Writing a recommendation letter for graduate school can be challenging. This letter plays an important role in the admission process, providing insight into the character, strengths, and academic potential of the applicant. In this article, we will provide tips, examples, and answers to frequently asked questions to help you write a meaningful and effective letter of recommendation.
Tips for Writing a Recommendation Letter for Graduate School
Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing a recommendation letter:
- Start with a clear and concise title that reflects the purpose of the letter.
- Include specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate the applicant’s qualities.
- Use professional language and tone, but also show warmth and enthusiasm.
- Avoid using generic or clichéd phrases, and instead provide specific details about the applicant’s accomplishments and character.
- Be honest and objective in your assessment, while also highlighting the applicant’s strengths.
- Proofread your letter carefully for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
- Provide your contact information in case the admissions committee has further questions.
Examples of Recommendation Letters for Graduate School
Letter of Recommendation for MBA Program
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am thrilled to recommend Jane Smith for admission to your MBA program. As her supervisor at XYZ Company, I have had the pleasure of working closely with Jane for the past three years. During this time, I have been impressed by her exceptional analytical skills, leadership abilities, and commitment to excellence.
Jane has consistently demonstrated her ability to work well under pressure, to think creatively and critically, and to communicate effectively with colleagues and clients alike. She has a natural talent for problem-solving and has been instrumental in driving several major projects to successful completion.
I highly recommend Jane for admission to your MBA program, as I am confident that she will excel in this challenging and rewarding academic environment. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require further information.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Vice President, XYZ Company
Letter of Recommendation for PhD Program
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is my pleasure to recommend Tom Wilson for admission to your PhD program in Computer Science. I have had the pleasure of working with Tom as his research advisor for the past two years, and I have been thoroughly impressed by his intellectual curiosity, technical skills, and dedication to his research.
Tom has a remarkable ability to tackle complex problems with a combination of creativity, rigor, and persistence. He has already published several papers in top-tier conferences and journals, which is a testament to his outstanding research abilities. Moreover, he has demonstrated exceptional teaching skills as a teaching assistant for several courses in our department.
I am confident that Tom will make significant contributions to your PhD program and the broader research community. I strongly recommend him for admission to your program, and I am happy to provide any further information or support as needed.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
Associate Professor, Department of Computer Science
Letter of Recommendation for Law School
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Sarah Johnson for admission to your law school. I have known Sarah for the past four years, since she started working as a paralegal at our law firm. During this time, I have been consistently impressed by her exceptional legal reasoning, writing abilities, and attention to detail.
Sarah has contributed significantly to our firm’s success, by providing valuable research, drafting documents, and communicating with clients. She has also demonstrated her commitment to social justice by volunteering at a local legal aid clinic and participating in pro bono work.
I am confident that Sarah has the intellectual curiosity, work ethic, and interpersonal skills to thrive in your rigorous academic environment. I strongly endorse her candidacy for admission to your law school, and I am happy to provide any further information or support as needed.
Best regards,
Michael Brown
Partner, XYZ Law Firm
Letter of Recommendation for Master’s Degree in Education
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Maria Rodriguez for admission to your Master’s degree program in Education. I have had the pleasure of working with Maria for the past two years, as her supervisor in a high school in a low-income neighborhood. Maria has shown exceptional dedication, creativity, and compassion in her teaching and mentoring of students.
Maria has a natural ability to connect with students who come from diverse backgrounds and to inspire them to reach their full potential. She has implemented innovative teaching strategies that have led to significant improvements in student performance and engagement. Moreover, she has mentored several students who have gone on to pursue college degrees in education.
I strongly recommend Maria for admission to your Master’s degree program, as I am confident that she will benefit from and contribute to your academic community. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or require further information.
Sincerely,
Julia Hernandez
Principal, XYZ High School
Letter of Recommendation for Music Performance Program
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is my pleasure to recommend David Lee for admission to your Music Performance program. I have had the privilege of working with David for the past four years, as his private piano instructor. David is an exceptionally talented pianist with a strong passion for music and a deep commitment to his craft.
David has demonstrated his musical prowess in a variety of settings, including solo performances, chamber music groups, and orchestras. He has a remarkable ability to interpret and express the nuances of different styles and periods of music, ranging from classical to contemporary. Moreover, he is a dedicated and diligent student who constantly seeks to improve his skills and knowledge.
I am confident that David will make significant contributions to your Music Performance program, and I wholeheartedly endorse his candidacy for admission. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require further information.
Best regards,
John Kim
Piano Instructor, XYZ Music School
Letter of Recommendation for Master’s Degree in Public Policy
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend James Liu for admission to your Master’s degree program in Public Policy. I have had the pleasure of working with James for the past two years, as his supervisor at a nonprofit organization that focuses on environmental advocacy.
James has demonstrated his exceptional analytical, research, and communication skills in his work on several projects related to climate change and energy policy. He has a deep understanding of the economic, political, and social factors that influence policy decisions, and he is able to translate complex data and arguments into clear and persuasive messages.
I am confident that James will make significant contributions to your program and the broader field of public policy, and I wholeheartedly endorse his candidacy for admission. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or require further information.
Sincerely,
Lisa Chen
Senior Director, XYZ Nonprofit Organization
Letter of Recommendation for Master’s Degree in Fine Arts
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Emily Kim for admission to your Master’s degree program in Fine Arts. I have had the pleasure of working with Emily for the past three years, as her painting instructor at a local art school.
Emily is an exceptionally talented painter with a unique aesthetic vision and a strong technical foundation. She has developed a distinctive style that combines expressionist and abstract elements in a way that is both compelling and thought-provoking. Moreover, she is a dedicated and passionate student who constantly seeks to challenge herself and push the boundaries of her art.
I strongly endorse Emily’s candidacy for admission to your program, and I am confident that she will make significant contributions to your academic community. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require further information.
Best regards,
John Smith
Painting Instructor, XYZ Art School
Frequently Asked Questions about Writing a Recommendation Letter for Graduate School
What should I include in a recommendation letter for graduate school?
A recommendation letter for graduate school should provide an assessment of the applicant’s academic potential, personal qualities, and relevant experiences. It should include specific examples and anecdotes that illustrate the applicant’s strengths and achievements.
How long should a recommendation letter for graduate school be?
A recommendation letter for graduate school should be one to two pages long, and should not exceed three pages. It should be clear and concise, while also providing sufficient detail and context to support the applicant’s candidacy.
What is the best way to format a recommendation letter for graduate school?
A recommendation letter for graduate school should be formatted like a professional business letter, with a clear and concise title, a formal greeting, a brief introduction, two or three paragraphs of supporting information, and a complimentary close. It should be typed and printed on high-quality paper.
Should I include negative information in a recommendation letter for graduate school?
No, a recommendation letter for graduate school should focus on the applicant’s strengths and positive qualities. If you have concerns or reservations about the applicant, it is better to decline the request for a letter of recommendation or to discuss your concerns with the applicant directly.
How should I address the letter of recommendation?
You should address the letter of recommendation to the admissions committee or specific program director, using their full name and title. If you are not sure who to address the letter to, you can contact the program office for guidance.
What should I do if I am asked to write a recommendation letter but do not know the applicant well?
If you do not know the applicant well enough to provide a meaningful and accurate assessment, it is better to decline the request for a letter of recommendation. You can suggest that the applicant seek recommendations from other individuals who are more familiar with their academic or professional work.
Conclusion
Writing a recommendation letter for graduate school is an important responsibility that requires careful thought and preparation. By following these tips, examples, and answers to frequently asked questions, you can write a letter that provides valuable insight into the applicant’s character, strengths, and academic potential.