If you have ever been asked to write a letter of recommendation for a Grad School applicant, the thought of getting started may seem intimidating. You must strike a balance between "helpful" and "honest" while considering the amount of detail to include about how you know the applicant. You also have to focus on strengths without appearing overly enthusiastic.
Instructions
1. Organize content. Remember that letters of recommendation should follow the standard opening, body and closing structure. Make sure you understand each component and what should be said in each component.
2. Tell who you are and your knowledge of the graduate school applicant in the one-paragraph opening. Discuss your relationship with the applicant and give pertinent information. Explain whether your relationship was school-, volunteer-, or work-related. Give the length of time you have known him.
3. Use two paragraphs for the body of the recommendation. Discuss the person's strengths. List some of the applicant's areas of maturity, particular skill and expertise in the first paragraph. Keep the paragraph short and to the point.
4. Select one of the applicant's traits or skills that is particularly special on which to spotlight in the second paragraph. Give a couple of concrete examples of the applicant demonstrating that ability or trait. Keep the anecdote short. Focus on the applicant's skills or choices, and how those skills or choices led to positive results.
5. Restate and draw the graduate school placement officer's attention to the applicant's goals to conclude the recommendation. Connect the abilities and traits to the planned course of study.
6. Give your recommendation in the last sentence of the letter's closing. Tell the extent to which you recommend the applicant.
7. Consider declining admission if you have concerns about the student. Exercise the option to recommend the applicant conditionally or not at all. Ask yourself whether you should be writing the letter if you feel neutral. Refuse to write the recommendation if you do not have enough information to make a sound judgment. Request that the applicant seek assistance from someone else instead of coming off apathetic or too lukewarm or hindering the applicant's plan.
8. Be aware of details. Make sure you have spelled words correctly, used correct margins, and have no poor syntax choices or grammatical errors. Double check your request for a recommendation letter to make sure you have properly addressed it. Resolve whether the letter should be mailed separately or given to the applicant. Follow rules thoroughly to avoid questions later.
9. Confer with the applicant, especially if you have known her only in a limited capacity, Realize you may be unaware of everything she has accomplished. Request a list of work experience or recent projects to get a better idea.
Tags: each component, graduate school, have known, recommend applicant, skills choices