Allen, a student who got admission to Harvard University, told how he formatted his application while applying. Him, he divided his application into four parts:
- His scores (30%)
- His achievements (30%)
- Personal statement (30%)
- Recommendation letter (10%)
Looking at his application, we can quickly learn that a part of his application consists of a “recommendation letter.” What is a recommendation letter, and how important is it? In this article, we’re going to discuss all these, including the format of the letter and a few tips to ace your letter. Before diving in, let us find the basics of a letter of recommendation.
What is a letter of recommendation?
A letter of recommendation is a kind of document that serves the purpose of authentication. It is written by a person who has worked or has been in close touch with a particular person. The letter includes the things like the student’s relationship with the recommender, his qualifications, and his achievements. This letter also provides the experience of the recommender with the student.
Recommendation letters are essential for the career of the student. Some hiring managers overlook applications that don’t get a recommendation letter. Likewise, a wrong letter can also affect the student’s career.
Remember, letters from someone who has been in close proximity to the students are encouraged. Letters from celebrities and kings/queens are often ignored. These people don’t know the student in-depth. A teacher, the manager, or a colleague should write a recommendation letter.
Letter of Recommendation vs Letter of Reference
Your teacher or your employer can give a letter of recommendation. They will submit it directly to the university/without informing you. Your recommendation letter should include things like achievements, ethics, behaviors, and skills. It is lengthy as compared to the reference list and is prepared for one-time use.
On the contrary, a letter of reference is made by your referee and is directly handed over to you. You can use it as many times as you want. This letter is usually used for the attestation that you have a link with one’s company. These are short and formal.
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Format for letter of recommendation
Introduction
In the first paragraph, you will give a bit of introduction about yourself, an introduction of the student, and your link with the student. (100-150 words)
Body
A body consists of 2-4 paragraphs. You will divide the body text as per your requirements. You’ll explain why you’re recommending this particular student and what his skills are. Likewise, you can also present your experience with the student; one or two stories based on your venture will work fine. In addition to this, you can also mention the qualities, and skills that the particular student possesses.
The Ending
Here, you’ll give your final verdict. You will summarize why this student is the best fit for this scholarship program, your contact information, and your signature.
How to write a letter of recommendation
As mentioned earlier, the future of the student depends a lot on the recommendation letter. It is much essential to know how to write a good letter. Here are a few recommendations to write effectively:
Ask the student about his academic background.
The person who is recommending should list the student’s educational achievements, extracurriculars, and GPA first. Additionally, question them about the scholarship fund to which they’re submitting their application. This information will allow you to tailor the letter to the program they are registering for, saving you time and frustration.
Remember that your goal is to be a great proponent for your students, encourage them and celebrate their accomplishments. Talk to the student and discover why he is interested in the program, what he intends to accomplish, and what he hopes to gain from it.
Pro tip: Provide the hook in the first paragraph. After giving your short introduction, mention any achievements of the student. Most readers don’t read the complete letter. This method will keep them engaged till the end.
Highlight your relationship with the student
Tell your reader what your relationship is with the student. You’re writing a recommendation letter for a student. Explain how much you know the student and in what role.
Apart from that, you can talk about what you noticed when you first met the student and how you’ve watched him evolve into a good student. Think about describing how well the student has impressed or delighted you in class, on projects, and in other academic contexts.
Write out all the benefits.
Take a look at what you liked the most about the candidate before composing your letter of recommendation. Go into detail and try to create at least three distinct advantages that can benefit the organization.
Ask for a resume or description copy from the student to find his best qualities and write them in favor of the admission committee. Taking help from the resume will make your recommendation letter shine rather than just a piece of paper.
Mention student’s qualities with evidence
Companies want students who can grow their businesses. You will be benefitting both the student and the employer if you mention the student’s related qualities in the recommendation letter. Tell them how this student has helped you in the past. Also, support your answer with evidence.
If you don’t know the student enough in person or forget about his career, you can also get help from his resume. Mention his qualifications, like his academic record, behavior & ethics, volunteer work, awards, projects, and performance as an athlete.
The Ending:
Last but not least, conclude your letter by giving evidence supporting the student’s qualifications. It’s a good idea, as well, to offer to be accessible if the admissions committee has any concerns regarding your recommendations or experiences with the student in the past. Please provide them with a few ways of contacting you, such as a mobile number and an email id.
This generosity will show the employer your confidence in the student’s talents with this last step. In addition, it demonstrates that you encourage him for the scholarship program, which will influence their choice to pick him as a candidate for the scholarship.
