If you are applying for a university program, you may need to provide a referee statement. This statement should be written by someone who knows you well and can attest to your qualifications and character. In this article, we will provide tips and examples for writing a strong referee statement for university applications.
Tips for Writing a Referee Statement
When writing a referee statement for a university application, keep the following tips in mind:
1. Be Specific
Provide specific examples to illustrate your points. For example, if you are describing the applicant’s leadership skills, give an example of a project they led successfully.
2. Be Positive
Focus on the applicant’s strengths and accomplishments. Avoid negative or critical comments.
3. Highlight Relevant Qualifications
Make sure to emphasize the applicant’s qualifications and achievements that are relevant to the program they are applying for.
4. Keep it Concise
A referee statement should be no longer than one page. Keep your comments concise and to the point.
5. Edit and Proofread
Make sure to edit and proofread your statement carefully. Check for grammar and spelling errors, and make sure your comments are clear and easy to understand.
For more guidance on writing a referee statement, you can find examples online and edit them to suit your needs.
Examples of Referee Statements for University Applications
Referee Statement for Leadership Program
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to endorse [Applicant Name] for the Leadership Program at [University Name]. In my role as [Your Position], I have had the pleasure of working closely with [Applicant Name] on several projects. I can confidently say that [Applicant Name] has excellent leadership skills and is dedicated to achieving their goals.
For example, [give an example of a project the applicant led successfully]. This demonstrates [Applicant Name]’s ability to [describe their leadership skills].
I believe [Applicant Name] would be an excellent fit for the Leadership Program at [University Name]. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Referee Statement for Medical School
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to endorse [Applicant Name] for admission to [Medical School Name]. As [Your Position], I have had the pleasure of working with [Applicant Name] in a clinical setting, and I can attest to their excellent clinical skills and compassionate demeanor.
For example, [give an example of a patient interaction that demonstrates the applicant’s clinical skills and compassion]. This demonstrates [describe how the applicant’s skills and demeanor benefit patients].
I believe [Applicant Name] would make an excellent addition to [Medical School Name]’s program, and I give them my highest recommendation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Referee Statement for Law School
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to endorse [Applicant Name] for admission to [Law School Name]. In my role as [Your Position], I have had the pleasure of working with [Applicant Name] on several legal cases, and I can attest to their excellent analytical and communication skills.
For example, [give an example of a legal case the applicant worked on and describe their contribution to the case]. This demonstrates [describe how the applicant’s skills and contribution benefit legal cases].
I believe [Applicant Name] would make an excellent addition to [Law School Name]’s program, and I give them my highest recommendation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Referee Statement for MBA Program
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to endorse [Applicant Name] for admission to [MBA Program Name]. In my role as [Your Position], I have had the pleasure of working with [Applicant Name] on several business projects. I can confidently say that [Applicant Name] is an exceptional business professional with excellent analytical and leadership skills.
For example, [give an example of a business project the applicant worked on and describe their contribution to the project]. This demonstrates [describe how the applicant’s skills and contribution benefit business projects].
I believe [Applicant Name] would make an excellent addition to [MBA Program Name]’s program, and I give them my highest recommendation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Referee Statement for Computer Science Program
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to endorse [Applicant Name] for admission to [Computer Science Program Name]. In my role as [Your Position], I have had the pleasure of working with [Applicant Name] on several programming projects. I can confidently say that [Applicant Name] is an exceptional programmer with excellent problem-solving skills.
For example, [give an example of a programming project the applicant worked on and describe their contribution to the project]. This demonstrates [describe how the applicant’s skills and contribution benefit programming projects].
I believe [Applicant Name] would make an excellent addition to [Computer Science Program Name]’s program, and I give them my highest recommendation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Referee Statement for Teaching Program
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to endorse [Applicant Name] for admission to [Teaching Program Name]. In my role as [Your Position], I have had the pleasure of working with [Applicant Name] as a teacher’s assistant. I can confidently say that [Applicant Name] has excellent communication skills and is dedicated to helping students learn.
For example, [give an example of a lesson you observed the applicant teach and describe their teaching style and effectiveness]. This demonstrates [describe how the applicant’s teaching style benefits students].
I believe [Applicant Name] would make an excellent addition to [Teaching Program Name]’s program, and I give them my highest recommendation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Referee Statement for Graduate Program in Psychology
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to endorse [Applicant Name] for admission to the Graduate Program in Psychology at [University Name]. In my role as [Your Position], I have had the pleasure of working with [Applicant Name] on several research projects. I can confidently say that [Applicant Name] is an exceptional researcher with excellent analytical and interpersonal skills.
For example, [give an example of a research project the applicant worked on and describe their contribution to the project]. This demonstrates [describe how the applicant’s skills and contribution benefit research projects].
I believe [Applicant Name] would make an excellent addition to the Graduate Program in Psychology at [University Name], and I give them my highest recommendation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a referee statement?
A referee statement is a letter written by someone who knows you well and can attest to your qualifications and character. Referee statements are often required as part of university applications.
Who should write my referee statement?
Your referee statement should be written by someone who knows you well and can provide specific examples of your qualifications and character. This could be a former employer, supervisor, professor, or mentor.
What should be included in a referee statement?
A referee statement should include specific examples of the applicant’s qualifications and character, and should be no longer than one page.
How important is a referee statement in the university application process?
A strong referee statement can be an important factor in the university application process. Admissions committees often look for endorsements from people who know the applicant well and can attest to their qualifications and character.
When should I ask for a referee statement?
You should ask for a referee statement well in advance of any application deadlines, to give your referee plenty of time to write and submit the statement.
What should I do if my referee is unable to provide a statement?
If your chosen referee is unable to provide a statement, try reaching out to someone else who knows you well and can provide a strong endorsement.
Conclusion
A strong referee statement can be an important factor in the university application process. When writing a referee statement, be specific, positive, and emphasize the applicant’s relevant qualifications and accomplishments. Use the tips and examples in this article to create a powerful referee statement that will help the applicant stand out to admissions committees.