When a student applies for college admission, they need at least one or two letters of recommendation, ideally from their high school teacher or an employer. For many colleges, it is mandatory to submit recommendation letters before they consider an application. Even if not strictly required, a college recommendation letter can help to build your case for admission.
Some colleges have designed pre-set forms similar to college admission forms that an applicant will be asked to fill out. In most cases, the college wants a professionally formatted college recommendation letter.
What is a College Recommendation Letter?
A college recommendation letter is a document written to endorse a college applicant. It aims to bolster admission chances for the applicant. College recommendation letters are formal, brief statements highlighting the student’s positive qualities explaining why the applicant will be successful once admitted to the college. The letters play a massive role in illuminating a college applicant’s academic, intellectual, and personal qualities.
Who to Select?
As a student, figuring out the most suitable person you should ask to write for you a college recommendation letter can be confusing. Though family and friends might sing the best praises for you, your teachers and employers usually write the best letters of recommendation.
A teacher, particularly one with whom you have an excellent relationship, is great to ask to write you a college recommendation letter. They know your character and have a good idea about your intellectual and academic abilities. If you are working, it can be helpful to get a recommendation letter from an employer.
What to Include
The college recommendation letter should contain key details about the relationship between the applicant and the recommender. It should highlight the applicant’s positive attributes.
Details to include:
- Explain how the writer came to know the college applicant
- Salient and positive qualities that the applicant possesses that are relevant to success in the college
Anecdotes that illustrate the competence and character of the applicant
A recommendation letter should be concise, about one full page (400 – 500 words). It should be broken into an introduction, two body paragraphs, and a reasonable conclusion. It would help if you described the student positively in a way that highlights both their personal qualities and academic skills.
College Recommendation Letter Format
Besides being professionally formatted, a college recommendation letter should contain certain standard things and details.
Your return address: Make sure the letter starts with your return address. Should the college want to get in touch with you, the return address facilitates that.
The Date: Include either the date you are sending the letter or writing it.
The College address: If the college contact details are available, make sure it’s included.
Addressing the Letter: Identify the correctadmissions committee/boardcontact person and address the letter accordingly.
The introduction: Start your letter of recommendation with a brief introduction of yourself and your relationship with the student. Include how long and deeply you have known the student.
Cover the student’s accomplishments: Take the following 2-3 paragraphs to explain the applicant’s achievements, academic and otherwise.
Conclusion: This should nicely package your recommendation letter. Tell the admissions committee why this applicant would thrive in their college. Make sure you share your contact information again when concluding this paragraph.
Closing and Signature: When closing,”Sincerely” works perfectly well.
Sample College Recommendation Letter from a Teacher
Mark Rohan
ABC High School
1774 Park St
Downtown, Pennsylvania 12345
March 14, 2018
XYZ College Admissions Board
1234 Butler Ave
Everywhere, CA 12345
Dear XYZ College Admissions Board,
I have known Carol Davies for the past two years as her English teacher. I believe that Carol would make an excellent addition to XYZ College.
While studying at ABC High School, Carol Davies constantly challenged herself intellectually and academically. Carol is active in class discussions, and she grasps matters quickly. She has superb verbal and written skills that any teacher will like. She even volunteers to tutor incoming first-year school students struggling with English courses.
In extracurricular activities, Carol also excels. For the past 18 months, she has served as the features editor of the bi-weekly high school paper and has written several thought-provoking articles.
I am convinced that Carol would bring so much to XYZ College, both outside and inside the classroom. For any questions about Carol’s qualifications, feel free to contact me at (994) 196-1015 or through Markan @ rocketmail . com.
Sincerely,
Mark Rohan
English Teacher and Department Chair
ABC High School
Downtown, Pennsylvania 12345
Sample College Recommendation Letter From an Employer
Blaise Courtney
Destiny Camps
123 Any Road Drive
NY 12345
February 16, 2018
Denise Ashley
Success College
1234 Butler Road
MA 12345
Dear Ms. Ashley:
I have served as Mr. John Denver’s Supervisor for the past three years at Midlands Summer Camp. I believe John would make an excellent student and highly recommend him admission into your college.
The tenacity displayed by John never ceases to amaze me. After just one year with us, he was promoted to head counselor and has proven his leadership capabilities since then. John is extremely responsible and currently he is in charge of overseeing our young campers unit. Even when I am not on the campsite, I know that Mr. John Denver will help run matters smoothly and assist all of our youth campers with any issues or challenges they may encounter.
Mr. Denver’s time management and organizational skills have continued to impress me during his entire time at Destiny Camps. He organizes all our youth group activities for campers and develops daily schedules for his unit and campers.
I am convinced that the abilities demonstrated by John here will make him an asset to your college. If you have any questions, please contact me at Bcourtney @ email . com or (555) 555-1111.
Sincerely,
Blaise Courtney
College Recommendation Letter (Word Template)
A college recommendation letter that expresses strong support and highlights an applicant’s strengths and impressive academic can have a powerful impact on that student’s chances of securing admission.
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