The Importance of a Strong Recommendation Letter
A well-crafted recommendation letter can significantly impact a graduate school applicant’s chances of admission. These letters provide valuable insights into a candidate’s academic abilities, research potential, work ethic, and personal qualities, offering a perspective that transcripts and test scores alone cannot convey. Admissions committees rely on these letters to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the applicant’s suitability for their program. A strong letter highlights specific achievements, provides concrete examples of the applicant’s skills, and convincingly argues why they are a good fit for the program.
Key Elements of an Effective Letter
Effective recommendation letters go beyond generic praise. They delve into the specifics of the recommender’s relationship with the applicant, detailing the context in which they interacted (e.g., coursework, research projects, mentorship). They articulate the applicant’s strengths in areas relevant to graduate study, such as critical thinking, analytical skills, communication skills (both written and oral), and problem-solving abilities. The letter should also address any weaknesses or areas for improvement, framing them positively as opportunities for growth. Finally, a strong letter makes a compelling case for the applicant’s potential for success in graduate school and beyond.
Recommendation Letter Samples for Graduate School
Below are 24 sample letters of recommendation for graduate school. These samples cover a range of scenarios and highlight different aspects of a student’s abilities. Remember to tailor each letter to the specific applicant and the program they are applying to.
Sample Letter 1
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Department]
[Your University/Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Department Name]
[University Name]
[University Address]
Subject: Letter of Recommendation for [Applicant Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to the [Program Name] program at [University Name]. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship to Applicant] at [Your University/Institution]. During this time, I have been consistently impressed by [his/her/their] [positive quality, e.g., intellectual curiosity, dedication, analytical skills].
[Applicant Name] excelled in my [Course Name] course, demonstrating a strong grasp of [Specific concepts]. [He/She/They] consistently contributed insightful comments to class discussions and produced an outstanding research paper on [Paper Topic]. I was particularly impressed by [Specific skill demonstrated in the paper, e.g., the depth of [his/her/their] analysis, the originality of [his/her/their] thinking, the rigor of [his/her/their] research methods].
[He/She/They] is/are a highly motivated and capable student with a strong potential for success in graduate school. I wholeheartedly recommend [him/her/them] for admission. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 2
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Organization]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Department Name]
[University Name]
[University Address]
Subject: Recommendation for [Applicant Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to your graduate program in [Program Name]. I had the pleasure of working with [Applicant Name] as [Your Role] at [Your Organization] for [Duration]. During this time, [he/she/they] consistently impressed me with [his/her/their] [positive quality, e.g., dedication, problem-solving abilities, teamwork skills].
[Applicant Name]’s contributions to [Project Name] were particularly noteworthy. [He/She/They] was/were responsible for [Specific responsibilities] and consistently exceeded expectations. For example, [he/she/they] [Specific accomplishment] which resulted in [Positive outcome]. [His/Her/Their] ability to [Specific Skill] was instrumental to the success of the project.
[Applicant Name] possesses the intelligence, work ethic, and personal qualities necessary to excel in your demanding graduate program. I highly recommend [him/her/them] without reservation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 3
[Professor’s Name]
[Department]
[University Name]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Department Name]
[University Name]
[Address]
Subject: Letter of Recommendation for [Student’s Full Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [Student’s Full Name] for admission to your esteemed graduate program in [Program Name]. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Student’s Name] for the past [Number] years as their professor in [Course Name(s)]. During this time, I have been consistently impressed by their exceptional intellect, unwavering dedication, and remarkable ability to grasp complex concepts.
In my [Course Name] course, [Student’s Name] demonstrated a profound understanding of [Specific subject matter]. Their insightful contributions to class discussions consistently elevated the level of discourse, and their performance on examinations and assignments consistently placed them at the top of the class. Specifically, their research paper on [Paper Topic] was a masterpiece of intellectual rigor and analytical precision. The paper showcased [his/her/their] ability to [Specific Skill] and demonstrated a clear understanding of [Related Concept].
Beyond their academic accomplishments, [Student’s Name] possesses a rare combination of intellectual curiosity and genuine passion for [Field of Study]. [He/She/They] are a self-motivated learner who is always eager to delve deeper into complex topics and explore new avenues of inquiry. I am confident that [Student’s Name] has the intellectual capacity, the drive, and the determination to excel in your graduate program and make significant contributions to the field of [Field of Study]. Therefore, I wholeheartedly recommend [him/her/them] for admission. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Professor’s Name]
[Title]
[Department]
Sample Letter 4
[Recommender’s Name]
[Recommender’s Title]
[Recommender’s Institution]
[Recommender’s Email]
[Recommender’s Phone Number]
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Program Name]
[Department Name]
[University Name]
[University Address]
Subject: Letter of Recommendation for [Applicant’s Full Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Applicant’s Full Name] for admission to your graduate program in [Program Name]. I have had the opportunity to get to know [Applicant’s Name] over the past [Number] years as [Your Relationship to Applicant, e.g., their research advisor, their supervisor in the lab]. During this time, I have been consistently impressed by [his/her/their] [Positive Qualities, e.g., intellectual curiosity, strong work ethic, collaborative spirit].
