If you are asked to write a recommendation letter for someone applying to graduate school, it can seem like a daunting task. However, with some proper guidance and tips, you can write a strong letter that highlights the candidate’s strengths and sets them apart from other applicants.
When writing a recommendation letter for graduate school, it is important to keep it concise and to the point. In this article, we will provide tips on how to write an effective letter that stands out.
Tips for Writing a Recommendation Letter for Graduate School
Here are a few key tips to keep in mind when writing a recommendation letter for graduate school:
1. Start with a title
Before diving into the letter, start with a title that clearly states your purpose. For example, “Recommendation Letter for [Candidate’s Name]’s Graduate School Application.”
2. Explain your relationship with the candidate
In the first paragraph, explain your relationship with the candidate and how long you have known them. This will help contextualize your letter and provide some background for the reader.
3. Highlight the candidate’s strengths
Use specific examples to highlight the candidate’s strengths related to their ability to succeed in graduate school. These may include research skills, critical thinking abilities, or leadership qualities.
4. Customize the letter for each school
Take the time to customize the letter for each school that the candidate is applying to. This shows that you have put effort into the letter and makes it more impactful.
5. Use concrete examples
Provide concrete examples of the candidate’s accomplishments and abilities. This will help to illustrate your points and make the letter more convincing.
6. Keep it professional
Remember to keep the tone of the letter professional and free from any biases or personal opinions.
7. Edit and revise
Finally, make sure to edit and revise the letter thoroughly before sending it. This will help to catch any errors or inconsistencies and ensure that the letter is polished and effective.
Examples of Recommendation Letters for Graduate School
Recommendation Letter for Jane Doe’s Graduate School Application
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend Jane Doe for admission to your graduate program in biology. I have had the pleasure of working with Jane in my lab for the past two years and have been consistently impressed with her intelligence, dedication, and work ethic.
Jane’s passion for research is unwavering, and she has consistently demonstrated exceptional critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Her research on the effects of environmental pollution on aquatic ecosystems has already resulted in two publications in top-tier journals, a remarkable achievement for an undergraduate student.
I am confident that Jane has the skills and drive necessary to succeed in your program and make valuable contributions to your department. She would be an excellent addition to your community and I wholeheartedly recommend her for admission.
Sincerely,
Professor John Smith
Recommendation Letter for John Doe’s Graduate School Application
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend John Doe for admission to your graduate program in economics. I had the pleasure of teaching John in two of my classes, and he consistently demonstrated exceptional analytical skills and intellectual curiosity.
John’s writing and research skills are top-notch, and he has a natural ability to synthesize complex ideas and present them in a clear and compelling manner. His senior thesis on the impact of international trade on the US economy was one of the best I have seen in my years of teaching.
Overall, I believe that John has the academic ability and drive necessary to excel in your program and make valuable contributions to your department. I wholeheartedly recommend him for admission to your graduate program.
Sincerely,
Professor Jane Smith
Recommendation Letter for Sarah Lee’s Graduate School Application
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Sarah Lee for admission to your graduate program in computer science. I had the pleasure of working with Sarah on a research project last summer, and I was consistently impressed with her technical abilities and problem-solving skills.
Sarah has a natural aptitude for programming and is able to quickly learn and apply new concepts. Her research project on machine learning algorithms for image recognition resulted in a publication in a top-tier conference, which is a remarkable achievement for an undergraduate student.
I am confident that Sarah has the skills and drive necessary to succeed in your program and make valuable contributions to your department. She would be an excellent addition to your community and I wholeheartedly recommend her for admission.
Sincerely,
Professor James Johnson
Recommendation Letter for Tim Smith’s Graduate School Application
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Tim Smith for admission to your graduate program in psychology. I have had the pleasure of working with Tim in my lab for the past year and have been consistently impressed with his dedication, work ethic, and interpersonal skills.
