Are you a teacher, counselor, or other professional in a position to write a letter of recommendation for a student? The process may seem daunting, but fear not! We’ve got you covered with a general letter of recommendation template for students that you can easily adapt to fit your needs.
Whether you’re writing a letter for college admissions, a scholarship opportunity, or even a job application, our template provides a solid starting point. You’ll find examples of strong openings, key accomplishments to highlight, and a closing that emphasizes the student’s potential.
Don’t forget – every letter of recommendation should be tailored to the individual student to truly showcase their unique strengths. That’s why we’re also providing tips for editing and personalizing the template to ensure you present a compelling case for your student.
So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to letter writing, download our general letter of recommendation template for students today and get started on crafting a memorable endorsement. Your student will thank you for it!
The Best Structure for a General Letter of Recommendation Template for Students
As a teacher or mentor, it’s common to be asked to write a letter of recommendation for a student who is applying for scholarships, colleges, or jobs. A well-written letter can make a difference in the student’s future, so it’s important to structure it in a way that effectively highlights their strengths and achievements. Here is the best structure for a general letter of recommendation template for a student:
Introduction: The first paragraph should introduce yourself and the student, as well as your relationship to them. Mention how long you have known the student and in what capacity, such as a teacher, counselor, or mentor. This will provide context for the reader and establish your credibility as a recommender.
Body: The body of the letter should be two to three paragraphs that highlight the student’s strengths, accomplishments, and potential. Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points, and avoid broad statements without evidence. This is your chance to describe the student’s character, work ethic, leadership skills, and academic performance. You can also mention any challenges the student has overcome and how they have grown as a result.
Closing: The final paragraph should summarize your endorsement of the student and provide a clear recommendation for them. Include your contact information and availability for follow-up questions or further discussion. End the letter with an expression of confidence in the student’s ability to succeed in their future endeavors.
Format: Use a professional format for the letter, including a standard font (such as Times New Roman or Arial), single spacing and one-inch margins. Address the letter to the specific person or organization requesting it, and include the student’s name and the purpose of the recommendation in the header. Sign the letter by hand and write your name and title underneath.
Overall, the structure of a general letter of recommendation for a student should be professional, informative, and focused on the student’s strengths and achievements. With careful attention to detail and specific examples, you can help the student stand out as a strong candidate for their desired college, scholarship, or job.
General Letter of Recommendation Templates
Recommendation for Academic Scholarship
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to highly recommend [Student Name] for an academic scholarship. As [his/her] guidance counselor, I have had the pleasure of observing [his/her] academic achievements and personal character. [Student Name] is an exceptional student who consistently achieves high marks in [his/her] coursework while also being actively involved in various extracurricular activities.
[He/She] has demonstrated strong leadership skills as president of the student government and as a member of various sports teams. [Student Name] has also volunteered with various community organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the local food bank.
Overall, I strongly believe that [Student Name] would be an excellent candidate for an academic scholarship. [His/Her] dedication, hard work, and leadership skills make [him/her] a standout student and an asset to any university.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Recommendation for Graduate School Admission
Dear Graduate School Committee,
I am writing to highly recommend [Student Name] for admission to your graduate program. As [his/her] professor for the past two years, I have been consistently impressed with [his/her] academic achievements and research work. [Student Name] is an exceptional student who is passionate about [his/her] field of study and has made significant contributions to our research team.
[He/She] has demonstrated excellent critical thinking skills and a strong understanding of complex topics. [Student Name] is also a great communicator and has presented [his/her] research findings at several academic conferences. These experiences have prepared [him/her] for the rigors of graduate school and a future career in academia.
Overall, I strongly believe that [Student Name] would be an excellent candidate for your graduate program. [His/Her] dedication, hard work, and research skills make [him/her] a standout student and an asset to any academic community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Recommendation for Job Application
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to highly recommend [Student Name] for the [Position] role at your organization. As [his/her] supervisor at [Company], I have had the pleasure of observing [his/her] work ethic and dedication to [his/her] tasks. [Student Name] is an exceptional employee who consistently goes above and beyond in [his/her] work.
[He/She] has demonstrated excellent problem-solving skills and a strong understanding of [Industry]. [Student Name] has also shown great initiative by developing and implementing several new strategies that have improved [Company]’s efficiency and profitability.
Overall, I strongly believe that [Student Name] would be an excellent candidate for the [Position] role. [His/Her] dedication, hard work, and leadership skills make [him/her] a standout candidate and an asset to your organization.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Recommendation for Study Abroad Program
Dear Study Abroad Program Committee,
I am writing to highly recommend [Student Name] for your study abroad program. As [his/her] foreign language teacher for the past three years, I have had the pleasure of observing [his/her] language proficiency and cultural understanding. [Student Name] is an exceptional student who is passionate about learning about different cultures and languages.
[He/She] has demonstrated excellent language skills and cultural adaptability through [his/her] participation in several language immersion programs. [Student Name] has also participated in several international clubs and cultural events, demonstrating a strong understanding and appreciation of various cultural norms.
Overall, I strongly believe that [Student Name] would be an excellent candidate for your study abroad program. [His/Her] dedication, hard work, and cultural awareness make [him/her] a standout candidate and an asset to any international community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Recommendation for Volunteer Work
Dear Volunteer Program Coordinator,
I am writing to highly recommend [Student Name] for your volunteer program. As [his/her] teacher for the past year, I have had the pleasure of observing [his/her] leadership abilities and dedication to community service. [Student Name] is an exceptional student who is passionate about helping others and making a positive impact on [his/her] community.
