Are you applying to graduate school and in need of a recommendation letter? Look no further! In this article, we have collected a variety of recommendation letter samples for grad school that you can use as inspiration. From professors to employers, these letters highlight your strengths, accomplishments, and character.
By reading through these examples, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of what makes a strong recommendation letter. You’ll notice that each one is unique and tailored to the specific student, program, and school.
The best part? You can easily edit these recommendation letters to fit your own needs. Just replace the names and relevant details, and you’re good to go.
Don’t let the stress of getting recommendation letters hold you back from achieving your academic goals. Take inspiration from our collection of sample letters and impress your potential graduate schools with an outstanding recommendation letter.
The Ideal Structure for a Recommendation Letter Sample for Grad School
As you prepare for grad school, one critical part of your application materials is the recommendation letter. This letter is an endorsement of your academic and personal qualities by someone who knows you well. Your letter can make a tremendous difference in your application’s success, and thus it’s essential to ensure that your recommendation letter is appropriately structured.
The following structure is the best recommendation letter format for grad school:
Opening
Begin your letter by introducing yourself and your relationship with the student you are writing about. Provide details like how long you have known the student, the capacity in which you interacted, and any significant achievements that demonstrate why you’re qualified to write this letter.
Description of the Student’s Qualities
Next, provide detailed examples of the student’s qualities that make them suitable for the graduate program. Focus on their academic skills, research abilities, critical thinking, and ability to work independently. Provide specific examples and relevant stories that illustrate these traits and why you recognize them. Note any unique projects or initiatives that the student has undertaken and the conclusions they’ve drawn.
Conclusion
As you close, express your overall confidence in the student’s abilities and highlight their potential to succeed in the graduate program. Emphasize why the student would be an asset to the program and how their addition will benefit the educational community.
Finally, provide your contact information and reiterate your willingness to discuss the student’s merits further. This information is essential, as it gives the program’s admissions committee the ability to follow up with any further questions they may have about the student.
Final Words
The ideal structure for a recommendation letter sample for grad school will help you showcase your student’s abilities, making them stand out among the many applicants looking to get admission to grad school. Use the above structure and Tim Ferris’s writing style to make the recommendation letter compelling. By doing so, you provide the admissions committee with compelling reasons to admit your student to the graduate program.
Recommendation Letter Samples for Grad School
Sample #1: Recommendation for Graduate School Admission
Dear Graduate Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Sarah Smith for admission to your graduate program in Public Health. I have had the pleasure of working with Sarah for the past two years at the ABC Health Clinic, where she served as a volunteer intern. During her time here, she consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, impressive intellectual curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to public health.
As a highly engaged intern, Sarah had the opportunity to work across our clinic’s various departments, including patient care, community outreach, and research. Her unique perspectives and exceptional problem-solving skills greatly contributed to the success of various clinic initiatives. She always put in extra effort to learn as much as possible and to ensure that her contributions were substantive and meaningful.
I strongly recommend Sarah for admission to your program. I am confident that her experience, intelligence, and dedication to public health will make her an outstanding graduate student and a valuable asset to your community. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you require further information.
Best regards,
Dr. John Doe
Sample #2: Recommendation for a Graduate Assistantship
Dear Graduate Program Director,
I am writing to recommend Alex Johnson for a graduate assistantship in your mathematics department. I had the opportunity to work with Alex during their undergraduate studies in mathematics at XYZ University. I was impressed by their academic achievements and creativity in research.
Alex is a highly motivated individual and is passionate about pursuing graduate studies in mathematics. During their undergraduate studies, they demonstrated exceptional talent in mathematical research and excelled in various competitions. I strongly believe that Alex’s mathematical skills and creativity will continue to grow and flourish in a graduate program.
Moreover, Alex consistently demonstrated strong collaborative and communication skills, which are essential for a graduate assistantship. They always worked well in a team and were able to articulate complex mathematical concepts in a clear, concise manner. Their ability to communicate effectively will make them a valuable asset as a graduate assistant.
I enthusiastically recommend Alex Johnson for a graduate assistantship. Please feel free to contact me for any further information.
