Introduction
Writing a recommendation letter for a college application can be a daunting task, especially when you want to ensure that the letter effectively highlights the applicant’s strengths and qualifications. A well-crafted recommendation letter can significantly enhance a student’s chances of admission to their desired college or university. This article provides 16+ sample recommendation letters that can serve as a guide when writing your own.
These examples cover a variety of scenarios, including academic recommendations, extracurricular activity recommendations, and workplace recommendations. Each letter is tailored to emphasize different qualities and experiences, demonstrating the versatility of recommendation letters in college applications.
By reviewing these samples, you can gain insights into the structure, tone, and content that make a recommendation letter stand out. Whether you are a teacher, mentor, or supervisor, these examples will help you craft a compelling and effective recommendation letter for your student or protégé.
1. Academic Recommendation Letter for a High School Student
123 Oak Street
Springfield, IL 62704
October 15, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Emily Johnson for admission to your esteemed college. As Emily’s high school English teacher for the past four years, I have had the pleasure of witnessing her growth into an exceptional student and individual.
Emily’s academic prowess is evident in her consistent high grades and her ability to engage deeply with complex material. She has a keen analytical mind and a passion for learning that sets her apart from her peers. Her dedication to excellence is inspiring, and her positive attitude makes her a joy to have in class.
Emily’s contributions to our school community extend beyond the classroom. She has been an active member of the debate team, leading them to several regional victories. Her leadership skills, combined with her empathy and kindness, make her a well-rounded candidate.
Please feel free to contact me at (555) 123-4567 if you have any further questions. I am confident that Emily will excel at your institution and make valuable contributions to your academic community.
Sincerely,
Ms. Sarah Thompson
2. Recommendation Letter from a Professor for a College Transfer Student
456 Maple Avenue
Boston, MA 02134
November 10, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am delighted to recommend David Martinez for transfer admission to your college. As David’s professor for two semesters, I have observed his intellectual curiosity and his commitment to academic excellence.
David’s ability to think critically and approach problems creatively has been impressive. In my Introduction to Psychology course, he consistently produced outstanding work, demonstrating a deep understanding of complex theories and concepts. His participation in class discussions was always thoughtful and insightful, enriching the learning environment for all students.
David is also an exceptional collaborator. He worked tirelessly on group projects, often taking the lead to ensure the success of his team. His dedication to his studies, combined with his interpersonal skills, makes him an excellent candidate for your college.
I am confident that David will thrive at your institution and contribute meaningfully to your academic community. Please do not hesitate to contact me at (555) 234-5678 if you require any additional information.
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Collins
3. Extracurricular Activity Recommendation Letter
789 Pine Road
Los Angeles, CA 90024
September 20, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend Sophia Rodriguez for admission to your college. As Sophia’s advisor for the school’s drama club, I have had the pleasure of witnessing her growth into a talented and dedicated individual.
Sophia’s leadership skills and creativity have been instrumental in the success of our drama club. She has directed several plays, showcasing her ability to bring out the best in her peers. Her passion for the arts is evident in everything she does, and her positive energy is contagious.
Sophia’s commitment to the drama club extends beyond her roles in productions. She has organized fundraising events and workshops, demonstrating her ability to take initiative and manage multiple responsibilities. Her dedication has significantly contributed to the growth and success of our club.
Please feel free to contact me at (555) 345-6789 if you have any further questions. I am confident that Sophia will bring her enthusiasm and creativity to your college community.
Sincerely,
Ms. Laura Bennett
4. Workplace Recommendation Letter for a Gap Year Student
321 Cedar Lane
Chicago, IL 60611
December 5, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend James Wilson for admission to your college. James worked at our company during his gap year, and I had the pleasure of supervising him during his internship.
James demonstrated exceptional professionalism and a strong work ethic during his time with us. He quickly learned the responsibilities of his role and consistently delivered high-quality work. His ability to adapt to new challenges and his willingness to take on additional tasks made him a valuable member of our team.