[Applicant’s Name] has made significant contributions to our research on [Research Topic]. [He/She/They] played a key role in [Specific tasks undertaken by the applicant]. For example, [he/she/they] [Specific Accomplishment], demonstrating [Specific Skills] which resulted in [Positive Outcome]. [His/Her/Their] ability to [Specific Skill related to research] is particularly noteworthy, and I believe it will be invaluable to [him/her/them] in graduate studies.
Beyond their technical skills, [Applicant’s Name] is a highly motivated and resourceful individual with a genuine passion for research. [He/She/They] are eager to learn new techniques and are always willing to go the extra mile to ensure the success of our projects. I am confident that [Applicant’s Name] possesses the necessary skills, knowledge, and drive to excel in your graduate program and make significant contributions to the field of [Field of Study]. I highly recommend [him/her/them] for admission without any reservation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Recommender’s Name]
[Recommender’s Title]
Sample Letter 5
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Department]
[University Name]
[Email]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Department Name]
[University Name]
[Address]
Subject: Letter of Recommendation for [Applicant Name] – [Program Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with considerable enthusiasm that I recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to the [Program Name] program at [University Name]. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., their academic advisor, instructor]. During this time, I have been continually impressed by [his/her/their] [Key Quality – e.g., intellectual curiosity, dedication, problem-solving skills].
[Applicant Name] distinguished [himself/herself/themselves] in my [Course Name] class through [Specific Example – e.g., insightful contributions to discussions, a well-researched presentation, a creative project]. For instance, [He/She/They] [Elaborate on the specific example – e.g., presented a novel analysis of [Topic], designed a compelling solution to [Problem], challenged conventional wisdom with [Insight]]. This demonstrated a strong capacity for [Related Skill – e.g., critical thinking, independent research, creative problem-solving].
Beyond academics, [Applicant Name] possesses [Positive Personal Qualities – e.g., a strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, a collaborative spirit]. I am confident that [he/she/they] will thrive in your demanding graduate program and contribute meaningfully to your academic community. I wholeheartedly recommend [him/her/them] for admission. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample Letter 6
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Program Name]
[Department Name]
[University Name]
[Address]
Subject: Letter of Recommendation for [Applicant’s Full Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant’s Full Name] for admission to your graduate program in [Program Name]. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., her supervisor, his research mentor]. During this time, I have been consistently impressed by [his/her/their] [Key Strength – e.g., intellectual curiosity, work ethic, analytical abilities].
[Applicant’s Name] worked under my supervision on the [Project Name] project, where [he/she/they] were responsible for [Specific Tasks]. [He/She/They] consistently exceeded expectations, demonstrating a remarkable ability to [Specific Skill – e.g., analyze complex data, solve challenging problems, communicate effectively]. For instance, [he/she/they] [Specific Achievement], which resulted in [Positive Outcome].
[Applicant’s Name] is a highly motivated and capable individual with a genuine passion for [Field of Study]. I am confident that [he/she/they] possesses the intellectual curiosity, work ethic, and research skills necessary to succeed in your graduate program. I highly recommend [him/her/them] without reservation. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample Letter 7
[Professor’s Name]
[Department]
[University]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Department Name]
[University Name]
[Address]
Subject: Recommendation for [Student Name] – [Program Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [Student Name] for admission to your [Program Name] program at [University Name]. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Student Name] for [Number] years as [his/her/their] professor and advisor in the [Department] department. During this time, I have witnessed firsthand [his/her/their] exceptional academic abilities and dedication to the field of [Field of Study].
In my [Course Name] course, [Student Name] demonstrated a keen understanding of [Specific Subject]. [He/She/They] consistently contributed insightful and well-reasoned arguments to class discussions, demonstrating a strong command of the subject matter. [His/Her/Their] final research paper on [Paper Topic] was particularly impressive, showcasing [his/her/their] ability to conduct independent research and articulate complex ideas in a clear and concise manner.
