Why a Strong Recommendation Letter Matters
A compelling recommendation letter can significantly impact a graduate school application. It provides admissions committees with valuable insights into an applicant’s character, skills, and potential for success from a trusted source. These letters offer a perspective that transcends grades and test scores, showcasing the applicant’s practical abilities and personal qualities essential for graduate-level studies. A well-written recommendation letter highlights the applicant’s unique strengths and how they align with the program’s goals. It is more than just a formality; it’s a testament to the applicant’s readiness for advanced academic pursuits.
What Makes a Recommendation Letter Effective?
An effective recommendation letter goes beyond simply stating that the applicant is “good” or “hardworking.” It provides concrete examples and specific anecdotes to illustrate the applicant’s abilities. It should clearly articulate the recommender’s relationship to the applicant, and highlight the applicant’s strengths with supporting details. Ideally, the letter will address the specific requirements of the program or university the applicant is targeting. Remember to be honest and fair in your assessment, while also emphasizing the applicant’s potential to thrive in graduate school.
Types of Recommendation Letters
Recommendation letters for graduate studies usually fall into a few categories. The most common is a professor providing an assessment of a student’s academic abilities, research skills, and critical thinking. Another type is from a supervisor or manager, evaluating the applicant’s professional experience, teamwork skills, and leadership potential. Less common, but still valuable, are letters from mentors or advisors who can speak to the applicant’s personal qualities, dedication, and long-term goals. Choosing the right recommenders is crucial for getting the most impactful letters.
Tips for Requesting a Recommendation Letter
The process of requesting a recommendation letter should be approached with professionalism and respect. Give the recommender ample time to write the letter, ideally at least a month or two. Provide them with all the necessary information, including your resume or CV, a personal statement (if available), a list of the programs you’re applying to, and any specific instructions from the universities. Be sure to express your gratitude and follow up with a thank-you note after the letter has been submitted.
19 Sample Recommendation Letters for Graduate Studies
Below are 19 sample recommendation letters for graduate studies, categorized by the recommender’s role. Each example aims to showcase different strengths and approaches to writing a compelling endorsement. Remember these are examples; personalize your letter to the student’s specific achievements and the graduate program’s needs.
Sample Letter 1: Professor – Academic Excellence
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[University Name]
[Department Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to your graduate program in [Department Name]. I have known [Applicant Name] for the past [Number] years as their professor in [Course Name] and [Course Name].
[Applicant Name] is an exceptional student with a strong work ethic and a genuine passion for [Field of Study]. In my [Course Name] class, [He/She] consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the material and an ability to think critically and creatively. [He/She] was always prepared for class, actively participated in discussions, and consistently submitted high-quality assignments.
[Provide a specific example of their work or contribution, e.g., “In the final project, [Applicant Name] developed a novel approach to [Problem] that impressed me and the other students. Their insightful analysis and innovative solutions were truly remarkable.”]
Furthermore, [Applicant Name] possesses excellent research skills. [He/She] assisted me with my research on [Research Topic] and made significant contributions to the project. [He/She] is detail-oriented, organized, and capable of working independently.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] has the intellectual ability, motivation, and dedication to succeed in your graduate program. I highly recommend [Him/Her] without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Department]
[Your University]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
Sample Letter 2: Supervisor – Professional Skills
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[University Name]
[Department Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to your graduate program in [Department Name]. I have been [Applicant Name]’s supervisor at [Company Name] for the past [Number] years.
During [His/Her] time at [Company Name], [Applicant Name] has consistently exceeded expectations. [He/She] is a highly motivated and results-oriented individual with a strong work ethic and a keen eye for detail. [He/She] is also an excellent team player and a natural leader.
[Provide a specific example of their work or contribution, e.g., “[Applicant Name] played a crucial role in the successful completion of the [Project Name] project. [He/She] was responsible for [Responsibilities] and consistently delivered high-quality work on time and within budget.”]
[Applicant Name] possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills. [He/She] is able to effectively communicate complex ideas to both technical and non-technical audiences. [He/She] is also able to build strong relationships with colleagues and clients.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] has the skills and experience necessary to succeed in your graduate program. I highly recommend [Him/Her] without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
Sample Letter 3: Mentor – Personal Qualities
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[University Name]
[Department Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with genuine enthusiasm that I recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to your graduate program in [Department Name]. I have served as a mentor to [Applicant Name] for the past [Number] years through [Organization Name].