[He/She] has demonstrated excellent leadership skills by organizing several volunteer projects and raising funds for local charities. [Student Name] has also volunteered with various organizations such as the Red Cross and the local homeless shelter, demonstrating a strong commitment to helping others.
Overall, I strongly believe that [Student Name] would be an excellent candidate for your volunteer program. [His/Her] dedication, hard work, and leadership skills make [him/her] a standout candidate and an asset to any volunteer organization.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Recommendation for Leadership Program
Dear Leadership Program Committee,
I am writing to highly recommend [Student Name] for your leadership program. As [his/her] mentor for the past year, I have had the pleasure of observing [his/her] leadership abilities and dedication to personal growth. [Student Name] is an exceptional student who is passionate about developing [his/her] leadership skills and becoming a positive influence in [his/her] community.
[He/She] has demonstrated excellent leadership skills by initiating several community projects and organizing events that have positively impacted [his/her] school and community. [Student Name] has also shown great initiative by seeking out leadership opportunities and attending various leadership conferences and workshops.
Overall, I strongly believe that [Student Name] would be an excellent candidate for your leadership program. [His/Her] dedication, hard work, and leadership potential make [him/her] a standout candidate and an asset to any leadership program.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Recommendation for College Application
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to highly recommend [Student Name] for admission to your college. As [his/her] teacher for the past three years, I have had the pleasure of observing [his/her] academic achievements and personal character. [Student Name] is an exceptional student who consistently achieves high marks in [his/her] coursework while also being actively involved in various extracurricular activities.
[He/She] has demonstrated strong leadership skills as president of the student government and as a member of various sports teams. [Student Name] has also volunteered with various community organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the local food bank.
Overall, I strongly believe that [Student Name] would be an excellent candidate for your college. [His/Her] dedication, hard work, and leadership potential make [him/her] a standout candidate and an asset to any academic community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Tips for Writing a General Letter of Recommendation for a Student
Writing a letter of recommendation for a student can be an overwhelming task, especially if you want to make sure that the student will stand out to the recipient. Below are some tips to help you create a succinct, effective, and impressive general letter of recommendation template for a student.
First, be specific in your letter. In order to make the student stand out, you need to give specific examples of why they deserve the letter of recommendation. Avoid generalizing statements such as “the student is hardworking,” and instead provide specific instances such as “the student frequently stays late to work on projects and often receives high marks for their hard work.”
Second, address the letter to a specific person or organization. This will show that you took the time to research the recipient and personalize the letter to them. It will also make the letter feel more authentic and less like a generic recommendation letter. If you are not sure of the specific person or organization, you can use a generic greeting such as “To Whom It May Concern.”
Third, emphasize the student’s strengths. While it is important to give specific examples, it is equally important to highlight the student’s strengths and achievements. Mention any academic honors, extracurricular activities, or leadership positions the student has held. Emphasize how these experiences helped shape the student into an exceptional individual.
Fourth, proofread the letter carefully. Typos, grammatical errors, or other mistakes will detract from the credibility of your letter. Take the time to carefully proofread the letter and make sure that it follows proper formatting guidelines. Finally, make sure to sign the letter and include your contact information such as your phone number and email address. This will allow the recipient to contact you if they have any follow-up questions or comments.
By following these tips, you can create an effective and impressive general letter of recommendation template for a student that will help them stand out among their peers and increase their chances of getting accepted into their desired academic program or job.
FAQs for General Letter of Recommendation Template for Students
What is a general letter of recommendation template?
A general letter of recommendation template is a pre-written format. This format helps the recommender to provide a clear, concise, and relevant letter of recommendation for a student.
What should be included in a general letter of recommendation template for students?
A general letter of recommendation template should include the student’s basic information, academic and personal strengths, and a specific example of how the student displayed those strengths.
Who can write a general letter of recommendation for a student?
A general letter of recommendation can be written by anyone who has worked with the student, such as a teacher, advisor, coach, or employer.
How do I request a general letter of recommendation from someone?
You can request a general letter of recommendation by providing the person with your information, a deadline, and instructions on where to send the letter. It’s also helpful to let them know why you’re requesting the letter and what you hope to achieve.
What is the ideal length for a general letter of recommendation for students?
The ideal length for a general letter of recommendation for students is one to two pages. It should be long enough to provide a clear and detailed account of the student’s strengths, but not too long that it becomes repetitive or unnecessary.
Is it possible to customize a general letter of recommendation template?
Yes, you can customize a general letter of recommendation template. You should make sure to personalize it by including specific details that highlight the student’s strengths and unique qualities.
What should I do if I’m not satisfied with the general letter of recommendation that I receive?
If you’re not satisfied with the general letter of recommendation that you receive, you should consider reaching out to the recommender and explaining your concerns. Ask if there is anything they can do to revise the letter to better reflect your strengths and accomplishments.
Cheers to Your Success!
And that concludes our guide to a general letter of recommendation template for students. We hope that this article has been useful in helping you craft an outstanding letter that stands out. Remember, an excellent recommendation letter could open doors to endless opportunities and help students succeed in their academic and professional pursuits. Thanks for reading, and we hope to see you again soon for more helpful tips and guides!