Imam Why is Writing a Recommendation Letter Graduate School Application So Hard? Your Problems, Answered
Writing a recommendation letter for a graduate school application can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not familiar with the process or don’t know where to start. Here are some common pain points or fears users have about writing this letter:
- Fear of not doing justice to the candidate’s abilities and qualities
- Difficulty in structuring the letter and organizing thoughts
- Uncertainty about what information to include and what to leave out
- Concerns about the tone and language used in the letter
The Basic Framework for an Effective Letter
A well-structured recommendation letter typically follows a standard format, which includes an introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should establish your relationship with the candidate and explain how you know them. The body should provide specific examples and anecdotes that demonstrate the candidate’s skills and qualifications. The conclusion should summarize your recommendation and reiterate your support for the candidate.
Remember, the key to an effective letter is to provide specific, detailed, and honest information about the candidate. Avoid generic statements and focus on the candidate’s unique strengths and achievements.
Application in Practice: 14 Scenarios & Examples
Scenario 1: Recommending a Former Employee for a Master’s Program
Dr. Jane Smith, Admissions Committee, Harvard University
February 10, 2023
Dear Dr. Smith,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend my former employee, John Doe, for admission to the Master’s program in Business Administration at Harvard University. I had the pleasure of supervising John during his internship at ABC Corporation, and I can confidently attest to his exceptional skills and qualifications.
John’s exceptional leadership skills and ability to work well under pressure make him an ideal candidate for the program.
Sincerely,
Emily Johnson
Practical Takeaway: Provide specific examples of the candidate’s skills and qualifications to support your recommendation.
Scenario 2: Recommending a Colleague for a Ph.D. Program
Dr. John Doe, Admissions Committee, Stanford University
March 15, 2023
Dear Dr. Doe,
I am writing to recommend my colleague, Jane Smith, for admission to the Ph.D. program in Computer Science at Stanford University. I have had the pleasure of working with Jane on several projects, and I can confidently attest to her exceptional research skills and academic achievements.
Jane’s passion for innovation and her ability to think outside the box make her an ideal candidate for the program.
Sincerely,
Michael Brown
Practical Takeaway: Highlight the candidate’s unique strengths and qualities that set them apart from others.
Scenario 3: Recommending a Student for a Master’s Program
Dr. Emily Johnson, Admissions Committee, University of California, Berkeley
April 10, 2023
Dear Dr. Johnson,
I am writing to recommend my student, David Lee, for admission to the Master’s program in Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. I have had the pleasure of teaching David in several courses, and I can confidently attest to his exceptional academic achievements and potential for success.
David’s exceptional problem-solving skills and ability to work well in a team make him an ideal candidate for the program.
Sincerely,
Professor James Smith
Practical Takeaway: Emphasize the candidate’s academic achievements and potential for success in the program.
Scenario 4: Recommending a Research Assistant for a Ph.D. Program
Dr. Michael Brown, Admissions Committee, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
May 10, 2023
Dear Dr. Brown,
I am writing to recommend my research assistant, Sarah Taylor, for admission to the Ph.D. program in Biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. I have had the pleasure of working with Sarah on several research projects, and I can confidently attest to her exceptional research skills and academic achievements.
Sarah’s passion for scientific discovery and her ability to think critically make her an ideal candidate for the program.
Sincerely,
Dr. Emily Johnson
Practical Takeaway: Highlight the candidate’s research skills and academic achievements in the letter.
Scenario 5: Recommending a Volunteer for a Master’s Program
Dr. James Smith, Admissions Committee, New York University
June 10, 2023
Dear Dr. Smith,
I am writing to recommend my volunteer, Rachel Lee, for admission to the Master’s program in Public Health at New York University. I have had the pleasure of supervising Rachel during her volunteer work at our organization, and I can confidently attest to her exceptional skills and qualifications.
Rachel’s exceptional communication skills and ability to work well with diverse groups make her an ideal candidate for the program.
Sincerely,
Emily Johnson
Practical Takeaway: Emphasize the candidate’s skills and qualifications that are relevant to the program.
Scenario 6: Recommending a Friend for a Master’s Program
Dr. David Lee, Admissions Committee, University of Chicago
July 10, 2023
Dear Dr. Lee,
I am writing to recommend my friend, Olivia Brown, for admission to the Master’s program in Economics at the University of Chicago. I have known Olivia for several years, and I can confidently attest to her exceptional skills and qualifications.
Olivia’s exceptional analytical skills and ability to think critically make her an ideal candidate for the program.
Sincerely,
Michael Johnson
Practical Takeaway: Be honest and sincere in your recommendation, and avoid generic statements.
Scenario 7: Recommending a Colleague for a Ph.D. Program
Dr. Sarah Taylor, Admissions Committee, University of Michigan
August 10, 2023
Dear Dr. Taylor,
I am writing to recommend my colleague, Mark Davis, for admission to the Ph.D. program in Physics at the University of Michigan. I have had the pleasure of working with Mark on several projects, and I can confidently attest to his exceptional research skills and academic achievements.
Mark’s exceptional problem-solving skills and ability to work well under pressure make him an ideal candidate for the program.
