommendation of immigration for a family member

When writing a letter of recommendation for a family member’s immigration application, focus on highlighting your personal relationship and the positive attributes of the family member. Share specific examples of their character, contributions, and how they’ve positively impacted your life or the community. This letter should emphasize the genuine nature of your relationship and their suitability for the immigration status they’re applying for.

Letter of recommendation of immigration for a friend or relative

For a friend or relative, your letter should showcase their character, achievements, and contributions in a personal and supportive way. Describe your relationship with them, provide specific examples of their strengths and accomplishments, and explain why they are deserving of the immigration benefit they are seeking. Your letter should offer a heartfelt endorsement that underscores their value and potential.

Letter of recommendation of immigration for a worker

When writing a letter of recommendation for a worker’s immigration application, highlight their professional skills, accomplishments, and contributions to the workplace. Detail specific examples of their achievements and impact on the company or industry. Your letter should convey why they are an asset to their field and why granting them the immigration benefit would be beneficial to the employer and the broader community.

Frequently asked questions

Who should write the immigration letter of recommendation.

The letter of recommendation should be written by someone who knows you well and can speak to your skills, achievements, and character. This could be a boss, colleague, professor, or even a community leader, depending on what the letter is for. The key is that the writer should have a clear understanding of your qualifications and how they relate to the immigration process.

How long should a letter of recommendation for immigration be?

A good letter of recommendation for immigration typically ranges from 1 to 2 pages. It should be long enough to cover your key strengths and experiences but concise enough to stay focused and engaging. Aim for a length that provides a thorough yet straightforward endorsement without unnecessary details.

Can an immigration letter of recommendation be used for multiple immigration applications?

Yes, a letter of recommendation can be used for multiple applications if it’s relevant to each case. However, it’s often a good idea to tailor the letter to address the specific criteria or focus of each application to make it as impactful as possible.

How recent does the immigration letter of recommendation need to be?

The letter should be recent enough to accurately reflect your current status and qualifications. Ideally, it should be dated within the last 6 to 12 months to ensure it provides a current and relevant endorsement.

How should the letter of recommendation for immigration be submitted?

The method of submission depends on the requirements of your immigration application. Generally, you’ll need to include the letter with your application materials, whether electronically or as a physical document. Check the specific instructions for your application to ensure you’re submitting it in the correct format.

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Letter of Recommendation on Common APP? Answered

Hi, I am extremely confused on how letters of recommendations work on common app. I have asked two different counselors in my school and they each told me something different. On Common App under "My Colleges", when you click an individual school it will ask to invite recommenders. Will that letter be for all the schools on my common app account or will it just be for that Individual school? Also what does "would you like your teacher to complete an evaluation for you" mean?

So far, what I've noticed is my letters of rec have appeared for 2 of the colleges I'm applying to but not the other 3 on the common app... I will come back to this question soon.

Earn karma by helping others:

Teacher evaluation - what is better known as a standard letter of recommendation from your teacher that talks about how you are as a student (academic abilities, attitude in class, etc.). These do not need to be specifically written for each school you're applying to, rather your teacher can use the same one for every school you ask them to recommend you for. When you invite your teacher, Common App will send them a link to upload their letter of recommendation into Common App.

Ultimately, your counselors or teachers will submit the exactl same letter/report for every school you apply to. Once your recommender submits your recommendation into the Common App system, it's sent to all the colleges you've added to your "My Colleges". When I invited my counselor for one school, it automatically assigned them to the other schools in the "My College" section. The best policy is to double check if your recommenders are assigned for each individual school, as you can manually add them if necessary.

"Important note: The Common App for recommenders is a one-and-done process. That means that once you submit a form, it’s sent to all the colleges you’re assigned to. That’s why it’s important not to customize your forms for a specific institution. "

This ^ quote is from a Common App article about how they advise counselors and teachers to write and submit their letters (this quote is from the "Submit Forms" sections towards the bottom of the page)

Here's the link: https://www.commonapp.org/counselors-and-recommenders/recommender-guide

Hope this helps! Let me know if you need more clarification.

Thank you so much for the explanation. Just so I am clear: if I invite one teacher to write a letter of recommendation it will show up as a recommendation for the all schools on my common app account?

@sdjuric it will not be locked in but wIll be available as an option to submit for all schools. I believe there is a check box that confirms you want to sub that rec letter. Hope this helps.

From my experience - counselors are added to your schools automatically (at least for the ones where a counselor report is mandatory), you have to manually add teachers for each individual school (you only have to input their contact info into Common App for your first school, then you just have to click their name on subsequent schools). Again, I'd recommend double checking all your colleges to make sure you have added the required recommenders!

My school uses Naviance and I'm having an issue where Naviance says my LOR was submitted to all colleges, but the common app only says that 2 of the 5 colleges on there have gotten it.

thank you!!

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