James’s excellent communication skills and positive attitude made him a pleasure to work with. He was always eager to assist his colleagues and contributed to a collaborative and supportive work environment. His maturity and responsibility are qualities that will serve him well in his academic and professional pursuits.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at (555) 456-7890 if you require any additional information. I am confident that James will excel at your institution and make valuable contributions to your academic community.
Sincerely,
Mr. Robert Davis
5. Athletic Recommendation Letter for a Student-Athlete
654 Birch Street
Dallas, TX 75201
January 8, 2024
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend Olivia Brown for admission to your college. As Olivia’s basketball coach for the past three years, I have had the pleasure of witnessing her growth into an exceptional athlete and leader.
Olivia’s dedication to her sport and her team is truly commendable. She has been an integral part of our basketball team, leading us to two regional championships. Her hard work, discipline, and perseverance have been an inspiration to her teammates and a key factor in our success.
Olivia’s leadership extends beyond the court. She has been a role model for her peers, demonstrating a strong work ethic and a positive attitude. Her ability to motivate and support her teammates has fostered a cohesive and resilient team environment.
Please feel free to contact me at (555) 567-8901 if you have any further questions. I am confident that Olivia will excel at your institution and make valuable contributions to your athletic program.
Sincerely,
Coach Emily Moore
6. Volunteer Work Recommendation Letter
987 Maple Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104
February 12, 2024
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am delighted to recommend Ava Green for admission to your college. Ava has been a dedicated volunteer at our community center for the past two years, and I have had the pleasure of witnessing her growth into a compassionate and responsible individual.
Ava’s commitment to helping others is truly inspiring. She has been instrumental in organizing community events and leading youth programs, demonstrating her leadership skills and dedication to making a positive impact. Her ability to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds has made her a beloved member of our community.
Ava’s positive attitude and willingness to take on new challenges have been a great asset to our organization. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the success of our programs and the well-being of our participants. Her compassion and empathy are qualities that will serve her well in her future endeavors.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at (555) 678-9012 if you require any additional information. I am confident that Ava will make valuable contributions to your college community.
Sincerely,
Ms. Jessica White
7. Recommendation Letter from a Mentor
321 Pine Road
Miami, FL 33101
March 15, 2024
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great pleasure that I recommend Daniel Garcia for admission to your college. As Daniel’s mentor for the past three years, I have had the privilege of guiding him through his academic and personal development.
Daniel’s intellectual curiosity and determination to succeed are qualities that set him apart from his peers. He has a passion for learning that is evident in his academic achievements and his involvement in various extracurricular activities. His ability to set goals and work towards them with focus and perseverance is truly impressive.
Daniel’s positive attitude and resilience in the face of challenges have been an inspiration to those around him. He is a natural leader who is always willing to lend a hand and support his peers. His empathy and kindness make him a well-rounded individual with a bright future ahead.
Please feel free to contact me at (555) 789-0123 if you have any further questions. I am confident that Daniel will excel at your institution and make valuable contributions to your academic community.
Sincerely,
Dr. William Smith
8. Recommendation Letter for a STEM Student
654 Cedar Lane
San Francisco, CA 94105
April 10, 2024
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Ethan Kim for admission to your college. As Ethan’s science teacher for the past four years, I have had the pleasure of witnessing his growth into an exceptional student with a passion for STEM fields.
Ethan’s curiosity and enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are truly remarkable. He has consistently excelled in his STEM courses, demonstrating a deep understanding of complex concepts and a ability to apply them in innovative ways. His participation in science fairs and robotics competitions has further showcased his talent and dedication.
Ethan’s ability to think critically and approach problems creatively has been impressive. He has a natural aptitude for problem-solving and a keen interest in emerging technologies. His dedication to his studies, combined with his passion for innovation, makes him an excellent candidate for your college.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at (555) 890-1234 if you require any additional information. I am confident that Ethan will excel at your institution and make valuable contributions to your STEM program.