Best regards,
Professor Jane Green
Sample #3: Recommendation for a Graduate Scholarship
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to strongly recommend Hannah Lee for the graduate scholarship offered by your institution. I have had the pleasure of working with Hannah for the past year at the environmental organization Green Earth, where she served as a research intern. Her work was exceptional and demonstrated her dedication and commitment to environmental justice.
Hannah has a deep passion for environmental issues and has been committed to this cause since her undergraduate studies. During her time at Green Earth, she was instrumental in conducting research on various environmental issues, including climate change and pollution. Her work has been published in numerous academic journals, and she has presented her research at various conferences.
What sets Hannah apart is her leadership and interpersonal skills. She always went the extra mile to collaborate with other researchers and ensure the success of the project. Her professionalism and dedication to the work have been inspiring to all of us at Green Earth.
Hannah would be an outstanding candidate for the graduate scholarship, and her research will undoubtedly contribute to the field of environmental science. I strongly recommend her without reservation for your consideration.
Best regards,
Dr. Robert Grey
Sample #4: Recommendation for a Graduate Program in Psychology
Dear Psychology Graduate Program Committee,
I am writing to recommend Peter Kim for admission to your psychology graduate program. As Peter’s academic advisor during his undergraduate studies in psychology, I was impressed by his intellectual curiosity, interdisciplinary approach, and commitment to social justice.
Throughout his undergraduate education, Peter cultivated a deep understanding of the complex issues surrounding mental health and social justice. He analyzed these issues from multiple perspectives, drawing on his experience in psychology, philosophy, and economics. His senior thesis on the stigma of mental illness in Asian communities received high praise from faculty and peers alike.
Peter’s exceptional analytical and research skills make him an ideal candidate for your program. He has extensive research experience in the field of psychology, having volunteered in various research labs during his undergraduate studies. He has developed an impressive methodological skillset and can skillfully apply quantitative and qualitative methods to complex research questions.
I strongly recommend Peter to your program’s admission committee. I am confident that he will contribute meaningfully to your research and academic community and will become a valuable asset to your program. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
Dr. Rachel Park
Sample #5: Recommendation for a Graduate Program in Journalism
Dear Graduate Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Julia Rodriguez for admission to your graduate program in Journalism. Julia has worked as a freelance journalist for our local newspaper for the past two years, and her work has been exceptional. She is a talented writer, and I believe that her passion and professionalism will make her an excellent candidate for your program.
Julia’s writing exhibits exceptional clarity, maturity, and depth. She always approaches her work with curiosity and dedication, taking the time to carefully research and investigate her topics. Her previous contributions to our newspaper have covered a wide range of current affairs, from politics to environmental concerns, demonstrating her agility and adaptability as a writer.
Moreover, Julia has demonstrated excellent leadership and interpersonal skills. She works well within a team and can communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. Her professionalism and reliability have been integral to the success of our newspaper, and I have no doubt that she will excel in your program.
I unreservedly recommend Julia for admission to your program. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you require further information.
Best regards,
Ms. Samantha Lee
Sample #6: Recommendation for a Graduate Program in International Business
Dear Graduate Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Liam Brown for admission to your graduate program in International Business. I had the pleasure of working with Liam for the past two years as his supervisor at our company, where he served as an analyst. Liam’s experience and skills make him an ideal candidate for your program.
Liam is a highly dedicated, analytical, and results-oriented individual. He has extensive experience in analyzing market trends, conducting financial analysis, and identifying business opportunities. His ability to carry out market research and identify business opportunities required an in-depth understanding of global markets and financial systems.
Liam’s experience and analytical skills are matched by his exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities. He has excellent communication skills and can clearly articulate complex financial concepts. He has an innate ability to influence and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, from clients to internal team members.
I strongly recommend Liam for admission to your program, and I am confident that he will contribute meaningfully to your research and academic community and will become a valuable asset to your program. Please feel free to contact me for any further information.
Best regards,
Ms. Sarah Thomas
Sample #7: Recommendation for a Graduate Program in Computer Science
Dear Graduate Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Brandon Kim for admission to your graduate program in Computer Science. I have been Brandon’s professor for the past two years at ABC University, and I have had the opportunity to work closely with him as his academic advisor. I can attest to his exceptional academic achievements, creative problem-solving skills, and commitment to computational research.