The final tip for the students
Recommendation letters are all about anecdotes. Sit with the person who is going to write a recommendation letter for you. Ask him to mention the things that you want to be in your letter. These could be:
- Your voluntary services to the institute
- How good were you in your studies
- Your ethics
- Your social skills
Pro tip: Emails having a @gmail domain are often ignored. The reason is that anyone can create an email with the @gamil domain. Please ask your recommender to use their official or cooperative email. It should be something like @comapnyname.com.
Why are you the best candidate for this scholarship?
An example of a letter of recommendation
[To whom it may concern/Name of the judge]
I enthusiastically suggest [Student Name] for admission to [Program Name].
I am [Your Name], and I work at [Institution or Company] in [Your Position]. I’ve worked in [your business or academic specialty] for [number] years and have seen many working entrepreneurs enter and leave. [Applicant Name] is one of the people I’ve taught who leave memories.
The manner he collaborated with his peers was imposing. ‘Collaboration’ was essential to [Student Name]. He got along well with others. Occasionally, he was open to lending a hand to fellow students in need. [Student Name] hopes to attend [School Name] to study applied mathematics. As a previous student, I am confident that he will do well. [Student Name] comes from a modest family that has always been there for him. But as he prepares for his next learning period, things may go away.
Despite this, I’m not only impressed by his technical abilities. But also teaching [applicant name] was a pleasure. As a result, not only did I appreciate and respect him, but so did many of my co-workers, who relied on him to get the project done.
[Student Name] has worked as a store attendant to supplement his parents’ small income for the last three years of his high school career. But that didn’t stop him from doing well in school. As a whole, I’d say that he is an intriguing student.It is my firm belief that [Applicant Name] would be a fantastic addition to your [Institution/Company]. His dedication will lead him to success. Many early college electives classes would tire [Student Name] because of his wide-ranging knowledge. He has the consciousness to develop and the ability to execute a solid honors course of study. He is ready and will be able to thrive in higher-division classes.
You may reach me at [contact information] if you require any additional information or actual evidence. Given that a recommendation letter may only give a brief overview of the student’s abilities, I’d be delighted to comment on my experience with him.
Regards,
[Recommender signature]FAQs
A letter of recommendation for a scholarship is a written document that provides a formal assessment of an individual’s work or academic performance, character, and/or skills. It is usually written by someone who has firsthand knowledge of the individual, such as a former supervisor, colleague, or teacher.
A letter of recommendation for a scholarship is an important part of the application process, as it provides the scholarship committee with a third-party perspective on the individual’s abilities and potential for success. A strong letter of recommendation can help the committee better understand the individual’s strengths and qualifications, and provide them with additional context to help evaluate the application.
A letter of recommendation for a scholarship should be written by someone who has firsthand knowledge of the individual’s work or academic performance. This may include a former supervisor, colleague, teacher, or academic advisor.
A letter of recommendation for a scholarship should include:
A personal introduction explaining the writer’s relationship to the individual
A detailed assessment of the individual’s strengths and accomplishments, including specific examples of their work or academic performance
An explanation of how the individual’s goals align with the scholarship’s mission and values
A conclusion that summarizes the writer’s recommendation and reiterates the individual’s qualifications and potential for success.
A letter of recommendation for a scholarship should be around one page in length. It should be concise and to the point, but also provide sufficient detail to give the scholarship committee a clear understanding of the individual’s strengths and qualifications.
It is best to request a letter of recommendation for a scholarship from someone who can speak to your work or academic performance, character, and/or skills in a meaningful and relevant way. This may include a former supervisor, colleague, teacher, or academic advisor.
To request a letter of recommendation for a scholarship, it is important to follow proper etiquette and give the writer ample time to complete the letter. Here are some steps you can follow:
Choose the person you would like to write the letter carefully, keeping in mind that they should have firsthand knowledge of your work or academic performance, character, and/or skills
Contact the person via email or in person to request the letter, and provide them with any necessary information or materials, such as your resume or a list of your accomplishments
Thank the person for their time and consideration, and provide them with a deadline for the letter (if applicable)
Follow up with the person a few days before the deadline to ensure that they are able to complete the letter on time.
Most scholarship applications will specify how letters of recommendation should be submitted. This may be through an online portal, by email, or by mail. Be sure to follow the instructions provided in the application materials to ensure that your letter of recommendation is received and properly considered by the scholarship committee.
