How To Write A College Recommendation Letter [Sample Template]

When a student is applying for admission into college, they’ll certainly need a recommendation letter. Most times, the college recommendation letter is from a college school teacher or occasionally an employer.

Most college admission processes require a convincing letter of recommendation. This is partly due to the ever-increasing competition among college applicants. Writing an effective and sincere college recommendation letter is one way a high school teacher can help a student stand out in the competition.

In this guide, we’ll be showing you how to write a convincing college recommendation letter for your student. The process of writing a recommendation letter is not difficult, just follow the writing tips listed below.

Tips for Writing a College Reference Letter

Before you accept to write a recommendation letter, there are some things that you must put into consideration.

First of all, you need to ask some salient questions about where the student is applying and what fields they are interested in studying. This gives you an insight into how to write a recommendation letter. 

Next, compose a draft of what you want your letter to say about the student. Follow the guidelines below to write an effective college recommendation letter.

The Introduction

Always begin with the standard “To Whom It May Concern.” The first line should provide the name of the person you are recommending. Next, state how long you have known the individual and in what context.

The Body

Whoever is at the receiving end wants to hear two things. They want to hear specific examples of the individual’s personal qualities, leadership abilities, generosity, dedication, and drive/ambition, and they want to know why this individual would be a good fit for their school.

Conclusion

When ending a college letter of recommendation, you don’t need to write much. Just state there “If you have any questions about this individual, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 030-255-1234” is more than adequate.

Closing

You need to close the college recommendation letter appropriately. You can use “Best regards”, or “Sincerely”; include your and the name of your school right below.

Keep it Simple and Proofread

Keep the letter of recommendation short and simple. The length of the letter should not be more than one page, single-spaced page, using Times New Roman 12-point font for printed letters or Arial 11-point font for electronically submitted letters. However, it should not also appear too short.

Finally, keep in mind that you are writing a recommendation to an academic institution. Your reputation and credibility as an educator rest in your letter. While proofreading, check for active voice, proper grammar, and a formal yet warm tone. If you are unsure of the content or conventions you’ve used in your letter, ask another teacher who knows the student to read your letter and provide additional insight.

Sample College Recommendation Letter From a Teacher

To Whom It May Concern:

I have known Yvonne Koffi for the past two years, having served as both her English teacher and her supervisor at ABC High School. I believe Yvonne would be an excellent addition to XYZ College.

While a student at ABC High School, Yvonne has always challenged herself academically. She is an active participant in class discussions and grasps material quickly. She has superb written and verbal skills that are a pleasure for any teacher to encounter. Yvonne even tutors incoming high school freshmen who are struggling with their English courses.

Yvonne also excels in extracurricular activities. She has served as the features editor of our high school paper for the past two years and has written a number of insightful, thought-provoking articles. Her ability to delegate work to her assistant editors also reflects her organizational skills and strong leadership abilities.

Yvonne would bring so much to your school, both inside and outside of the classroom. If you have any questions regarding Yvonne’s qualifications, please feel free to contact me at (030) 255-1234 or [email protected].

Sincerely,

Perky Stad

English Teacher and Department Chair
ABC High School

Sample College Recommendation Letter From an Employer

To Whom It May Concern:

I highly recommend Cyril Kwame as a candidate for XYZ College. I have served as Cyril’s supervisor in his capacity as a camp counselor at ABC Summer Camp for the past four years.

From serving as a counselor-in-training in eighth grade to being promoted to head counselor last year, I have watched Cyril develop into a confident and capable leader.

Cyril is extremely responsible; not only is he accountable for a group of fifteen children every summer, but, as head counselor, he also supervises the counselors-in-training and assists them with any issues they may have. On days when I am not on site, Cyril is the counselor I know I can rely on to make sure the other counselors’ days run smoothly. He is a natural leader who can always be counted on.

I am extremely impressed by Cyril’s organizational skills. Not only does he come up with detailed weekly schedules for his campers, but he also makes sure that his group arrives on time to every activity.

I know this ability to organize and budget time will serve him well in a college setting. Cyril is an organized, intelligent, and capable young man who would be an excellent addition to your school. Feel free to contact me with any questions at (030) 987-1234 or [email protected].

Sincerely,

Jerry Parker

Conclusion

In conclusion, experts from Typemyessay recommend being strategic and thoughtful in making a decision, as the recommendation may have an impact on your reputation and can affect your admission prospects.