Beyond [his/her/their] academic achievements, [Student Name] possesses a strong work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine passion for [Field of Study]. I am confident that [he/she/they] has the potential to make significant contributions to your graduate program and to the field as a whole. Therefore, I wholeheartedly recommend [him/her/them] for admission. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Professor’s Name]
[Title]
[Department]
Sample Letter 8
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Department Name]
[University Name]
[University Address]
Subject: Letter of Recommendation for [Applicant Name] – [Program Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to your graduate program in [Program Name] at [University Name]. I have known [Applicant Name] for the past [Number] years as [Your Relationship to Applicant]. During this time, I have been consistently impressed with [his/her/their] [Key Strength – e.g., intellectual curiosity, dedication to learning, ability to think critically].
[Applicant Name] has demonstrated [his/her/their] potential for graduate-level work in several ways. In my [Course Name] course, [he/she/they] consistently went above and beyond, demonstrating a genuine interest in the subject matter and a willingness to engage with challenging concepts. [Specific Example of Applicant’s Achievement in the Course]. This showed [Specific Skill Demonstrated].
[Applicant Name] is a highly motivated and intelligent individual with a strong potential for success in graduate studies. I am confident that [he/she/they] will be a valuable asset to your program. I wholeheartedly recommend [him/her/them] for admission. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample Letter 9
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Department]
[Your University]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Department Name]
[University Name]
[Address]
Subject: Letter of Recommendation for [Applicant Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to your graduate program in [Program Name]. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [Relationship to Applicant, e.g., their professor, their research advisor]. During this time, I have been consistently impressed by [his/her/their] [Key Strengths, e.g., intellectual curiosity, dedication, problem-solving abilities].
[Applicant Name] excelled in my [Course Name] course. In particular, [He/She/They] demonstrated a remarkable ability to [Specific Skill – e.g., analyze complex data, think critically, communicate effectively]. For example, [He/She/They] [Specific example demonstrating the skill]. This demonstrated [his/her/their] [Impact of the skill].
[Applicant Name] possesses the intelligence, motivation, and personal qualities necessary to thrive in a graduate program. I have no doubt that [he/she/they] will make significant contributions to your department. I wholeheartedly recommend [him/her/them] for admission. Please feel free to contact me if you require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample Letter 10
[Recommender Name]
[Recommender Title]
[Department]
[Institution]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Program Name]
[Department Name]
[University Name]
[University Address]
Subject: Letter of Recommendation for [Applicant Full Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [Applicant Full Name] for admission to your graduate program in [Program Name] at [University Name]. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., their professor, research mentor, supervisor]. During this time, [he/she/they] has consistently impressed me with [his/her/their] [Key Strengths – e.g., intellectual curiosity, dedication to learning, analytical skills].
[Applicant Name] has demonstrated exceptional abilities in [Specific area related to the program]. In my [Course Name] course, [he/she/they] consistently exceeded expectations. For example, [Specific accomplishment – e.g., their research paper on [Topic] was outstanding, they consistently asked insightful questions in class, they took initiative on a group project]. This demonstrated [Specific skills – e.g., a strong understanding of the literature, a keen analytical mind, excellent problem-solving skills].
I am confident that [Applicant Name] has the potential to make significant contributions to your graduate program and to the field of [Field of Study]. [He/She/They] is a highly motivated, intelligent, and dedicated individual with a genuine passion for learning. I highly recommend [him/her/them] without reservation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Recommender Name]
[Recommender Title]
Sample Letter 11
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Department]
[University Name]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Program Name]
[Department Name]
[University Name]
[University Address]
Subject: Letter of Recommendation for [Applicant’s Full Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant’s Full Name] for admission to your graduate program in [Program Name] at [University Name]. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship to Applicant – e.g., their professor, thesis advisor, supervisor]. During this time, I have been consistently impressed by [his/her/their] [Key Strength – e.g., intellectual curiosity, dedication, analytical skills].
[Applicant’s Name] demonstrated exceptional abilities in my [Course Name] course. [He/She/They] consistently exceeded expectations, exhibiting a strong understanding of the subject matter and a remarkable ability to [Specific Skill – e.g., synthesize complex information, think critically, solve problems creatively]. For example, [He/She/They] [Specific Achievement – e.g., wrote an outstanding research paper, developed a novel solution to a problem, led a successful group project]. This demonstrated [his/her/their] [Impact of the Achievement – e.g., deep understanding of the subject matter, ability to think critically and independently, leadership potential].
[Applicant’s Name] is a highly motivated and intelligent individual with a genuine passion for [Field of Study]. I am confident that [he/she/they] possesses the necessary skills and qualities to excel in your demanding graduate program. I wholeheartedly recommend [him/her/them] for admission without reservation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample Letter 12
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Department Name]
[University Name]
[Address]
Subject: Letter of Recommendation for [Applicant Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to the [Program Name] program at [University Name]. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [Your relationship to the applicant, e.g., their professor, their supervisor, their mentor]. During this time, I have been consistently impressed by [his/her/their] [Key quality – e.g., intellectual curiosity, dedication, work ethic].
