When applying for graduate school, one of the most important components of your application is the letter of recommendation. This letter is written by someone who knows you well and can speak to your abilities, strengths, and potential as a graduate student. It can make or break your application, so it’s crucial to have a strong letter of recommendation that highlights your qualifications.
Why is a letter of recommendation important for graduate school?
A letter of recommendation provides admissions committees with insights into your character, work ethic, and potential as a graduate student. It allows someone who knows you well to vouch for your abilities and accomplishments, giving the admissions committee a more well-rounded view of your capabilities. A strong letter of recommendation can set you apart from other applicants and increase your chances of being accepted into your desired graduate program.
What should be included in a letter of recommendation for graduate school?
There are several key components that should be included in a letter of recommendation for graduate school:
Introduction
The letter should begin with an introduction that includes the recommender’s name, position, and relationship to the applicant. This sets the context for the rest of the letter and establishes the recommender’s credibility.
Background
The recommender should provide a brief overview of their background and qualifications, explaining why they are qualified to speak on behalf of the applicant.
Strengths and Accomplishments
The letter should highlight the applicant’s strengths and accomplishments, focusing on specific examples that demonstrate their potential as a graduate student. This can include academic achievements, research experience, leadership roles, or any other relevant accomplishments.
Personal Qualities
The recommender should discuss the applicant’s personal qualities and characteristics that make them a strong candidate for graduate school. This can include qualities such as intellectual curiosity, critical thinking skills, creativity, perseverance, and teamwork.
Comparison to Other Applicants
If possible, the recommender should compare the applicant to other individuals they have known who have been successful in graduate school or in their chosen field. This can provide additional context and further demonstrate the applicant’s potential.
Conclusion
The letter should conclude with a strong endorsement of the applicant and a reiteration of their potential as a graduate student. The recommender should also provide their contact information in case the admissions committee has any further questions.
Sample Graduate School Letter Of Recommendation Template
Here are five sample templates that can be used as a starting point for your own letter of recommendation:
Template 1:
Dear [Admissions Committee/Graduate School Name],
I am writing to highly recommend [Applicant’s Name] for admission to your graduate program in [Program Name]. I have had the pleasure of working with [Applicant’s Name] for [length of time] as their [relationship to the applicant, e.g., professor, supervisor, etc.] and have been consistently impressed by their dedication, intelligence, and passion for [field of study].
[Provide specific examples of the applicant’s strengths, accomplishments, and personal qualities. Highlight any relevant research projects, leadership roles, or academic achievements.]
I have no doubt that [Applicant’s Name] has the potential to excel in your graduate program. Their [insert personal qualities, e.g., critical thinking skills, ability to work independently, etc.] make them an ideal candidate for [Program Name]. I am confident that [Applicant’s Name] will make significant contributions to your program and thrive in the academic environment at [Graduate School Name].
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or require additional information. I am more than happy to provide further insights into [Applicant’s Name]’s qualifications and potential as a graduate student.
Thank you for considering [Applicant’s Name]’s application. I wholeheartedly recommend them for admission to your graduate program.
Sincerely,
[Recommender’s Name]
[Recommender’s Title/Position]
[Recommender’s Contact Information]
Template 2:
Dear [Admissions Committee/Graduate School Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant’s Name] for admission to your esteemed graduate program in [Program Name]. I have had the pleasure of mentoring [Applicant’s Name] for [length of time] as their [relationship to the applicant, e.g., professor, supervisor, etc.] and have been consistently impressed by their exceptional intellect, dedication, and commitment to [field of study].
[Provide specific examples of the applicant’s strengths, accomplishments, and personal qualities. Highlight any relevant research projects, leadership roles, or academic achievements.]
[Applicant’s Name] possesses an insatiable curiosity and a deep passion for knowledge, which is evident in their relentless pursuit of [field of study]. Their ability to think critically, analyze complex problems, and propose innovative solutions is unparalleled. They have consistently demonstrated exceptional research skills and have made significant contributions to [field of study] through their [insert specific research projects or initiatives].
I have no doubt that [Applicant’s Name] will flourish in your graduate program and make substantial contributions to the academic community at [Graduate School Name]. They possess the qualities necessary for success, including exceptional analytical skills, effective communication abilities, and a strong work ethic. [Applicant’s Name] is not only a gifted scholar but also a compassionate and collaborative individual who thrives in a team-oriented environment.
I wholeheartedly recommend [Applicant’s Name] for admission to your graduate program. If you require any additional information or have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Thank you for considering [Applicant’s Name]’s application.
Sincerely,
[Recommender’s Name]
[Recommender’s Title/Position]
[Recommender’s Contact Information]
Template 3:
Dear [Admissions Committee/Graduate School Name],
I am writing to provide my strongest recommendation for [Applicant’s Name] as a candidate for your esteemed graduate program in [Program Name]. I have had the privilege of working closely with [Applicant’s Name] for [length of time] as their [relationship to the applicant, e.g., professor, supervisor, etc.], and I can confidently say that they are one of the most exceptional individuals I have encountered in my career.
[Provide specific examples of the applicant’s strengths, accomplishments, and personal qualities. Highlight any relevant research projects, leadership roles, or academic achievements.]
[Applicant’s Name] possesses an unwavering dedication to academic excellence and a genuine passion for [field of study]. They consistently demonstrate exceptional critical thinking skills, a keen intellect, and an ability to analyze complex problems with ease. [Applicant’s Name]’s exceptional research abilities have been evident in their [insert specific research projects or initiatives], where they have made significant contributions to [field of study].
What sets [Applicant’s Name] apart is not just their academic aptitude, but also their exceptional character and qualities as an individual. They are highly motivated, disciplined, and possess excellent time management skills, allowing them to excel in both academic and extracurricular pursuits. [Applicant’s Name] is an excellent communicator and collaborator, and their ability to work effectively in teams has been demonstrated through their leadership roles in [insert relevant leadership roles or extracurricular activities].
I am confident that [Applicant’s Name] will thrive in your graduate program and make substantial contributions to the academic community at [Graduate School Name]. Their exceptional intellect, dedication, and personal qualities make them an ideal candidate for [Program Name]. I wholeheartedly recommend [Applicant’s Name] for admission to your graduate program.
Please feel free to contact me if you require any additional information or have any questions. Thank you for considering [Applicant’s Name]’s application.
Sincerely,
[Recommender’s Name]
[Recommender’s Title/Position]
[Recommender’s Contact Information]
Template 4:
Dear [Admissions Committee/Graduate School Name],
It is with great pleasure that I write this letter of recommendation on behalf of [Applicant’s Name] for admission to your prestigious graduate program in [Program Name]. I have had the privilege of working with [Applicant’s Name] for [length of time] as their [relationship to the applicant, e.g., professor, supervisor, etc.], and I have been consistently impressed by their exceptional abilities, commitment, and passion for [field of study].
[Provide specific examples of the applicant’s strengths, accomplishments, and personal qualities. Highlight any relevant research projects, leadership roles, or academic achievements.]
[Applicant’s Name] is an outstanding individual who possesses a unique combination of intellectual curiosity, analytical thinking, and creativity. They have consistently demonstrated exceptional research skills, as evidenced by their [insert specific research projects or initiatives]. Their ability to think critically, analyze complex problems, and propose innovative solutions is truly remarkable.
In addition to their exceptional academic abilities, [Applicant’s Name] is also a highly motivated and driven individual.