During this time, I have been consistently impressed by [Applicant Name]’s intellectual curiosity, unwavering dedication, and remarkable resilience. [He/She] possesses a rare combination of academic aptitude and personal maturity.
[Provide a specific example of their character or accomplishment, e.g., “[Applicant Name]’s involvement in [Volunteer Organization] demonstrates [His/Her] commitment to [Cause]. [He/She] took the initiative to [Action] which had a significant positive impact on [Beneficiaries].”]
[Applicant Name] is a highly motivated and self-directed learner. [He/She] is always eager to learn new things and to challenge [Himself/Herself]. [He/She] is also a strong problem-solver and is able to think critically and creatively.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] has the personal qualities and the intellectual capacity to thrive in your graduate program. I highly recommend [Him/Her] without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Organization]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
Sample Letter 4: Professor – Research Potential
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[University Name]
[Department Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to strongly recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to your graduate program in [Department Name]. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Applicant Name] as a student in my [Course Name] and as a research assistant in my lab for the past [Number] years.
[Applicant Name] has consistently demonstrated exceptional research abilities and a genuine passion for [Field of Study]. [He/She] is a highly motivated and independent researcher who is capable of designing, conducting, and analyzing research projects.
[Provide a specific example of their research, e.g., “[Applicant Name] played a key role in our research on [Research Topic]. [He/She] developed a novel methodology for [Task] which resulted in a significant breakthrough. [His/Her] contributions were instrumental in the publication of our paper in [Journal Name].”]
[Applicant Name] is also an excellent communicator and is able to effectively present research findings to both technical and non-technical audiences. [He/She] is a highly valuable asset to any research team.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] has the research skills and the intellectual curiosity to succeed in your graduate program. I highly recommend [Him/Her] without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Department]
[Your University]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
Sample Letter 5: Supervisor – Leadership Skills
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[University Name]
[Department Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to your graduate program in [Department Name]. As [Applicant Name]’s supervisor at [Company Name] for the past [Number] years, I have observed firsthand [His/Her] outstanding leadership abilities and dedication.
[Applicant Name] consistently demonstrates the ability to motivate and inspire others. [He/She] is a natural leader who is able to effectively delegate tasks, provide constructive feedback, and resolve conflicts.
[Provide a specific example of their leadership, e.g., “[Applicant Name] successfully led the [Project Name] team, which consisted of [Number] members. [He/She] was able to effectively manage the team’s workload, ensure that all deadlines were met, and maintain a positive and productive work environment.”]
[Applicant Name] is also an excellent problem-solver and is able to think strategically and creatively. [He/She] is a highly valuable asset to any organization.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] has the leadership skills and the intellectual capacity to succeed in your graduate program. I highly recommend [Him/Her] without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
Sample Letter 6: Professor – Critical Thinking
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[University Name]
[Department Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to your graduate program in [Department Name]. I have known [Applicant Name] as a student in my [Course Name] class for the past [Number] semester.
[Applicant Name] is an exceptional student who consistently demonstrates a high level of critical thinking skills. [He/She] is able to analyze complex information, identify underlying assumptions, and draw logical conclusions.
[Provide a specific example of their critical thinking, e.g., “[Applicant Name]’s analysis of [Topic] in [His/Her] final paper was particularly insightful. [He/She] was able to identify several flaws in the existing literature and propose a novel alternative approach.”]. [Applicant Name] actively participated in class discussions always contributed thoughtful and insightful comments.
[Applicant Name] is also an excellent writer and communicator. [He/She] is able to effectively articulate [His/Her] ideas in both written and oral form. I am confident that [Applicant Name] will be an excellent addition to your graduate program.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] has the critical thinking skills and intellectual ability to succeed in your graduate program. I highly recommend [Him/Her] without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Department]
[Your University]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
Sample Letter 7: Supervisor – Innovation
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[University Name]
[Department Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to your graduate program in [Department Name]. I have had the pleasure of supervising [Applicant Name] at [Company Name] for [Number] years.
[Applicant Name] is a remarkably innovative individual who consistently seeks out new and improved ways of approaching challenges. [He/She] has a natural ability to think outside the box and generate creative solutions.
