If you are applying to the University of Texas at Austin, you may be asked to provide a recommendation letter as part of your application. A recommendation letter can be a valuable asset in the admissions process, as it provides insight into your character, abilities and achievements from someone who knows you well. Here are some tips on writing a great recommendation letter for UT Austin, along with several examples to help you get started.
Tips for Writing a Recommendation Letter for UT Austin
Before you start writing your recommendation letter, it’s important to understand what the admissions committee is looking for. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Choose your recommender carefully
The best recommendation letters come from people who know you well and can speak to your accomplishments, character and potential. Choose a recommender who has had significant interactions with you and can provide specific examples of your strengths.
2. Focus on specific achievements
A strong recommendation letter provides specific examples of the applicant’s achievements and qualities. Provide as much detail as possible, including dates, descriptions and outcomes.
3. Be honest and authentic
Admissions committees can tell when a recommendation letter is insincere or overly positive. Be honest about the applicant’s strengths and weaknesses, and provide a balanced picture of their character and abilities.
4. Provide context
When writing a recommendation letter, it’s helpful to provide some context for the admissions committee. Explain your relationship to the applicant and provide some background on their accomplishments, challenges and goals.
5. Edit and proofread carefully
Finally, be sure to edit and proofread your recommendation letter carefully. Check for typos, grammatical errors and formatting issues, and make sure that the letter is well-organized and easy to read.
Examples of Recommendation Letters for UT Austin
Example 1: Recommendation for a High School Student
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Jane Doe for admission to UT Austin. I had the pleasure of teaching Jane in my AP Physics class during her junior year of high school, and I was consistently impressed by her dedication, intelligence and leadership.
Jane was one of the top students in my class and consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of complex physics concepts. She was also a natural leader, frequently helping her classmates with difficult problems and collaborating on group assignments.
I am confident that Jane would be an asset to the UT Austin community, and I wholeheartedly recommend her for admission.
Sincerely,
Mr. Smith
Example 2: Recommendation for a Transfer Student
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend John Smith for admission to UT Austin as a transfer student. I had the pleasure of working with John at XYZ Corporation for the past two years, and I have been consistently impressed by his intelligence, work ethic and leadership abilities.
During his time at XYZ Corporation, John has worked on a number of high-profile projects and consistently demonstrated his ability to work independently and collaboratively to achieve outstanding results. He is a natural problem-solver with a keen attention to detail, and he always goes above and beyond to ensure that his work is of the highest quality.
I am confident that John would make an excellent addition to the UT Austin community, and I strongly recommend him for admission.
Best regards,
Jane Doe
Example 3: Recommendation for an International Student
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Maria Rodriguez for admission to UT Austin as an international student. I had the pleasure of working with Maria during her internship at our organization, and I was consistently impressed by her professionalism, intelligence and dedication.
Maria was a quick learner and adapted easily to our fast-paced environment. She was able to communicate effectively with coworkers and clients alike, and she consistently demonstrated excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
I am confident that Maria would thrive at UT Austin, and I highly recommend her for admission.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Example 4: Recommendation for a Graduate Student
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Michael Johnson for admission to the UT Austin graduate program in Computer Science. I had the pleasure of working with Michael on a software development project last year, and I was consistently impressed by his technical abilities, leadership skills and creativity.
Michael was a key player on our team, and he was responsible for some of the most complex and innovative aspects of the project. He was always willing to help his teammates and went above and beyond to ensure that the project was completed on time and to the highest standards.
I am confident that Michael would be an excellent addition to the UT Austin graduate program, and I wholeheartedly recommend him for admission.
Best regards,
Jane Doe
Example 5: Recommendation for a Student Athlete
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Sarah Lee for admission to UT Austin. I had the pleasure of coaching Sarah on the track and field team at her high school, and I was consistently impressed by her athleticism, determination and leadership.
Sarah was one of the top performers on our team and consistently placed in regional and state competitions. She was also a natural leader, frequently helping her teammates with technique and motivation, and was known for her positive attitude and strong work ethic.
I am confident that Sarah would excel both academically and athletically at UT Austin, and I wholeheartedly recommend her for admission.
Sincerely,
Coach Johnson
Example 6: Recommendation for a Student with Disabilities
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend David Kim for admission to UT Austin. I had the pleasure of working with David during his internship at our organization, and I was consistently impressed by his intelligence, creativity and perseverance.
David has a physical disability that affects his mobility, but he never let that hold him back from achieving his goals. He was able to adapt to our office environment and worked efficiently and effectively to complete his assignments. He consistently demonstrated excellent problem-solving skills and a positive attitude, even in the face of adversity.
I am confident that David would be an excellent addition to the UT Austin community, and I wholeheartedly recommend him for admission.
Best regards,
Jane Doe
Example 7: Recommendation for a Student with a Non-Traditional Background
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Mary Williams for admission to UT Austin. I had the pleasure of working with Mary on a community service project last year, and I was consistently impressed by her dedication, leadership and creativity.
Mary is a single mother who has worked hard to provide for her children and pursue her education. Despite the challenges she faced, she was always willing to help her teammates and went above and beyond to ensure that the project was a success. She consistently demonstrated excellent problem-solving skills and a positive attitude, and she is an inspiration to all who know her.
I am confident that Mary would be an excellent addition to the UT Austin community, and I wholeheartedly recommend her for admission.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a recommendation letter for UT Austin?
A strong recommendation letter for UT Austin should include specific examples of the applicant’s achievements, strengths and character. It’s also important to provide context for the admissions committee and to be honest and authentic in your assessment.
Who should I ask to write my recommendation letter for UT Austin?
You should choose a recommender who knows you well and can provide specific examples of your accomplishments and character. This may include a teacher, employer, coach or mentor.
Can I provide my recommender with a template or guidelines for my recommendation letter?
Yes, it’s perfectly acceptable to provide your recommender with a template or guidelines to follow when writing your recommendation letter. However, be sure to give them plenty of time to write the letter and provide them with any necessary information or context.
Should I include my recommendation letter with my UT Austin application or have it sent separately?
It depends on the application requirements. Some applications will require you to upload your recommendation letters directly, while others may require your recommender to send the letter separately. Be sure to check the application requirements carefully and follow the instructions provided.
How important is a recommendation letter in the UT Austin admissions process?
A recommendation letter can be an important part of your UT Austin application, as it provides insight into your character, abilities and achievements from someone who knows you well. However, it is just one part of the admissions process, and your application will be evaluated on a variety of factors.
Can I submit more than one recommendation letter for UT Austin?
It depends on the application requirements. Some applications will allow you to submit multiple recommendation letters, while others may only require one. Be sure to check the application requirements carefully and follow the instructions provided.
Conclusion
A strong recommendation letter can be a valuable asset in your UT Austin application. By choosing the right recommender and providing specific examples of your achievements and character, you can help the admissions committee see the best in you. Be sure to follow the tips and examples provided here, and good luck with your application!