8+ Sample Recommendation Letter Graduate School Style
A well-crafted recommendation letter can make a significant difference in a graduate school application. It provides an opportunity for a recommender to showcase a candidate’s strengths, achievements, and potential. In this article, we will explore the importance of a recommendation letter, its key components, and provide samples to inspire you.
From Doubt to Success: A User’s Story
Sarah had always dreamed of pursuing a graduate degree in environmental science. However, she was hesitant to apply due to her mediocre undergraduate grades. Fortunately, her research supervisor, Dr. Thompson, was willing to write a glowing recommendation letter that highlighted Sarah’s exceptional skills and dedication to the field. With Dr. Thompson’s letter, Sarah’s application stood out, and she received acceptance letters from her top-choice programs.
Dr. Thompson’s letter not only showcased Sarah’s academic achievements but also demonstrated her ability to work independently and think critically. The letter emphasized Sarah’s passion for environmental science and her potential to make a meaningful contribution to the field.
Embracing Your Next Chapter
As you embark on this new chapter in your academic journey, remember that a recommendation letter is more than just a formality. It’s an opportunity to showcase your strengths, achievements, and potential. It’s a chance to tell your story and inspire confidence in the admissions committee.
So, take a deep breath, gather your thoughts, and let your recommender help you shine. Remember, a well-crafted recommendation letter can be the difference between acceptance and rejection.
Embrace this opportunity, and let your academic dreams become a reality.
Anatomy of a Professional Letter
A professional letter typically consists of seven key parts:
- Header (Name, Address): This includes the recommender’s name, title, institution, and contact information.
- Date: The date the letter is written.
- Recipient’s Details: The name and title of the recipient, usually the admissions committee.
- Opening Paragraph: A brief introduction that establishes the recommender’s relationship with the candidate.
- Main Body: The core of the letter that highlights the candidate’s strengths, achievements, and potential.
- Closing Paragraph: A summary of the candidate’s qualifications and a final endorsement.
- Signature: The recommender’s signature, usually accompanied by their title and institution.
Key Considerations Before You Write
- Establish a clear purpose: Clearly define the candidate’s strengths and achievements.
- Use specific examples: Provide concrete examples to support the candidate’s qualifications.
- Be sincere and authentic: Avoid generic phrases and clichés.
- Show, don’t tell: Instead of stating a fact, demonstrate it through an anecdote or example.
- Edit and proofread: Ensure the letter is error-free and polished.
Example 1: Academic Achievement
Dr. Emily J. Lee
Department of Biology
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA 02138
February 10, 2022
Admissions Committee
Graduate Program in Biology
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA 02138
Dear Committee,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Rachel Kim for admission to the Graduate Program in Biology at Harvard University. I have had the pleasure of supervising Rachel’s undergraduate research project, and I can confidently attest to her exceptional academic abilities and dedication to the field.
Rachel’s research project on the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems showcased her exceptional critical thinking skills and ability to work independently. Her findings were presented at the annual Biology Conference, where she received the Best Undergraduate Research Award.
In conclusion, I strongly believe that Rachel has the potential to make a significant contribution to the field of biology. I highly recommend her for admission to the Graduate Program in Biology at Harvard University.
Sincerely,
Dr. Emily J. Lee
Takeaway: This letter example highlights the candidate’s exceptional academic achievements and demonstrates the recommender’s confidence in the candidate’s potential.
Example 2: Leadership Skills
Mr. David P. Johnson
Executive Director
Environmental Conservation Organization
New York, NY 10021
March 15, 2022
Admissions Committee
Graduate Program in Environmental Science
Columbia University
New York, NY 10027
Dear Committee,
I am writing to strongly recommend Ms. Sophia Patel for admission to the Graduate Program in Environmental Science at Columbia University. I have had the pleasure of working with Sophia as the president of the Environmental Conservation Organization, where she demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a deep passion for environmental conservation.
Sophia’s leadership was instrumental in organizing a successful beach cleanup event, which attracted over 500 volunteers and resulted in the collection of over 10,000 pounds of trash. Her ability to work with diverse groups and stakeholders was impressive, and her dedication to environmental conservation is inspiring.
In conclusion, I highly recommend Sophia for admission to the Graduate Program in Environmental Science at Columbia University. She has the potential to make a significant impact in the field and become a leader in environmental conservation.
Sincerely,
Mr. David P. Johnson
Takeaway: This letter example showcases the candidate’s leadership skills and demonstrates the recommender’s confidence in the candidate’s potential to make a significant impact in the field.
Example 3: Personal Qualities
Dr. Michael T. Brown
Department of Psychology
Yale University
New Haven, CT 06520
April 10, 2022
Admissions Committee
Graduate Program in Clinical Psychology
Yale University
New Haven, CT 06520
Dear Committee,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Julia M. Rodriguez for admission to the Graduate Program in Clinical Psychology at Yale University. I have had the pleasure of supervising Julia’s undergraduate research project, and I can confidently attest to her exceptional personal qualities and dedication to the field.
Julia’s empathetic nature and ability to work with diverse populations were evident in her research project on the effects of trauma on mental health. Her findings were presented at the annual Psychology Conference, where she received the Best Undergraduate Research Award.
In conclusion, I strongly believe that Julia has the potential to make a significant contribution to the field of clinical psychology. I highly recommend her for admission to the Graduate Program in Clinical Psychology at Yale University.
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael T. Brown
Takeaway: This letter example highlights the candidate’s personal qualities and demonstrates the recommender’s confidence in the candidate’s potential to make a significant contribution to the field.