Tim has a natural ability to connect with others and is able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. His research on cognitive neuroscience has already resulted in a publication in a top-tier journal and has garnered attention from leading researchers in the field.
I am confident that Tim has the skills and drive necessary to succeed in your program and make valuable contributions to your department. He would be an excellent addition to your community and I wholeheartedly recommend him for admission.
Sincerely,
Professor Sarah Kim
Recommendation Letter for Alex Chen’s Graduate School Application
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Alex Chen for admission to your graduate program in engineering. I had the pleasure of working with Alex on a project for a local engineering firm, and I was consistently impressed with his technical abilities and problem-solving skills.
Alex has a natural aptitude for engineering and is able to quickly learn and apply new concepts. His work on the project resulted in several innovative solutions that were well-received by the client.
Overall, I believe that Alex has the academic ability and drive necessary to excel in your program and make valuable contributions to your department. I wholeheartedly recommend him for admission to your graduate program.
Sincerely,
Dr. Samantha Lee
Recommendation Letter for Mark Johnson’s Graduate School Application
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend Mark Johnson for admission to your graduate program in chemistry. I had the pleasure of teaching Mark in two of my classes, and he consistently demonstrated exceptional analytical skills and intellectual curiosity.
Mark’s research skills are top-notch, and he has a natural ability to synthesize complex ideas and present them in a clear and compelling manner. His senior thesis on the synthesis of novel organic compounds was one of the best I have seen in my years of teaching.
Overall, I believe that Mark has the academic ability and drive necessary to excel in your program and make valuable contributions to your department. I wholeheartedly recommend him for admission to your graduate program.
Sincerely,
Professor Daniel Brown
Recommendation Letter for Emily Park’s Graduate School Application
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Emily Park for admission to your graduate program in education. I had the pleasure of working with Emily as a mentor for a local after-school program, and I was consistently impressed with her passion for helping students learn and grow.
Emily has a natural ability to connect with students and is able to create a positive and engaging learning environment. Her dedication to social justice and equity is evident in her work with underserved communities.
I am confident that Emily has the skills and drive necessary to succeed in your program and make valuable contributions to your department. She would be an excellent addition to your community and I wholeheartedly recommend her for admission.
Sincerely,
Dr. Rachel Kim
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a recommendation letter for graduate school?
A recommendation letter for graduate school should include an introduction that explains your relationship with the candidate, specific examples of their strengths and accomplishments, and a conclusion that summarizes your endorsement. It should be customized for each school and program and kept professional and free from bias or personal opinions.
How long should a recommendation letter for graduate school be?
A recommendation letter for graduate school should be approximately one page in length, or around 300 words. It should be concise and to the point, highlighting the candidate’s strengths and qualifications for the program.
Who should I ask to write my recommendation letters for graduate school?
You should ask individuals who know you well and can speak to your qualifications for the program, such as professors, mentors, or supervisors. It is important to choose individuals who can speak positively and specifically about your strengths and accomplishments.
When should I ask for a recommendation letter for graduate school?
You should ask for a recommendation letter for graduate school at least two months before the application deadline. This will give your recommenders enough time to write a strong letter and submit it on time.
How can I ensure that my recommendation letters for graduate school are effective?
You can ensure that your recommendation letters for graduate school are effective by choosing strong recommenders, providing them with all the necessary information, and following up with them to make sure they submit the letter on time. Additionally, you can provide them with specific examples of your accomplishments and qualifications to help them write a more detailed and compelling letter.
Can I see my recommendation letters for graduate school?
Most schools allow you to see your recommendation letters for graduate school, either by providing you with a copy or by allowing you to view them in person. However, it is important to check with each school’s policies to confirm their specific guidelines.
Conclusion
Writing a recommendation letter for graduate school can be a challenging task, but with some proper guidance and tips, you can write a strong letter that highlights the candidate’s strengths and sets them apart from other applicants. Remember to keep it concise, professional, and customized for each school, and always be sure to edit and revise the letter thoroughly before sending it.