Sincerely,
Mr. James Wilson
9. Recommendation Letter for an International Student
987 Oak Street
New York, NY 10001
May 5, 2024
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend Sofia Moreno for admission to your college. As Sofia’s English teacher for the past two years, I have had the pleasure of witnessing her growth into a confident and capable student.
Sofia’s determination to succeed in a new cultural and academic environment is truly inspiring. She has quickly adapted to the challenges of studying in a foreign country, demonstrating her resilience and adaptability. Her excellent language skills and ability to connect with her peers have made her a valuable member of our school community.
Sofia’s academic achievements are a testament to her hard work and dedication. She has consistently earned high grades in her courses, showcasing her intellectual ability and commitment to excellence. Her participation in cultural exchange programs has also demonstrated her openness to new experiences and her desire to learn from others.
Please feel free to contact me at (555) 901-2345 if you have any further questions. I am confident that Sofia will excel at your institution and make valuable contributions to your international student community.
Sincerely,
Ms. Laura Johnson
10. Recommendation Letter for a Transfer Student with Work Experience
321 Maple Avenue
Houston, TX 77002
June 1, 2024
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am delighted to recommend Rachel Lee for transfer admission to your college. Rachel has been a standout student during her time at our institution, and I have had the pleasure of observing her academic and personal growth.
Rachel’s academic achievements and work experience make her an exceptional candidate for your college. She has consistently earned high grades in her courses, demonstrating her intellectual ability and commitment to excellence. Her participation in internships and part-time work has further prepared her for the challenges of higher education.
Rachel’s ability to balance her academic responsibilities with her professional obligations has been impressive. She has developed strong time management and organizational skills, which will serve her well in her future endeavors. Her positive attitude and willingness to take on new challenges make her a well-rounded candidate.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at (555) 123-4567 if you require any additional information. I am confident that Rachel will excel at your institution and make valuable contributions to your academic community.
Sincerely,
Dr. Sarah Davis
11. Recommendation Letter for a Student with Leadership Experience
654 Pine Road
Phoenix, AZ 85001
July 10, 2024
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great pleasure that I recommend Michael Brown for admission to your college. As Michael’s principal for the past four years, I have had the privilege of witnessing his growth into a confident and capable leader.
Michael’s leadership skills and dedication to his school community are truly commendable. He has served as the president of our student council, leading various initiatives to improve student life and school spirit. His ability to inspire and motivate his peers has been instrumental in the success of these efforts.
Michael’s academic achievements are equally impressive. He has consistently earned high grades in his courses, demonstrating his intellectual ability and commitment to excellence. His participation in extracurricular activities has further showcased his well-roundedness and dedication to personal growth.
Please feel free to contact me at (555) 234-5678 if you have any further questions. I am confident that Michael will excel at your institution and make valuable contributions to your college community.
Sincerely,
Mr. John Wilson
12. Recommendation Letter for a Student with a Strong Work Ethic
987 Cedar Lane
Philadelphia, PA 19101
August 15, 2024
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Olivia Martinez for admission to your college. As Olivia’s employer for the past two summers, I have had the pleasure of observing her growth into a responsible and hardworking individual.
Olivia’s strong work ethic and dedication to her responsibilities are qualities that set her apart from her peers. She has consistently demonstrated her ability to take initiative and manage multiple tasks with efficiency. Her positive attitude and willingness to learn have made her a valuable member of our team.
Olivia’s ability to work well under pressure and her commitment to delivering high-quality results are truly impressive. She has a natural aptitude for problem-solving and a keen eye for detail. Her dedication to her work, combined with her positive attitude, makes her an excellent candidate for your college.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at (555) 345-6789 if you require any additional information. I am confident that Olivia will excel at your institution and make valuable contributions to your academic community.
Sincerely,
Ms. Emily Johnson
13. Recommendation Letter for a Student with a Passion for the Arts
321 Birch Street
Atlanta, GA 30301
September 10, 2024
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend Sophia Rodriguez for admission to your college. As Sophia’s art teacher for the past four years, I have had the pleasure of witnessing her growth into a talented and dedicated artist.