Example 4: Community Service
Ms. Lisa N. Taylor
Executive Director
Community Service Organization
Los Angeles, CA 90012
May 10, 2022
Admissions Committee
Graduate Program in Public Health
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA 90095
Dear Committee,
I am writing to strongly recommend Ms. Emily J. Lee for admission to the Graduate Program in Public Health at the University of California, Los Angeles. I have had the pleasure of working with Emily as a volunteer at the Community Service Organization, where she demonstrated exceptional community service skills and a deep passion for public health.
Emily’s dedication to the organization was evident in her tireless efforts to promote health education and awareness in underserved communities. Her ability to work with diverse groups and stakeholders was impressive, and her commitment to public health is inspiring.
In conclusion, I highly recommend Emily for admission to the Graduate Program in Public Health at the University of California, Los Angeles. She has the potential to make a significant impact in the field and become a leader in public health.
Sincerely,
Ms. Lisa N. Taylor
Takeaway: This letter example showcases the candidate’s community service skills and demonstrates the recommender’s confidence in the candidate’s potential to make a significant impact in the field.
Example 5: Career Change
Mr. John D. Smith
CEO
ABC Corporation
New York, NY 10001
June 10, 2022
Admissions Committee
Graduate Program in Business Administration
New York University
New York, NY 10003
Dear Committee,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Mr. James R. Johnson for admission to the Graduate Program in Business Administration at New York University. I have had the pleasure of working with James as a colleague at ABC Corporation, where he demonstrated exceptional business acumen and a deep passion for entrepreneurship.
James’s decision to pursue a career change and enter the field of business administration is a testament to his exceptional adaptability and willingness to take risks. His ability to work with diverse groups and stakeholders was impressive, and his commitment to entrepreneurship is inspiring.
In conclusion, I highly recommend James for admission to the Graduate Program in Business Administration at New York University. He has the potential to make a significant impact in the field and become a leader in entrepreneurship.
Sincerely,
Mr. John D. Smith
Takeaway: This letter example highlights the candidate’s career change and demonstrates the recommender’s confidence in the candidate’s potential to make a significant impact in the field.
Example 6: International Student
Dr. Maria G. Rodriguez
Department of Computer Science
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA 94720
July 10, 2022
Admissions Committee
Graduate Program in Computer Science
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305
Dear Committee,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Sophia K. Patel for admission to the Graduate Program in Computer Science at Stanford University. I have had the pleasure of supervising Sophia’s undergraduate research project, and I can confidently attest to her exceptional academic abilities and dedication to the field.
Sophia’s research project on artificial intelligence showcased her exceptional critical thinking skills and ability to work independently. Her findings were presented at the annual Computer Science Conference, where she received the Best Undergraduate Research Award.
In conclusion, I strongly believe that Sophia has the potential to make a significant contribution to the field of computer science. I highly recommend her for admission to the Graduate Program in Computer Science at Stanford University.
Sincerely,
Dr. Maria G. Rodriguez
Takeaway: This letter example highlights the candidate’s exceptional academic abilities and demonstrates the recommender’s confidence in the candidate’s potential to make a significant contribution to the field.
Example 7: Research Experience
Dr. David K. Lee
Department of Physics
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA 02138
August 10, 2022
Admissions Committee
Graduate Program in Physics
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA 02139
Dear Committee,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Rachel K. Kim for admission to the Graduate Program in Physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. I have had the pleasure of supervising Rachel’s undergraduate research project, and I can confidently attest to her exceptional research experience and dedication to the field.
Rachel’s research project on quantum mechanics showcased her exceptional critical thinking skills and ability to work independently. Her findings were presented at the annual Physics Conference, where she received the Best Undergraduate Research Award.
In conclusion, I strongly believe that Rachel has the potential to make a significant contribution to the field of physics. I highly recommend her for admission to the Graduate Program in Physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Sincerely,
Dr. David K. Lee
Takeaway: This letter example highlights the candidate’s research experience and demonstrates the recommender’s confidence in the candidate’s potential to make a significant contribution to the field.
Example 8: Personal Statement
Ms. Emily J. Lee
Independent Consultant
Los Angeles, CA 90012
September 10, 2022
Admissions Committee
Graduate Program in Public Policy
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA 90095
Dear Committee,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Julia M. Rodriguez for admission to the Graduate Program in Public Policy at the University of California, Los Angeles. I have had the pleasure of working with Julia as a colleague, and I can confidently attest to her exceptional personal qualities and dedication to the field.
Julia’s personal statement showcased her exceptional writing skills and ability to articulate her goals and motivations. Her commitment to public policy is inspiring, and her ability to work with diverse groups and stakeholders was impressive.
In conclusion, I highly recommend Julia for admission to the Graduate Program in Public Policy at the University of California, Los Angeles. She has the potential to make a significant impact in the field and become a leader in public policy.
Sincerely,
Ms. Emily J. Lee
Takeaway: This letter example highlights the candidate’s personal statement and demonstrates the recommender’s confidence in the candidate’s potential to make a significant impact in the field.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a well-crafted recommendation letter can make a significant difference in a graduate school application. By following the tips and examples outlined in this article, you can create a compelling letter that showcases your strengths, achievements, and potential.
Remember to establish a clear purpose, use specific examples, and be sincere and authentic in your letter. With a well-written letter, you can increase your chances of admission to your top-choice graduate programs.
Good luck with your graduate school applications!