College and University Recommendation Letter Draft

What a good one includes

• A clear statement of the relationship between you and the recommender, including how long they have known you and in what academic capacity.
• At least one specific, memorable anecdote illustrating your academic performance, intellectual curiosity, or problem-solving skills in class.
• A detailed description of your personal character traits, such as leadership, resilience, maturity, and how you interact with your peers.
• Explicit comparative praise that frames your abilities relative to other students the recommender has taught over their academic career.
• A forward-looking endorsement highlighting your potential to succeed in higher education and make a positive impact on their campus community.
• A professional sign-off offering the recommender’s contact information and willingness to speak further with the admissions committee.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using generic, cliché adjectives like 'hardworking' or 'smart' without providing concrete classroom examples to back them up.
• Writing in a tone that sounds too much like a student, rather than adopting the professional and authoritative voice of an academic faculty member.
• Regurgitating your entire resume instead of focusing deeply on the specific achievements the recommender personally witnessed.
• Creating an overly boastful draft that lacks the nuanced, objective perspective of a mentor evaluating your growth.

Frequently asked questions