Brandon has demonstrated a deep understanding of computer science, excelling in his coursework and consistently securing top grades. He is particularly drawn to computational research, and I have no doubt that his interests and research experience will only flourish in a graduate program. He has conducted extensive research in the field of artificial intelligence during his undergraduate studies and has presented his work at various conferences.
Brandon’s intellectual curiosity and analytical ability have been integral to his success. He approaches each problem with a unique and creative perspective, evaluating and analyzing the various paths to a solution. He thrives on intellectually challenging tasks and has demonstrated exceptional ability to overcome impossible challenges.
I recommend Brandon Kim for your graduate program without reservation. Please feel free to contact me for any further information.
Sincerely,
Professor John Lee
Tips for Writing a Stand-Out Recommendation Letter for Grad School
Writing a recommendation letter for grad school admissions can be a daunting task. As an educator or professional, you want to highlight the qualities and strengths of your student or colleague. Here are some tips to help you write a stand-out recommendation letter:
- Start with a strong opening: Begin your letter with a clear and concise statement of recommendation. Emphasize the nature and length of your relationship with the applicant, and briefly mention the qualities that make them a strong candidate.
- Provide specific examples: Avoid vague or general statements about the applicant’s character or work ethic. Instead, provide specific examples that highlight their skills, achievements, and contributions. Use concrete details, such as specific projects, awards, or performance metrics, to illustrate these points.
- Address the applicant’s weaknesses: While it’s important to highlight the applicant’s strengths, it’s also important to address any weaknesses or areas for improvement. Be honest and constructive in your criticism, and offer concrete suggestions for how the applicant can address these issues.
- Use academic or professional language: Avoid using colloquial or informal language in your letter. Instead, use academic or professional language that demonstrates your expertise and credibility. Use industry-specific terminology and avoid using acronyms or abbreviations that someone outside of your field may not understand.
- Be concise and to the point: Admissions committees may read hundreds of recommendation letters, so it’s important to be concise and to the point. Stick to the main points, and avoid lengthy anecdotes or irrelevant details.
- End with a strong conclusion: Wrap up your letter with a clear and confident statement of recommendation. Reiterate the applicant’s strengths, and express your enthusiasm for their potential success in grad school.
If you follow these tips, you’ll be able to write a compelling and effective recommendation letter that highlights the applicant’s strengths and makes them stand out to admissions committees.
FAQs about Recommendation Letter Samples for Graduate School
What is a recommendation letter?
A recommendation letter is a document written by a professor, employer, or supervisor to endorse your candidacy for graduate school admission or for a scholarship award.
Who should write a recommendation letter for me?
You can ask your professors, advisors, supervisors, or professional colleagues who know you well and can attest to your academic and personal strengths to write a recommendation letter for you.
What should be included in a recommendation letter?
A good recommendation letter should include your academic achievements, professional skills, personal qualities, and potential for success in graduate school or your chosen field.
Can I see a sample recommendation letter for graduate school?
Yes, there are many online resources where you can find sample recommendation letters for graduate school. Just make sure to use them only as a guide or reference, and not to copy them word for word.
Should I provide my recommenders with a template or outline for the recommendation letter?
It’s not necessary to provide a template or outline for the recommendation letter, but you can give your recommenders some guidance or suggestions on what you wish for them to highlight in their letter.
What should I do if my recommender declines to write me a recommendation letter?
If your recommender declines to write you a recommendation letter, it’s better to respect their decision and look for someone else who can vouch for your abilities and potential. Don’t pressure or beg them to write you a letter, as it may reflect poorly on your candidacy.
How many recommendation letters do I need for graduate school applications?
Most graduate school programs require two to three recommendation letters, but some may ask for more or less. Check the requirements of each program carefully and give your recommenders sufficient time to write a quality letter.
Wrapping it up
And that, my friend, is all there is to know about writing an impeccable recommendation letter for grad school! We hope that our recommendation letter sample helped you understand the format and strategy of crafting an impressive document. Remember, it’s not just about the content and language, but also about the credibility of the person writing the letter. Make sure to choose someone who knows you well enough and can vouch for your abilities and achievements. Thanks for reading this piece, and do visit us again for more exciting tips and tricks!