[Provide a specific example of their innovation, e.g., “During [His/Her] time at [Company Name], [Applicant Name] identified a significant inefficiency in our [Process]. [He/She] then designed and implemented a novel solution that streamlined the process and resulted in a [Percentage]% reduction in costs.”]. This demonstrated innovation had a tangible positive effect on our operations.
[Applicant Name] is also a highly collaborative individual who is able to effectively communicate [His/Her] ideas and work with others to achieve common goals. I am confident that [Applicant Name] possesses the skills and aptitude to flourish in your graduate program.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] has the innovation skills and the intellectual ability to succeed in your graduate program. I highly recommend [Him/Her] without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
Sample Letter 8: Professor – Problem Solving
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[University Name]
[Department Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to your graduate program in [Department Name]. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Applicant Name] as a student in my [Course Name] class and as a research assistant in my lab for the past [Number] years.
[Applicant Name] possesses exceptional problem-solving skills and a natural ability to approach challenges with a creative and analytical mindset. [He/She] is able to quickly identify the root cause of problems and develop effective solutions.
[Provide a specific example of their problem-solving, e.g., “While working on our research project, [Applicant Name] encountered a significant technical obstacle. [He/She] took the initiative to research alternative approaches and successfully implemented a solution that allowed us to continue our work without significant delays.”]. [His/Her] resourcefulness and persistence in the face of adversity were truly impressive.
[Applicant Name] is also an excellent communicator and is able to effectively present [His/Her] ideas and solutions to others. I am certain that [Applicant Name] will be a valuable addition to your graduate program.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] has the problem solving skills and the intellectual ability to succeed in your graduate program. I highly recommend [Him/Her] without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Department]
[Your University]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
Sample Letter 9: Mentor – Initiative
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[University Name]
[Department Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am delighted to recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to your graduate program in [Department Name]. I have had the opportunity to mentor [Applicant Name] through [Organization Name] for the last [Number] years.
[Applicant Name] consistently demonstrates a strong sense of initiative and a proactive approach to challenges. [He/She] is not afraid to take risks, embrace new opportunities, and go above and beyond to achieve [His/Her] goals.
[Provide a specific example of their initiative, e.g., “During [His/Her] mentorship, [Applicant Name] independently organized a [Event] to address [Issue]. This project required a significant amount of planning, coordination, and outreach, and [He/She] executed it flawlessly.”]. [His/Her] leadership and commitment to this project were truly inspiring.
[Applicant Name] is also a highly motivated and self-directed learner, possessing the necessary skill and knowledge to flourish in your program. I am certain that [Applicant Name] will be a valuable member of your graduate community.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] has the initiative skills and the intellectual ability to succeed in your graduate program. I highly recommend [Him/Her] without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Organization]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
Sample Letter 10: Professor – Communication Skills
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[University Name]
[Department Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to your graduate program in [Department Name]. I have had the opportunity to observe [His/Her] communication skills as a professor in [His/Her] [Course Name] course.
[Applicant Name] possesses exceptional communication skills, both written and oral. [He/She] is able to articulate complex ideas with clarity and precision, and [He/She] is an engaging and persuasive speaker.
[Provide a specific example of their communication skills, e.g., “In [His/Her] presentation on [Topic], [Applicant Name] demonstrated a remarkable ability to connect with the audience and convey complex information in an accessible manner.”]. [His/Her] command of the subject matter and confident delivery were truly impressive.
[Applicant Name] is also a highly collaborative individual who is able to effectively communicate [His/Her] ideas and work with others to achieve common goals. I have no doubt that [Applicant Name] will excel in graduate school.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] has the communication skills and the intellectual ability to succeed in your graduate program. I highly recommend [Him/Her] without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Department]
[Your University]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
Sample Letter 11: Supervisor – Teamwork Skills
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[University Name]
[Department Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to your graduate program in [Department Name]. As [Applicant Name]’s supervisor for the last [Number] years, I had the opportunity to observe the [His/Her] teamwork skills.
[Applicant Name] is an outstanding team player who works well with others. [He/She] is supportive, helpful, and always willing to share [His/Her] knowledge and expertise with [His/Her] colleagues.
[Provide a specific example of their teamwork skills, e.g., “In the [Project Name] project, [Applicant Name] played an integral role in ensuring the successful completion of all tasks and achievement of goals. [He/She] offered support and encouragement to the other team member, resolving conflicts within team and ensuring a productive collaboration.”]. The entire team’s performance reflected the overall value brought in by [His/Her] skill and dedication.