Sophia’s passion for the arts is evident in her exceptional talent and her commitment to her craft. She has consistently produced outstanding work, demonstrating her creativity and technical skill. Her participation in art competitions and exhibitions has further showcased her ability to express herself through various mediums.
Sophia’s ability to think creatively and approach challenges with an open mind has been impressive. She has a natural talent for capturing the essence of her subjects and conveying emotions through her art. Her dedication to her craft, combined with her positive attitude, makes her an excellent candidate for your college.
Please feel free to contact me at (555) 456-7890 if you have any further questions. I am confident that Sophia will excel at your institution and make valuable contributions to your artistic community.
Sincerely,
Ms. Laura Thompson
14. Recommendation Letter for a Student with Community Service Experience
654 Maple Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
October 20, 2024
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am delighted to recommend Daniel Garcia for admission to your college. As Daniel’s volunteer coordinator for the past three years, I have had the pleasure of witnessing his growth into a compassionate and responsible individual.
Daniel’s commitment to community service is truly inspiring. He has been an active volunteer at our local food bank, demonstrating his dedication to helping others. His ability to connect with people from all walks of life and his willingness to take on new challenges have made him a valuable member of our team.
Daniel’s positive attitude and empathy towards others are qualities that will serve him well in his future endeavors. He has a natural ability to inspire and motivate those around him, fostering a sense of community and cooperation. His dedication to making a positive impact is evident in everything he does.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at (555) 567-8901 if you require any additional information. I am confident that Daniel will make valuable contributions to your college community.
Sincerely,
Mr. Robert Martinez
15. Recommendation Letter for a Student with Entrepreneurial Experience
987 Oak Street
Los Angeles, CA 90024
November 25, 2024
Dear Admissions Committee,
It is with great pleasure that I recommend Emily Johnson for admission to your college. As Emily’s business teacher for the past three years, I have had the pleasure of witnessing her growth into a confident and entrepreneurial individual.
Emily’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to her business ventures are truly commendable. She has successfully launched her own online business, demonstrating her ability to take initiative and manage multiple responsibilities. Her creativity and resourcefulness have been instrumental in the success of her enterprise.
Emily’s ability to think critically and approach challenges with a innovative mindset has been impressive. She has a natural talent for identifying opportunities and developing effective solutions. Her dedication to her business, combined with her positive attitude, makes her an excellent candidate for your college.
Please feel free to contact me at (555) 678-9012 if you have any further questions. I am confident that Emily will excel at your institution and make valuable contributions to your entrepreneurial community.
Sincerely,
Ms. Jessica Wilson
16. Recommendation Letter for a Student with a Strong Moral Character
321 Pine Road
Dallas, TX 75201
December 10, 2024
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend James Wilson for admission to your college. As James’s principal for the past four years, I have had the privilege of witnessing his growth into a compassionate and responsible individual with a strong moral character.
James’s integrity, empathy, and commitment to doing what is right are qualities that set him apart from his peers. He has consistently demonstrated his ability to make ethical decisions and stand up for what he believes in. His positive attitude and willingness to help others have made him a respected and valued member of our school community.
James’s ability to inspire and motivate those around him has been impressive. He has a natural leadership quality that fosters a sense of unity and cooperation. His dedication to making a positive impact is evident in everything he does, from his academic achievements to his involvement in community service.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at (555) 789-0123 if you require any additional information. I am confident that James will excel at your institution and make valuable contributions to your college community.
Sincerely,
Mr. William Brown
Conclusion
These 16 sample recommendation letters provide a comprehensive guide for writing effective recommendation letters for college applications. Each letter highlights different qualities and experiences, demonstrating the versatility of recommendation letters in showcasing an applicant’s strengths and potential. By reviewing these examples, you can gain valuable insights into the structure, tone, and content that make a recommendation letter stand out. Whether you are a teacher, mentor, or supervisor, these samples will help you craft a compelling and personalized recommendation letter that supports your student’s college application.