I. Introduction (Paragraph 1):
* Identify the recommender and their relationship to the applicant: Clearly state the recommender's name, title, institution, and their relationship to the applicant (e.g., professor, supervisor, mentor). The length of time they've known the applicant should be mentioned.
* State the purpose of the letter: Explicitly state that this letter is a recommendation for the applicant's admission to [Program Name] at [University Name].
II. Applicant's Qualifications (Paragraphs 2-4, or more depending on length):
* Specific examples are key: Don't just list qualities; provide concrete examples illustrating the applicant's abilities. This section is the heart of the letter. Focus on skills and experiences relevant to the graduate program. Examples might include:
* Academic performance: Mention specific courses the applicant excelled in, projects they completed, research they participated in, or thesis work. Quantifiable achievements (GPA, class rank, awards) should be included if available.
* Research skills: Discuss the applicant's abilities in designing research, collecting data, analyzing data, and interpreting results. If applicable, mention publications, presentations, or grants.
* Analytical and critical thinking skills: Provide examples of the applicant's ability to solve complex problems, think critically, and analyze information.
* Writing and communication skills: Highlight the applicant's writing abilities (e.g., clarity, conciseness, persuasiveness) and their communication skills (e.g., oral presentation, collaboration).
* Work ethic and perseverance: Discuss the applicant's dedication, commitment, and ability to overcome challenges.
* Personal qualities: Briefly touch upon relevant personal characteristics (e.g., maturity, intellectual curiosity, teamwork). Avoid overly general or subjective comments.
III. Assessment of the Applicant (Paragraph 5):
* Summarize the applicant's strengths: Concisely summarize the applicant's most significant qualifications for the program.
* Offer a strong endorsement: Explicitly state your strong recommendation for the applicant's admission. Avoid vague language like "a good student." Use phrases such as "I highly recommend [Applicant's Name]" or "Without reservation, I recommend [Applicant's Name]".
IV. Conclusion (Paragraph 6):
* Reiterate your recommendation: Briefly reaffirm your strong support for the applicant.
* Offer contact information: Provide your contact information (email and phone number) for verification.
Important Considerations:
* Tailor the letter: Each letter should be personalized to the specific program and applicant. Don't use a template that is too generic.
* Focus on strengths: Highlight the applicant's strongest attributes relevant to the program.
* Use specific examples: Avoid vague statements; use concrete examples to support your claims.
* Proofread carefully: Ensure the letter is free of grammatical errors and typos.
* Submit on time: Adhere to the application deadlines.
* Follow instructions: Follow any specific formatting or submission guidelines provided by the graduate program.
* Confidentiality: Maintain the confidentiality of the recommendation.
By following this structure and paying attention to detail, recommenders can write compelling and effective letters that significantly enhance an applicant's chances of graduate school admission.