As an educator, it is often challenging when faced with writing a recommendation letter for a not so good student. While we want to support and encourage their future endeavors, we also have an obligation to be honest and forthright about their academic performance. In this article, we will provide tips and examples for crafting a recommendation letter for a not so good student.
Tips for Writing a Recommendation Letter for a Not So Good Student
When writing a recommendation letter for a not so good student, consider the following tips:
1. Highlight strengths
Start the letter by highlighting the student’s strengths. While their academic performance may not have been exceptional, they may have other qualities such as leadership skills, creativity, or perseverance that could be highlighted.
2. Be honest
While it is important to highlight the student’s strengths, it is also important to be honest about their academic performance. Avoid making false statements or exaggerating their achievements.
3. Use specific examples
Use specific examples to support your statements about the student. This will make the letter more credible and provide evidence of their strengths.
4. Edit and revise
Ensure that the letter is well-written, edited, and revised. This will show that you took the time and effort to craft a thoughtful and well-written letter.
5. Offer to meet with the student
Offer to meet with the student to discuss the letter and offer any additional support or advice. This will show that you are invested in their future success.
Examples of Recommendation Letters for a Not So Good Student
Example 1: Lack of Motivation
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Tom for admission to your university. While Tom’s academic performance may not have been exceptional, he has demonstrated a great deal of creativity and resourcefulness in his extracurricular activities. For example, he organized a charity event that raised over $10,000 for a local non-profit organization.
While Tom may have lacked motivation at times, he has shown that he is capable of achieving great things when he puts his mind to it. I believe that he has the potential to excel at your university and would benefit greatly from the opportunities that your institution provides.
Sincerely,
Professor Smith
Example 2: Poor Test Scores
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Jane for admission to your university. While Jane’s test scores may not have been exceptional, she has shown a great deal of dedication and commitment to her studies. For example, she consistently attended after-school tutoring sessions and participated in study groups with her peers.
Jane is also a talented artist and has won several awards for her work. I believe that her creativity and passion for the arts will serve her well in your university’s art program. I am confident that she will be a valuable addition to your institution and will make the most of the opportunities that your university provides.
Best regards,
Professor Johnson
Example 3: Lack of Focus
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Mike for admission to your university. While Mike may have struggled with focus and concentration in the past, he has shown a great deal of growth and improvement in recent months. He has taken the initiative to seek out additional resources and support, such as meeting with a tutor and developing a study schedule.
Mike is also a talented athlete and has been a valuable member of our school’s football team. He has shown leadership skills both on and off the field, and I believe that he would be a great asset to your university’s sports program. I am confident that he has the potential to thrive at your institution and make a positive impact in the future.
Sincerely,
Coach Williams
Example 4: Difficulty with Writing
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Emily for admission to your university. While Emily may have struggled with writing in the past, she has shown a great deal of improvement and determination in recent months. She has sought out additional help and support, such as meeting with a writing tutor and practicing writing exercises on her own.
Emily is also a talented musician and has won several awards for her piano performances. I believe that her creativity and dedication will serve her well in your university’s music program. I am confident that she will make the most of the opportunities that your institution provides and will be a valuable addition to your community.
Best regards,
Ms. Lee
Example 5: Lack of Participation
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Jack for admission to your university. While Jack may have struggled with participation in class, he has shown a great deal of curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. He has taken the initiative to seek out additional resources and support, such as participating in after-school clubs and attending workshops on his own.
Jack is also a talented programmer and has developed several apps that have gained recognition in his community. I believe that his creativity and innovation will serve him well in your university’s computer science program. I am confident that he will be a valuable addition to your institution and will make the most of the opportunities that your university provides.
Sincerely,
Mr. Kim
Example 6: Lack of Confidence
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Sarah for admission to your university. While Sarah may have struggled with confidence in the past, she has shown a great deal of determination and resilience in recent months. She has sought out additional resources and support, such as meeting with a counselor and participating in self-esteem workshops.
Sarah is also a talented photographer and has won several awards for her work. I believe that her creativity and passion will serve her well in your university’s photography program. I am confident that she will make the most of the opportunities that your institution provides and will be a valuable addition to your community.
Best regards,
Ms. Rodriguez
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write a recommendation letter for a not so good student?
Yes, it is possible to write a recommendation letter for a not so good student. However, it is important to be honest about their academic performance while also highlighting their strengths and potential.
What should I include in a recommendation letter for a not so good student?
When writing a recommendation letter for a not so good student, include specific examples of their strengths, be honest about their academic performance, and offer additional support or advice if possible.
How can I show support for a not so good student in a recommendation letter?
You can show support for a not so good student in a recommendation letter by highlighting their strengths, offering additional support or advice, and being honest about their academic performance while still emphasizing their potential.
Should I exaggerate a not so good student’s achievements in a recommendation letter?
No, it is important to be honest about a not so good student’s achievements and academic performance in a recommendation letter. Exaggerating their achievements will not benefit the student and may harm their future prospects.
Can I offer to meet with a not so good student in a recommendation letter?
Yes, offering to meet with a not so good student in a recommendation letter is a good way to show support and offer additional advice or guidance. This can help the student feel more confident and prepared for their future endeavors.
How long should a recommendation letter for a not so good student be?
A recommendation letter for a not so good student should be one to two pages long, depending on the specific requirements of the institution or program. It should be well-written, edited, and revised to ensure that it is clear, concise, and effective.
Conclusion
Writing a recommendation letter for a not so good student can be challenging, but it is important to be honest and forthright while also highlighting the student’s strengths and potential. By following the tips and examples provided in this article, you can craft a thoughtful and effective letter that supports the student’s future endeavors.