Clarify the intent of the recommendation letter. Ask the student if the letter will accompany an admission or scholarship application. Consider the college or specific program that the student is applying to when composing your letter. Remember to focus on the goal of the letter and provide evidence to support it.
Detail your reasons o the recipient for writing the letter. Include an explanation of your relationship to the student and how long you have been acquainted.
Describe a specific event or memory that shows the student's character. Pay special attention to how this event affected your perception of the student. Pick an event that lends support to the student's application.
Include information on the student's extracurricular activities, volunteer experience and achievements or academic honors. Illustrate how the student's achievements make him special or different from other people applying to the college or for the award. Look at the student's resume for creative ideas before beginning to write.
Clearly define your reasons for recommending the student before closing the letter. Make a strong argument on the student's behalf.