How to Write a Peer Reference Letter?

Hello folks! My friend asked me to write a peer reference letter for her college application. I really want to help, but I've never written one of these before. Does anyone have any samples or tips on how to approach this? How personal or formal should it be? Thanks in advance for any help!

That's wonderful that you want to support your friend by writing a peer reference letter. Here are some tips to remember when writing:

Firstly, it's critical to focus on your friend's personal qualities and experiences. Be specific with your examples. If you are noting that your friend has exceptional leadership abilities, delve into a time when he or she exhibited these skills.

It's also useful to emphasize qualities that would be appealing to colleges. These could include intellectual curiosity, perseverance in the face of adversity, or a deep commitment to a cause or hobby.

Remember, the primary goal of a letter of recommendation is to provide a deeper understanding of your friend from a personal perspective, so keep the tone friendly but professional.

Try to include a balance of anecdotal and evaluative content. Anecdotal content refers to stories or instances that highlight your friend's skills or qualities. Evaluative content will be your judgment about your friend's skills or qualities. For example, you might share an anecdote about how your friend organized an event at your school (anecdotal), then speak to your friend's organizational abilities, resourcefulness, and dedication (evaluative).

In terms of the structure, start by introducing yourself, explaining your relation to the applicant, and commenting on your capacity to judge the applicant's abilities. In the main body, detail the example(s) showing your friend's skills or character traits. Make sure you explain the incident(s) in context so the admissions committee understands the significance. End your letter by summarizing why you believe your friend would be an excellent fit for college.

Your relationship with your friend should dictate the personal nature of the letter, and don't forget to remain positive throughout. A peer recommendation typically focuses more on personal qualities and less on academic achievement. But remember, to be credible, it still needs to maintain a professional tone.

Remember, your friend chose you because they trust you to represent them well, so consider it an honor and take the time to craft a thoughtful, thorough letter. Good luck!