When it comes to writing a character reference for a student, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. Fortunately, there are plenty of examples available to help guide you through the process. In this article, we will provide you with seven examples of character references for students, along with tips on how to write one.
If you have been asked to provide a character reference for a student, it means that someone trusts your opinion and believes that you can speak to the student’s character, work ethic, and overall abilities. Writing a character reference can be challenging, especially if you have never done so before. However, it is an important task that can help a student achieve their goals. In this article, we will provide you with examples of character references for students to help you get started.
A character reference is a letter from someone who knows the student and can vouch for their character and abilities. It is typically used in academic or professional settings, such as when a student is applying for a scholarship or a job. A character reference should highlight the student’s positive traits, such as their work ethic, responsibility, and ability to work well with others. It should also mention specific examples of the student’s achievements or accomplishments.
Keep in mind that a character reference is different from a letter of recommendation. A recommendation letter typically comes from someone who has worked closely with the student, such as a teacher or employer, and can speak to their academic or professional abilities. A character reference, on the other hand, can come from anyone who knows the student well and can vouch for their character.
When writing a character reference for a student, it is important to be honest and specific. Avoid exaggerating the student’s abilities, as this can come across as insincere. Instead, focus on providing concrete examples of the student’s positive attributes.
It’s also a good idea to ask the student for any specific requirements or guidelines for the character reference. This can include things like the length of the letter, the format, and any specific questions that need to be addressed.
Examples
Character Reference for Scholarship Application
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Student Name] for the [Name of Scholarship] scholarship. I have known [Student Name] for [Number of Years] years and can attest to their outstanding character and work ethic.
[Greeting], [Student Name] has always demonstrated a strong commitment to their studies, consistently earning high grades and actively participating in class discussions. They are a natural leader and have a talent for motivating their peers to do their best.
[Student Name] is also deeply involved in [Name of Club or Activity], where they have served as [Position] for the past [Number of Years]. In this capacity, they have shown exceptional organizational skills and a commitment to service, regularly volunteering their time to help others in the community.
I am confident that [Student Name] would make an excellent recipient of the [Name of Scholarship] scholarship. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for Job Application
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Student Name] for the [Name of Position] position at your company. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Student Name] for [Number of Years] years and can attest to their strong character and work ethic.
[Greeting], [Student Name] is an exceptional individual who consistently goes above and beyond what is expected of them. They are a natural problem-solver and have a talent for finding creative solutions to complex challenges. [He/She] is also an excellent communicator, able to work effectively with people from all walks of life.
I had the pleasure of working with [Student Name] on a project last year, where [he/she] demonstrated exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work. [He/She] is also extremely organized and always meets deadlines.
I highly recommend [Student Name] for the [Name of Position] position. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for College Admission
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Student Name] for admission to your [Name of College or University] program. I have known [Student Name] for [Number of Years] years and can attest to their exceptional character and academic abilities.
[Greeting], [Student Name] is a natural leader who has demonstrated a strong commitment to their education. They consistently earn high grades and are always willing to go the extra mile to help their peers. [He/She] is a talented writer and has a passion for [Name of Field], which [he/she] hopes to pursue as a career.
[Student Name] is also deeply involved in [Name of Club or Activity], where [he/she] has served as [Position] for the past [Number of Years]. In this capacity, [he/she] has shown exceptional organizational skills and a commitment to service, regularly volunteering [his/her] time to help others in the community.
I highly recommend [Student Name] for admission to the [Name of College or University] program. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for Internship Application
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend [Student Name] for the [Name of Internship] position at your company. I have had the pleasure of working with [Student Name] for [Number of Months] months and can attest to [his/her] exceptional character and work ethic.
[Greeting], [Student Name] is an outstanding individual who consistently produces high-quality work. [He/She] is a quick learner and always eager to take on new challenges. [He/She] is also an excellent communicator and works effectively with people from all walks of life.
I had the pleasure of working with [Student Name] on a project last month, where [he/she] demonstrated exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work. [He/She] is also extremely organized and always meets deadlines.