[Applicant Name] excelled in my [Course Name] course. [He/She/They] demonstrated a strong understanding of [Specific topic] and consistently contributed insightful comments to class discussions. [He/She/They] also completed an outstanding research project on [Project topic], which demonstrated [His/Her/Their] ability to [Specific skill demonstrated, e.g., conduct independent research, analyze complex data, communicate effectively].
[Applicant Name] is a highly motivated and capable student with a strong potential for success in graduate school. I wholeheartedly recommend [him/her/them] for admission. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample Letter 13
[Recommender’s Name]
[Recommender’s Title]
[Recommender’s Institution]
[Recommender’s Email]
[Recommender’s Phone Number]
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Department Name]
[University Name]
[University Address]
Subject: Letter of Recommendation for [Applicant’s Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant’s Name] for admission to your graduate program in [Program Name]. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship to Applicant, e.g., their research advisor, their professor in [Course Name], their supervisor at [Organization]].
During this time, I have been consistently impressed by [his/her/their] [Key strengths – e.g., intellectual curiosity, problem-solving skills, analytical abilities, dedication to research]. Specifically, I recall when [He/She/They] [Anecdote showcasing the key strength – e.g., independently solved a complex coding problem that had stumped other students, developed a novel approach to analyzing data that led to a significant breakthrough, demonstrated exceptional leadership skills during a group project].
[Applicant’s Name] is a highly motivated and capable individual with a genuine passion for [Field of Study]. I am confident that [he/she/they] possesses the necessary skills and qualities to excel in your graduate program and make significant contributions to the field. Therefore, I wholeheartedly recommend [him/her/them] for admission without reservation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Recommender’s Name]
[Recommender’s Title]
Sample Letter 14
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Department]
[Your University]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Department Name]
[University Name]
[University Address]
Subject: Letter of Recommendation for [Applicant’s Full Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [Applicant’s Full Name] for admission to the [Program Name] program at [University Name]. I have had the privilege of knowing [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship to Applicant – e.g., their professor, research advisor, mentor]. During this time, I have been consistently impressed by [his/her/their] [Key Qualities – e.g., intellectual curiosity, analytical skills, dedication to learning].
[Applicant’s Name] demonstrated exceptional abilities in my [Course Name] course. [He/She/They] consistently went above and beyond the required coursework, demonstrating a strong understanding of the subject matter and a remarkable ability to [Specific Skill Demonstrated – e.g., analyze complex data, synthesize information from multiple sources, think critically about challenging problems]. For example, [He/She/They] [Specific Accomplishment – e.g., wrote an outstanding research paper on [Topic], developed a novel solution to a problem, led a successful group project].
[Applicant’s Name] is a highly motivated and intelligent individual with a genuine passion for [Field of Study]. I am confident that [he/she/they] possesses the necessary skills, knowledge, and drive to excel in your graduate program. I wholeheartedly recommend [him/her/them] for admission without reservation. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample Letter 15
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Institution]
[Email]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Department]
[University]
[Address]
Subject: Recommendation for [Applicant Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to your graduate program in [Program Name]. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., his supervisor, her professor]. During this time, I have been consistently impressed by [his/her/their] [Positive Quality – e.g., analytical skills, work ethic, creativity].
[Applicant Name]’s contributions to [Project/Course Name] were significant. Specifically, [he/she/they] [Specific Accomplishment – e.g., developed a new methodology for data analysis, presented a groundbreaking research paper, led a successful team project]. This demonstrated [Specific Skill – e.g., analytical skills, problem-solving ability, leadership skills].
[Applicant Name] possesses the intelligence, dedication, and skills necessary to succeed in a demanding graduate program. I am confident that [he/she/they] will make significant contributions to your field. I highly recommend [him/her/them] without reservation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample Letter 16
[Recommender Name]
[Recommender Title]
[Recommender Institution]
[Recommender Email]
[Recommender Phone]
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[Department Name]
[University Name]
[University Address]
Subject: Letter of Recommendation for [Applicant Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to your [Program Name] program. I have known [Applicant Name] for [Number] years as [Your Relationship – e.g., his/her professor, research advisor, supervisor]. During this time, I have been consistently impressed by [his/her/their] [Key Strengths – e.g., intellectual curiosity, analytical abilities, dedication to learning].
[Applicant Name] has demonstrated exceptional skills in [Specific Area – e.g., data analysis, research methodology, critical thinking]. In my [Course Name] course, [he/she/they] consistently exceeded expectations. For example, [He/She/They] [Specific Accomplishment – e.g., developed