What is a Letter of recommendation?

What is a Letter of recommendation?

Many universities require at least a letter of recommendation with the application.

A letter of recommendation is a written document with a positive recommendation for
your person or your sport in English. Your teacher or trainer can write this document for you. It should be someone who can assess you well.
Important:
A Letter of recommendation is only official if it is issued, signed and stamped on the letterhead of your school or association.

Content

  1. Introduction of your teacher/trainer or 'school/club.
  2. Positive description of your athletic or school performance.
  3. Positive evaluation of your social behavior.
  4. Final sentence - for example: "I wish ........ all the best and hope that he/she will reach his/her goals both academically and in his/her sport.
Tip:
Since we do not yet know who the letter will be sent to later, it should be sent to TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN must be addressed. The subject line should contain Letter of Recommendation and your name.

Example 1

Dear Admissions Committee,

It is with much pleasure that I am writing you on behalf of Jane to support her wish of studying abroad. As a teacher of Biology at Sample High School I have been fortunate to teach her from 2017 to 2020. Based on Jane's grades, attendance and class participation, I would rate her performance in class as exceptional.

Jane's English skills can be described as very good. She does especially well in the spoken language, but also writing skills do not leave too much room for improvement.

For her work in class, Jane needed very little support and kept deadlines and appointments. Overall she can be described as very reliable.

Furthermore, Jane's social skills are excellent. She was well integrated in the course, always friendly and open to help with her eagerness to contribute her knowledge to the class. In group work, Jane was again really reliable, from what I have heard from other students.

However, not only her classmates appreciate Jane's excellent social skills. The staff of Sample High School also know her as a polite, friendly and punctual student, who is able to interact in a smart, respectful and solution-oriented way.

I would highly recommend Jane to any university that offers programs in her field of interest. I am positive, that she will be a hard-working and sociable student and can be a great addition to your university. If you need any additional information, do not hesitate to contact me.

I wish Jane all the best for her future and hope that you will positively consider her application.

Sincerely,

Mr. Smith
English Teacher
Debate Coach
High School X

Example 2

Dear Admissions Committee,

My name is Mr. Smith, and I have had the honor of teaching John in AP Literature and Composition at High School X, during which I noticed his impeccable character, discipline, and leadership. John is a self-motivated student who always went above and beyond in my class. It is a pleasure to recommend him.

John has an insatiable desire to learn, and he demonstrated this throughout his year in my class. His questions were insightful and eloquent, and he produced work that was far above that of the average student. John’s writing and research skills are phenomenal. For his final project, he produced a truly remarkable essay analyzing cultural identity in Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Namesake. John’s academic strengths are unparalleled, and I know he will be an asset to your institution.

John’s character is also impressive. He acts with generosity and compassion, and he is well respected by his peers and teachers alike. John is a natural leader, and he was such a joy to have in class.

As a learner and a leader, John is beyond exemplary. He has my strongest recommendation. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Mr. Smith
English Teacher
High School X

    • Related Articles

    • Who should I get a letter of recommendation from?

      Letters of recommendation are most meaningful if they are written by a person who knows the applicant in question well or has known him/her for a long time and has a very positive opinion of him/her (e.g. teacher, principal, trainer or other ...

    • What is a Class Rank Letter and how do I submit it to the NAIA?

      A Class Rank Letter is an official letter from your school that certifies how you have performed academically compared to your classmates. You can choose a Class Rank Letter as one of three options to prove to the NAIA that your academic level is ...

    • What is an Affidavit of Support?

      An Affidavit of Support is a certificate from your sponsor (e.g. your parents) that he/she supports you or your studies financially to a certain amount. Many colleges have a pre-filled form for this purpose. If this is not the case at your college, ...

    • Provide proof of financing

      American colleges are required by the Immigration Department to obtain proof from each international applicant that he or she has sufficient funds to finance his or her studies, including all additional expenses, for a full academic year. Evidence ...