I highly recommend [Student Name] for the [Name of Internship] position. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for Volunteer Work
Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
I am writing to recommend [Student Name] for volunteer work with your organization. I have had the pleasure of working with [Student Name] on several occasions and can attest to [his/her] exceptional character and work ethic.
[Greeting], [Student Name] is a dedicated individual who is always willing to lend a helping hand. [He/She] is an excellent communicator and works effectively with people from all walks of life. [He/She] is also extremely organized and always follows through on commitments.
I had the pleasure of working with [Student Name] on a project last year, where [he/she] demonstrated exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work. [He/She] is also deeply committed to service and regularly volunteers [his/her] time to help others in the community.
I highly recommend [Student Name] for volunteer work with your organization. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Reference for Graduate School Application
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Student Name] for admission to your [Name of Graduate Program] program. I have known [Student Name] for [Number of Years] years and can attest to their exceptional character and academic abilities.
[Greeting], [Student Name] is an outstanding individual who consistently produces high-quality work. [He/She] is a natural leader and has a talent for motivating their peers. [He/She] also has a passion for [Name of Field] and has demonstrated a strong commitment to their studies.
[Student Name] is also deeply involved in [Name of Club or Activity], where [he/she] has served as [Position] for the past [Number of Years]. In this capacity, [he/she] has shown exceptional organizational skills and a commitment to service, regularly volunteering [his/her] time to help others in the community.
I highly recommend [Student Name] for admission to the [Name of Graduate Program] program. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Tips for Writing a Character Reference for a Student
Provide Specific Examples
When writing a character reference for a student, it’s important to provide specific examples of their positive traits and accomplishments. This can include things like their grades, leadership roles, volunteer work, or other achievements.
Be Honest
It’s important to be honest when writing a character reference. Avoid exaggerating the student’s abilities or accomplishments, as this can come across as insincere. Instead, focus on providing an accurate portrayal of the student’s character and work ethic.
Avoid Bias
When writing a character reference, it’s important to avoid bias. This means that you should not let personal feelings or relationships cloud your judgment. Instead, focus on providing an objective assessment of the student’s character and abilities.
Follow Guidelines
If you have been given specific guidelines or requirements for the character reference, be sure to follow them closely. This can include things like the length of the letter, the format, and any specific questions that need to be addressed.
Proofread Carefully
Before submitting the character reference, be sure to proofread it carefully. Check for spelling or grammar errors, and make sure that the letter flows smoothly and makes sense.
Offer to Answer Questions
If the recipient of the character reference has any questions or concerns, offer to answer them to the best of your ability. This can help to ensure that the student’s application is viewed in the best possible light.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a character reference for a student?
A character reference for a student should include specific examples of the student’s positive traits and accomplishments, as well as an overall assessment of their character and work ethic. It should also be written in a professional tone and avoid exaggeration or bias.
Who can write a character reference for a student?
A character reference for a student can be written by anyone who knows the student well and can vouch for their character and abilities. This can include teachers, employers, coaches, or other individuals who have worked closely with the student.
How long should a character reference for a student be?
A character reference for a student should be long enough to provide a thorough assessment of the student’s character and abilities, but not so long that it becomes tedious to read. Generally, a character reference for a student should be around 40 to 50 sentences in length.
What should I avoid when writing a character reference for a student?
When writing a character reference for a student, it’s important to avoid exaggeration, bias, or insincerity. Avoid making sweeping generalizations or making claims that cannot be backed up with specific examples or evidence.
Can I edit a character reference example to fit my needs?
Yes, you can edit a character reference example to fit your needs. However, it’s important to ensure that the final product is still an accurate and honest portrayal of the student’s character and abilities.
What should I do if I don’t feel comfortable writing a character reference for a student?
If you don’t feel comfortable writing a character reference for a student, it’s important to be honest and let them know. It’s better to decline the request than to provide a letter that is insincere or inaccurate.
Conclusion
Writing a character reference for a student can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance and examples, it’s a task that can be completed with confidence. By following the tips outlined in this article and using the examples provided, you can help a student achieve their goals and make a positive impact in their academic or professional journey.