When applying to Ivy League schools, a recommendation letter can make a significant difference in the admissions decision. It is important to have a strong recommendation letter that highlights your academic achievements, leadership skills, and personal qualities. In this article, we will share tips for creating an exceptional recommendation letter and provide seven examples that you can edit as needed.
A recommendation letter is an essential component of your application to Ivy League schools. It provides admissions officers with valuable insights into your character, achievements, and potential as a student. To help you create a strong recommendation letter, we have compiled tips and examples that you can use as a guide.
Tips for Writing Recommendation Letter Ivy League
Follow these tips when writing a recommendation letter for Ivy League schools:
1. Understand the purpose of the letter.
Before you start writing, it is important to understand why you are writing the letter. The purpose of a recommendation letter is to provide a detailed account of the applicant’s academic achievements, personal qualities, and leadership skills.
2. Use specific examples.
Provide specific examples of the applicant’s achievements and qualities. This will help admissions officers get a better sense of the applicant’s strengths and potential as a student.
3. Highlight leadership skills.
In addition to academic achievements, Ivy League schools also value leadership skills. Be sure to highlight any leadership positions the applicant has held and provide examples of their leadership abilities.
4. Use a formal tone.
A recommendation letter should be written in a formal tone. Avoid using casual language or slang, and use proper grammar and punctuation throughout the letter.
5. Ask the applicant for information.
Ask the applicant for information about their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities. This will help you write a more detailed and accurate letter.
6. Proofread the letter.
Before submitting the letter, be sure to proofread it carefully for spelling and grammar errors. A well-written and error-free letter will make a better impression on admissions officers.
7. Be honest.
A recommendation letter should be an honest assessment of the applicant’s strengths and potential. Do not exaggerate or embellish their achievements, but also do not downplay their accomplishments.
Seven Examples of Recommendation Letter Ivy League
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend John Smith for admission to your esteemed university. As John’s AP English teacher, I had the pleasure of teaching him during his junior and senior year. John was an exceptional student in my class and consistently demonstrated a passion for literature and critical thinking.
John’s analytical skills were particularly impressive. He was able to analyze complex texts and articulate his ideas clearly and concisely. John also demonstrated strong leadership skills, serving as the editor-in-chief of our school’s literary magazine. Under his leadership, the magazine received several awards and accolades, and John was able to inspire and motivate his fellow students.
I am confident that John would be an asset to your university and would excel academically and personally. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any additional information.
Sincerely,
Ms. Jane Doe
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is my pleasure to recommend Sarah Johnson for admission to your prestigious university. I have had the pleasure of teaching Sarah for the past two years in my history class, and I can say without hesitation that she is one of the most outstanding students I have come across in my career.
Sarah has demonstrated an exceptional ability to think critically and to analyze complex historical events. She is a natural leader and has served as the president of our school’s History Club for the past two years. Under her leadership, the club has grown significantly and has organized several successful events.
I am confident that Sarah would excel in your academic program and would contribute significantly to your community. Please feel free to contact me if you require any additional information.
Best regards,
Mr. John Smith
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am honored to recommend David Lee for admission to your esteemed university. I have had the pleasure of teaching David in my physics class for the past two years, and I can confidently say that he is one of the most talented and hardworking students I have ever encountered.
David has consistently demonstrated a passion for physics and a natural talent for the subject. He has achieved outstanding results in his course work and has participated in several prestigious physics competitions, where he has consistently placed in the top percentile.
I am confident that David would excel in your physics program and would contribute to your community with his exceptional talent and hard work. Please feel free to contact me if you require any additional information.
Sincerely,
Ms. Elizabeth Smith
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Emily Brown for admission to your esteemed university. I had the pleasure of teaching Emily in my biology class during her junior year, and I was consistently impressed by her dedication and enthusiasm for the subject.
Emily not only achieved outstanding results in her coursework but also demonstrated a natural talent for biology research. She participated in several research projects and presented her findings at a regional science fair, where she received several awards and accolades.
I am confident that Emily would be an outstanding addition to your biology program and would contribute significantly to your research community. Please feel free to contact me if you require any additional information.
Best regards,
Dr. Robert Johnson
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Michael Davis for admission to your prestigious university. I have had the pleasure of working with Michael for the past two summers at a local non-profit organization, where he served as a volunteer and intern.
Michael demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and was able to inspire and motivate his fellow volunteers to achieve their goals. He was also able to develop and implement several successful fundraising campaigns, which significantly increased the organization’s funding.
I am confident that Michael would be an asset to your university and would excel academically and personally. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any additional information.
Sincerely,
Ms. Jennifer Lee
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am honored to recommend Samantha Parker for admission to your esteemed university. I have had the pleasure of working with Samantha in her capacity as the president of our school’s Student Council for the past two years.
Samantha demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and was able to inspire and motivate her fellow students to achieve their goals. She was also able to develop and implement several successful initiatives, including a school-wide recycling program and a peer tutoring program.
I am confident that Samantha would be an asset to your university and would excel academically and personally. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any additional information.
Best regards,
Dr. Richard Davis
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend William Johnson for admission to your prestigious university. I had the pleasure of working with William during his two-year tenure as the captain of our school’s soccer team.
William demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and was able to inspire and motivate his fellow team members to achieve their goals. He also achieved outstanding results on the field, consistently leading his team to victory in several regional tournaments.
I am confident that William would be an asset to your university and would contribute significantly to your sports community. Please feel free to contact me if you require any additional information.
Sincerely,
Coach Robert Smith
Frequently Asked Questions
How important is a recommendation letter in the admissions process?
A strong recommendation letter can be a significant factor in the admissions decision for Ivy League schools. Admissions officers value the insights provided by teachers, mentors, and other individuals who know the applicant well.
What should a recommendation letter include?
A recommendation letter should include an assessment of the applicant’s academic achievements, personal qualities, and leadership skills. It should also provide specific examples that illustrate the applicant’s strengths and potential as a student.
Who should write a recommendation letter?
A recommendation letter should be written by someone who knows the applicant well and can provide an honest assessment of their strengths and potential. This can include teachers, mentors, coaches, and employers.
How should I approach someone to write a recommendation letter for me?
When asking someone to write a recommendation letter for you, be sure to provide them with information about your academic achievements, personal qualities, and leadership skills. Explain why you are interested in attending an Ivy League school and why you believe you would be a good fit for their program.
How many recommendation letters should I submit?
Ivy League schools typically require two to three recommendation letters. Be sure to check the specific requirements for each school you are applying to.
How should I thank someone for writing a recommendation letter for me?
After someone has written a recommendation letter for you, be sure to thank them for their time and effort. Consider sending a handwritten note or email expressing your gratitude.
When should I submit my recommendation letters?
Recommendation letters should be submitted along with your application or shortly thereafter. Be sure to check the specific deadlines for each school you are applying to.
Conclusion
A strong recommendation letter can make a significant difference in the admissions decision for Ivy League schools. Follow the tips and examples provided in this article to create an exceptional recommendation letter that highlights your strengths and potential as a student. Be sure to ask someone who knows you well and can provide an honest assessment of your achievements, qualities, and potential.