Letter of Recommendation Examples

Hey, I need to ask my teachers for letters of recommendation soon, and I want to make sure they write great ones. Does anybody have any good examples or templates that I could show them as a guide? Thanks!

While providing examples or templates might seem helpful, it's actually better to let your teachers write their own, unique letters that genuinely reflect their perspective on your character, abilities, and accomplishments. Providing a template or example might lead to less authentic and less impressive letters. However, you can follow a few steps to ensure they have the information and guidance they need to write a strong and personal recommendation.

1. Choose your recommenders wisely: Opt for teachers who know you well, have taught you recently, and can speak to your strengths both academically and personally. Ideally, they should come from subjects that are relevant to your intended major or area of interest.

2. Provide a brag sheet: A brag sheet is a document that contains your academic achievements, extracurricular involvements, leadership roles, and any other relevant accomplishments. By providing your teacher with this information, you'll make it easier for them to include specific examples and details that will make your recommendation more compelling.

3. Share your goals and aspirations: Let your teachers know what you're passionate about and what your plans for the future are, so that they can tailor their letter to focus on your readiness for college-level work in your areas of particular interest.

4. Remind them of specific instances: If there are particular anecdotes, projects, or situations where you've made a strong impression, you can remind the recommender of these instances. Including meaningful moments in their letter that highlight your strengths will make their points more impactful.

5. Offer some suggestions: While you shouldn't dictate the content of their letter, you can gently suggest some attributes or qualities you'd like them to focus on. Make sure these qualities align with the overall theme of your application.

By following these steps and keeping an open line of communication with your teachers, you can ensure that they have the necessary information to write a unique and powerful letter of recommendation that genuinely reflects your strengths and character. Remember, strong letters are personal, detailed, and paint a picture of who you are as a student and individual.

Good luck!