[Applicant Name] can effectively collaborate with team member and achieve common goals. Based on [His/Her] teamwork abilities, I am confident that [Applicant Name] has the ability to excel in graduate school.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] has the teamwork skills and the intellectual ability to succeed in your graduate program. I highly recommend [Him/Her] without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
Sample Letter 12: Professor – Dedication
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[University Name]
[Department Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to your graduate program in [Department Name]. I had the pleasure of knowing [Applicant Name] dedication as a student in my [Course Name] class.
[Applicant Name] exemplifies dedication, and has always been dedicated in [His/Her] academic works. As such, [He/She] is proactive in seeking ways to improve [His/Her] learning.
[Provide a specific example of their dedication, e.g., “[Applicant Name]’s consistent hardwork in achieving [His/Her] academic goals can be seen in [His/Her] proactive approach to seeking feedback on the tasks.”]. [He/She] has always sought to achieve higher results in [His/Her] assignments.
[Applicant Name] is dedicated towards education. As such, I believe that [He/She] has the capacity to excel in graduate school and also be a valuable member of the graduate community.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] has the dedication and intellectual ability to succeed in your graduate program. I highly recommend [Him/Her] without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Department]
[Your University]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
Sample Letter 13: Supervisor – Time Management
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[University Name]
[Department Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to your graduate program in [Department Name]. I have had the opportunity to observe [Applicant Name]’s time management capabilities as [His/Her] supervisor for [Number] years.
[Applicant Name] is a highly organized, disciplined, and has excellent skills to manage [His/Her] time. To be specific, [He/She] is capable of delivering assignments in a timely manner.
[Provide a specific example of their time management, e.g., “[Applicant Name] showed excellent time management in [His/Her] assignments in [Project Name]. [He/She] was able to achieve results on time.”]. [He/She] has often been praised for [His/Her] proactivity in delivering the project before deadline.
[Applicant Name]’s ability to execute [His/Her] tasks in a timely manner makes [Him/Her] a good choice as a graduate student. Moreover, [He/She] is equipped with excellent skills to excel in graduate school and also be a valuable member of the graduate community.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] has the time management skills and the intellectual ability to succeed in your graduate program. I highly recommend [Him/Her] without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
Sample Letter 14: Mentor – Adaptability
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[University Name]
[Department Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to your graduate program in [Department Name]. In my role as [His/Her] mentor for [Number] years, I have observed [His/Her] adaptability and resilience.
[Applicant Name] has been very flexible and readily adaptable to changing environments. [He/She] often quickly learns to incorporate new skills and technologies into [His/Her] work.
[Provide a specific example of their adaptability, e.g., “I was especially impressed with [His/Her] swift adaptation to [New Software] during the [Project Name]. While facing technical challenges in applying the [New Software], [He/She] quickly learned the software and effectively managed the software to assist the team’s delivery of assignments.”]. [His/Her] willingness to learn and adapt to challenges reflects a growth-oriented mindset.
[Applicant Name] can adapt well to various circumstances. I am confident that [He/She] will excel in graduate school, with all [His/Her] skills and knowledge.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] has the adaptability skills and the intellectual ability to succeed in your graduate program. I highly recommend [Him/Her] without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Organization]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
Sample Letter 15: Professor – Creativity
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[University Name]
[Department Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to your graduate program. I have been [Applicant Name]’s professor at [Course Name].
[Applicant Name] is an exceptionally creative student. [He/She] has the capacity to innovate in ways that improve the value of [His/Her] projects.
[Provide a specific example of their creativity, e.g., “As a student, I observed [Applicant Name]’s creativity in [His/Her] assignments. In particular, [His/Her] creative contribution can be seen in [His/Her] design to resolve the problems present in the [Project Name].”]. [He/She] often offers valuable insights that benefits [His/Her] team as a whole.
[Applicant Name] is often very creative with [His/Her] approach to work. For this reason, I believe that [He/She] can excel in graduate school and also contribute to the academic community.
I am confident that [Applicant Name] has the creativity and intellectual ability to succeed in your graduate program. I highly recommend [Him/Her] without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Department]
[Your University]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
Sample Letter 16: Supervisor – Professionalism
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[University Name]
[Department Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
I would like to recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to your graduate program