What Makes Student Recommendations Different
Writing a recommendation for a student is different from writing one for an employee. Admissions committees and scholarship boards want to understand the student's potential, not just their past achievements.
Key Takeaways
- •Focus on intellectual curiosity and growth mindset
- •Compare the student to their peers when appropriate
- •Highlight contributions to classroom discussions
- •Address character and integrity
- •Be specific about the student's potential
They're looking for students who will contribute to their academic community, challenge themselves intellectually, and make the most of the opportunities provided.
Key Elements to Include
Your Credibility
Establish how you know the student and for how long. A recommendation from a teacher who had the student in class for two years carries more weight than one from a teacher who barely knows them.
Credibility Opening
I have known Emma Johnson for three years, first as her English teacher in 10th grade and subsequently as her Academic Decathlon coach. In this time, I have watched her develop from a bright student into one of the most intellectually curious young people I have encountered in my 15 years of teaching.
Academic Performance in Context
Don't just restate grades—they can see those on the transcript. Instead, explain what those grades mean and how the student performed relative to peers.
Academic Context
While Emma's 3.9 GPA speaks for itself, what truly sets her apart is the rigor of her course load. She consistently chooses the most challenging AP courses and often asks for supplementary reading. Her essay on the parallels between Hamlet and modern political leadership was the finest piece of student writing I've encountered in over a decade.
Intellectual Qualities
What kind of thinker is this student? How do they engage with material?
Character and Community
Academic ability isn't everything. Describe how the student interacts with others and contributes to their community.
Specific anecdotes are powerful. Instead of "Emma is kind," tell a story: "When a new student joined our class mid-year, Emma was the first to reach out, sharing notes and inviting her to study groups."
Templates by Purpose
For College Admissions
College Recommendation
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am honored to recommend Student Name for admission to University Name. As Your Position at School Name, I have had the privilege of working with Student for duration, and I can say with confidence that they are among the most distinctive quality students I have taught.
**Academic Excellence**: [Specific example of academic achievement with context]
**Intellectual Curiosity**: [Example showing love of learning beyond requirements]
**Character**: [Anecdote demonstrating character]
**Contribution to Community**: [How student impacts those around them]
Student will bring specific qualities to your campus community. I recommend them without reservation and believe they will make the most of every opportunity University has to offer.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any additional information.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Title
Contact Information
For Scholarship Applications
Scholarship committees want to know the student will make good use of financial support. Emphasize:
Scholarship Recommendation
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to strongly recommend Student Name for the Scholarship Name. Student exemplifies the qualities your scholarship seeks to support: academic excellence, community commitment, and the drive to overcome challenges.
Paragraph on academic achievements with specific examples
Paragraph on community involvement and leadership
Paragraph on character and how they handle adversity
Receiving this scholarship would enable Student to specific impact. Given their demonstrated commitment to field/cause, I am confident they will make you proud of your investment in their future.
Sincerely,
Your Name
For Graduate School
Graduate programs want to know if the student can handle advanced academic work and contribute to research.
Graduate School Recommendation
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to recommend Student for your Specific Program graduate program. I have supervised their undergraduate research for duration and can speak to their readiness for graduate-level work.
**Research Abilities**: [Description of research work with specific contributions]
**Analytical Skills**: [Example of sophisticated thinking]
**Independence and Initiative**: [How they work without hand-holding]
**Collaboration**: [How they work with others in research settings]
Student has the intellectual capacity, work ethic, and passion for field needed to succeed in your program. They would be a valuable addition to your cohort.
Sincerely,
Your Name
What Not to Include
Grades and Test Scores
They already have those. Your job is to provide context and insight that transcripts can't.
Vague Superlatives
"Best student ever" is meaningless. Specific examples are powerful.
Personal Information
Don't mention family situations, health issues, or other personal details unless the student has asked you to and it's relevant.
Your Own Achievements
The letter is about the student, not you. Keep your credentials brief.
Tips for Teachers
Keep Notes Throughout the Year
When a student does something noteworthy, write it down. You'll thank yourself when recommendation season arrives.
Ask Students for Context
Have them share their goals, activities, and any specific points they want you to address. This makes your letter more relevant and useful.
Be Honest
If you can't write a genuinely positive letter, decline. A lukewarm recommendation can hurt more than no recommendation at all.