Sincerely,
Emily Johnson
Practical Takeaway: Provide specific examples of the candidate’s skills and qualifications to support your recommendation.
Scenario 8: Recommending a Research Assistant for a Master’s Program
Dr. James Brown, Admissions Committee, University of California, Los Angeles
September 10, 2023
Dear Dr. Brown,
I am writing to recommend my research assistant, Kevin White, for admission to the Master’s program in Computer Science at the University of California, Los Angeles. I have had the pleasure of working with Kevin on several research projects, and I can confidently attest to his exceptional research skills and academic achievements.
Kevin’s exceptional programming skills and ability to think critically make him an ideal candidate for the program.
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Johnson
Practical Takeaway: Highlight the candidate’s research skills and academic achievements in the letter.
Scenario 9: Recommending a Volunteer for a Ph.D. Program
Dr. Rachel Lee, Admissions Committee, University of Wisconsin-Madison
October 10, 2023
Dear Dr. Lee,
I am writing to recommend my volunteer, Daniel Kim, for admission to the Ph.D. program in Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I have had the pleasure of supervising Daniel during his volunteer work at our organization, and I can confidently attest to his exceptional skills and qualifications.
Daniel’s exceptional leadership skills and ability to work well with diverse groups make him an ideal candidate for the program.
Sincerely,
Emily Johnson
Practical Takeaway: Emphasize the candidate’s skills and qualifications that are relevant to the program.
Scenario 10: Recommending a Student for a Master’s Program
Dr. Michael Davis, Admissions Committee, University of Texas at Austin
November 10, 2023
Dear Dr. Davis,
I am writing to recommend my student, Sophia Patel, for admission to the Master’s program in Business Administration at the University of Texas at Austin. I have had the pleasure of teaching Sophia in several courses, and I can confidently attest to her exceptional academic achievements and potential for success.
Sophia’s exceptional communication skills and ability to work well in a team make her an ideal candidate for the program.
Sincerely,
Professor James Smith
Practical Takeaway: Emphasize the candidate’s academic achievements and potential for success in the program.
Scenario 11: Recommending a Colleague for a Master’s Program
Dr. Kevin White, Admissions Committee, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
December 10, 2023
Dear Dr. White,
I am writing to recommend my colleague, Laura Martin, for admission to the Master’s program in Public Health at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I have had the pleasure of working with Laura on several projects, and I can confidently attest to her exceptional skills and qualifications.
Laura’s exceptional problem-solving skills and ability to work well under pressure make her an ideal candidate for the program.
Sincerely,
Emily Johnson
Practical Takeaway: Provide specific examples of the candidate’s skills and qualifications to support your recommendation.
Scenario 12: Recommending a Research Assistant for a Ph.D. Program
Dr. Sophia Patel, Admissions Committee, University of California, Berkeley
January 10, 2024
Dear Dr. Patel,
I am writing to recommend my research assistant, Christopher Lee, for admission to the Ph.D. program in Computer Science at the University of California, Berkeley. I have had the pleasure of working with Christopher on several research projects, and I can confidently attest to his exceptional research skills and academic achievements.
Christopher’s exceptional programming skills and ability to think critically make him an ideal candidate for the program.
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Johnson
Practical Takeaway: Highlight the candidate’s research skills and academic achievements in the letter.
Scenario 13: Recommending a Volunteer for a Master’s Program
Dr. Daniel Kim, Admissions Committee, New York University
February 10, 2024
Dear Dr. Kim,
I am writing to recommend my volunteer, Maria Rodriguez, for admission to the Master’s program in Economics at New York University. I have had the pleasure of supervising Maria during her volunteer work at our organization, and I can confidently attest to her exceptional skills and qualifications.
Maria’s exceptional analytical skills and ability to work well with diverse groups make her an ideal candidate for the program.
Sincerely,
Emily Johnson
Practical Takeaway: Emphasize the candidate’s skills and qualifications that are relevant to the program.
Scenario 14: Recommending a Friend for a Ph.D. Program
Dr. Christopher Lee, Admissions Committee, University of Michigan
March 10, 2024
Dear Dr. Lee,
I am writing to recommend my friend, Alexander Brown, for admission to the Ph.D. program in Physics at the University of Michigan. I have known Alexander for several years, and I can confidently attest to his exceptional skills and qualifications.
Alexander’s exceptional problem-solving skills and ability to think critically make him an ideal candidate for the program.
Sincerely,
Michael Johnson
Practical Takeaway: Be honest and sincere in your recommendation, and avoid generic statements.
Final Checklist: Is Your Letter Ready to Send?
Before sending your letter, make sure to review the following checklist:
- Have you provided specific examples of the candidate’s skills and qualifications?
- Have you emphasized the candidate’s academic achievements and potential for success?
- Have you highlighted the candidate’s research skills and academic achievements?
- Have you provided a clear and concise recommendation?
- Have you proofread your letter for grammar and spelling errors?
- Have you included your contact information and signature?
- Have you tailored your letter to the specific program and institution?
By following these guidelines and examples, you can create a strong and effective recommendation letter that will help your candidate stand out in the graduate school application process.