When students apply for admission to colleges and universities or for scholarships, they often need to provide character references. A character reference is a letter that provides information about an individual’s character and qualities, as observed by someone who knows them well.
In this article, we will provide seven character reference examples for students, along with helpful tips for writing one. You can find examples and edit them as needed to suit the student’s situation.
Example 1: Scholarship Application
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am happy to provide a character reference for [student name], who is applying for the [scholarship name]. I have known [student name] for [number of years], and I can attest to [his/her] strong work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and leadership abilities.
[Student name] is an exceptional student who has always been dedicated to [his/her] studies. [He/She] has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of complex concepts and has the ability to apply that understanding to real-world problems. Moreover, [he/she] has always been willing to help others and has taken on leadership roles in various extracurricular activities.
I strongly recommend [student name] for the [scholarship name]. [He/She] is an outstanding individual who has the potential to make significant contributions to [his/her] chosen field.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Example 2: College Admission
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing this letter in support of [student name]’s application for admission to [college/university name]. I have known [student name] for [number of years] and have had the pleasure of watching [him/her] grow into an exceptional individual with many admirable qualities.
[Student name] is a person of high integrity with a strong sense of responsibility. [He/She] has always been committed to [his/her] studies, and [his/her] academic achievements are a testament to [his/her] hard work and dedication. [He/She] has also been actively involved in various extracurricular activities, where [he/she] has demonstrated leadership skills and a willingness to help others.
I am confident that [student name] will excel in [his/her] chosen field of study and will be an asset to your institution. I highly recommend [him/her] for admission to [college/university name].
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Example 3: Internship Application
Dear [Hiring Manager’s name],
I am writing to recommend [student name] for the [internship position name] at your organization. I have known [student name] for [number of years] and have been consistently impressed by [his/her] academic achievements, professionalism, and work ethic.
[Student name] is an excellent student who has demonstrated a high level of intellectual curiosity and a deep understanding of [his/her] field of study. [He/She] has also gained practical experience through [previous work/internship experience], where [he/she] has shown a keen interest in learning new things and taking on new challenges.
I believe that [student name] would be an excellent addition to your team. [He/She] has the ability to work independently, as well as in a team environment, and is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that tasks are completed to the highest standards.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Example 4: Study Abroad Program
Dear Study Abroad Program Director,
I am pleased to write a character reference for [student name], who is applying for the [study abroad program name]. I have known [student name] for [number of years] and can attest to [his/her] academic achievements, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability.
[Student name] is a highly motivated student who has always shown a keen interest in learning about different cultures and languages. [He/She] has taken multiple language courses, and [his/her] language proficiency is impressive. [He/She] has also demonstrated a deep understanding of cultural differences and has always been respectful of other cultures.
I strongly recommend [student name] for the [study abroad program name]. [He/She] is an exceptional individual who will represent your program with distinction and will undoubtedly gain valuable skills and experiences that will benefit [him/her] in [his/her] future career.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Example 5: Job Application
Dear [Hiring Manager’s name],
I am writing to recommend [student name] for the [job position name]. I have had the pleasure of working with [him/her] for [number of months/years] and have found [him/her] to be a highly competent, reliable, and dedicated individual.
[Student name] has always demonstrated a strong work ethic and has consistently exceeded expectations. [He/She] has excellent problem-solving skills and is able to work well under pressure. [He/She] is also a great team player who is always willing to help others.
I believe that [student name] would be an excellent fit for your organization. [He/She] is a highly motivated individual who is eager to learn new skills and take on new challenges. I highly recommend [him/her] for the [job position name].
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Example 6: Volunteer Program
Dear Volunteer Program Coordinator,
I am writing this letter to recommend [student name] for the [volunteer program name]. I have had the privilege of knowing [student name] for [number of years] and have witnessed [his/her] dedication to helping others firsthand.
[Student name] is a highly motivated individual who has always been interested in giving back to the community. [He/She] has volunteered at [previous volunteer experience] and has demonstrated a strong commitment to helping those in need. [He/She] is empathetic, compassionate, and always willing to lend a helping hand.
I believe that [student name] would be an excellent addition to your program. [He/She] has the ability to connect with people from all walks of life and is passionate about making a positive impact in the world. I highly recommend [him/her] for the [volunteer program name].
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Helpful Tips for Writing a Character Reference for Students
When writing a character reference letter for a student, keep the following tips in mind:
- Be specific about the student’s qualities and achievements.
- Mention how long you have known the student and in what capacity.
- Provide examples of the student’s strengths and accomplishments.
- Avoid vague or general statements; instead, use concrete examples to support your claims.
- Focus on the student’s character, work ethic, and potential for success.
- Use a formal tone and format, with proper salutations and closings.
- Proofread your letter for grammar and spelling errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who can write a character reference for a student?
A: Anyone who knows the student well can write a character reference, including teachers, coaches, mentors, employers, and community leaders.
Q: What should be included in a character reference letter for a student?
A: A character reference letter should provide information about the student’s character, work ethic, and achievements, as observed by someone who knows them well. It should also include specific examples that support your claims.
Q: How long should a character reference letter be?
A: A character reference letter should be concise and to the point, typically no more than one page or 40-50 sentences.
Q: What is the purpose of a character reference letter for a student?
A: The purpose of a character reference letter is to provide information about the student’s character and qualities, as observed by someone who knows them well. It is often used to support a student’s application for admission to colleges or universities, scholarships, internships, or jobs.
Q: Can a family member write a character reference letter for a student?
A: While a family member can provide a character reference for a student, it is generally better to have someone outside the family write it, as they can provide a more objective perspective.
Q: How should a character reference letter for a student be formatted?
A: A character reference letter should be formatted like a professional business letter, with proper salutations, introductions, body paragraphs, and closings. It should also include your contact information and signature.
Conclusion
Writing a character reference letter for a student can be a rewarding experience that allows you to reflect on the qualities that make them unique and special. By following the tips and examples provided in this article, you can create a persuasive and effective letter that helps the student achieve their goals and aspirations.