If you are looking for a reference letter for graduate school, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, it’s important to choose someone who can speak to your academic abilities and potential. Second, you should provide your recommender with all the necessary information, including your resume and transcripts. Finally, you should give your recommender plenty of time to write the letter.
Tips for Writing a Reference Letter for Graduate School
When writing a reference letter for graduate school, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Be specific in your praise
- Provide examples of the student’s work
- Include information about the student’s character
- Mention any challenges the student has overcome
- Be honest
Examples of Reference Letters for Graduate School
Letter of Recommendation for John Doe
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to highly recommend John Doe for admission to your graduate program in computer science. John was a student in my course on algorithms and data structures, and he was one of the top performers in the class.
John impressed me with his ability to think critically and creatively about problems, and he consistently demonstrated a strong command of the material. He was also an excellent collaborator, often helping his classmates to better understand the material.
Overall, I believe that John has the intellect, drive, and passion to excel in your graduate program, and I wholeheartedly endorse his candidacy.
Sincerely,
Professor Jane Smith
Letter of Recommendation for Jane Doe
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Jane Doe for admission to your graduate program in psychology. I had the pleasure of teaching Jane in two of my courses on abnormal psychology and personality theory, and I was consistently impressed with her intellectual curiosity and her ability to engage with complex ideas.
Jane was a talented student who always brought a unique perspective to our class discussions. She was also an exceptional writer, often producing papers that were insightful, well-argued, and well-organized.
Aside from her academic abilities, Jane is a warm, compassionate, and conscientious person who is deeply committed to helping others. I am confident that she would be an asset to your program and to the field more broadly.
Best,
Professor John Smith
Letter of Recommendation for Sarah Johnson
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend Sarah Johnson for admission to your graduate program in public health. Sarah was a student in my course on epidemiology, and she was one of the most impressive students I have had the pleasure of teaching.
Throughout the semester, Sarah demonstrated a deep understanding of the material, often asking insightful questions and offering thoughtful comments during our class discussions. She also excelled in her coursework, producing papers and projects that were well-researched, well-written, and creative.
Aside from her academic abilities, Sarah is a kind and compassionate person who is deeply committed to improving public health outcomes in her community. I believe that she has the potential to become a leader in the field, and I wholeheartedly endorse her candidacy.
Best,
Professor David Lee
Letter of Recommendation for Michael Chen
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Michael Chen for admission to your graduate program in engineering. I had the pleasure of working with Michael as his supervisor during his internship at XYZ Corporation, where he worked on a team developing a new type of fuel cell.
Michael was a valuable member of our team, contributing to each stage of the project from design to testing. He was a quick learner who was able to apply his theoretical knowledge to real-world problems, and he was always eager to take on new challenges.
Aside from his technical abilities, Michael is an excellent communicator who is able to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. I believe that he has the potential to make important contributions to the field of engineering, and I wholeheartedly endorse his candidacy.
Best,
Dr. Susan Kim
Letter of Recommendation for Rachel Rodriguez
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Rachel Rodriguez for admission to your graduate program in social work. I had the pleasure of working with Rachel as a volunteer at our local community center, where she spent several hours each week tutoring children from underserved communities.
Rachel was a dedicated and compassionate volunteer who quickly developed rapport with the children she worked with. She was patient, kind, and able to explain complex concepts in a way that was accessible to her students.
Aside from her commitment to service, Rachel is a talented student who has a strong record of academic achievement. I believe that she has the potential to make significant contributions to the field of social work, and I wholeheartedly endorse her candidacy.
Best regards,
Dr. Maria Hernandez
Letter of Recommendation for David Kim
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend David Kim for admission to your graduate program in business administration. David was a student in my undergraduate course on organizational behavior, and he was one of the most impressive students I have had the pleasure of teaching.
David demonstrated a deep understanding of the material and consistently produced work that was insightful, well-written, and well-organized. He also showed a talent for leadership, often taking on the role of group facilitator and helping his classmates to work together effectively.
Aside from his academic abilities, David is a person of high character who is deeply committed to making a positive impact on the world. I believe that he has the potential to become a successful business leader, and I wholeheartedly endorse his candidacy.
Best,
Professor Emily Lee
Letter of Recommendation for Karen Lee
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to highly recommend Karen Lee for admission to your graduate program in education. Karen was a student in my course on literacy development, and she was one of the top performers in the class.
Karen impressed me with her ability to think creatively about how to support struggling readers, and she consistently demonstrated a strong command of the material. She was also an excellent collaborator, often sharing resources and strategies with her classmates.
Overall, I believe that Karen has the intellect, drive, and passion to excel in your graduate program, and I wholeheartedly endorse her candidacy.
Sincerely,
Professor Michael Kim
Frequently Asked Questions
What should be included in a reference letter for graduate school?
A reference letter for graduate school should include information about the student’s academic abilities, achievements, and potential. It should also speak to the student’s character and any challenges they have overcome. Specific examples of the student’s work or contributions can be helpful.
Who should write a reference letter for graduate school?
A reference letter for graduate school should be written by someone who knows the student well and can speak to their abilities and potential. This could include a professor, supervisor, or mentor.
How long should a reference letter for graduate school be?
A reference letter for graduate school should be one to two pages long. It should be long enough to provide a comprehensive picture of the student’s abilities and potential, but not so long that it becomes unwieldy.
Should a reference letter for graduate school focus on academics or personal qualities?
A reference letter for graduate school should focus on both the student’s academic abilities and their personal qualities. It should provide a comprehensive picture of the student as a whole person.
What should be included in the introduction of a reference letter for graduate school?
The introduction of a reference letter for graduate school should include the name of the student, the name of the program they are applying to, and the name of the recommender. It should also provide some context for the letter, such as how the recommender knows the student and for how long.
How should a reference letter for graduate school be formatted?
A reference letter for graduate school should be formatted as a business letter, with a formal greeting and complimentary close. It should be single-spaced with double spacing between paragraphs. The recommender’s contact information, including their name and title, should be included at the end of the letter.
Conclusion
Writing a reference letter for graduate school can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By following these tips and examples, you can create a letter that provides a comprehensive picture of the student’s abilities and potential, and helps them achieve their goals.