If you’ve been asked to provide an academic referee report, you may be wondering what exactly is expected of you. In this article, we’ll take a look at some tips for writing an effective academic referee report, as well as provide you with seven examples that you can use as a starting point. Whether you’re a professor, colleague, or supervisor, these tips and examples will help you write a report that accurately reflects the academic abilities of the person you’re recommending.
Tips for Writing an Effective Academic Referee Report
Before we dive into the examples, let’s take a look at some tips for writing an effective academic referee report.
Start with a Title
Your report should have a clear and descriptive title that accurately reflects the purpose of the report.
Provide a Detailed and In-Depth Explanation
Your report should provide a detailed and in-depth explanation of the individual’s academic abilities, achievements, and potential.
Explain Step by Step
Take your time to explain your thoughts step by step, providing specific examples to back up your assertions. Be honest and objective in your assessment.
Seven Examples of Academic Referee Reports
Graduate School Recommendation
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for admission to your graduate program in [Field]. [He/She] has demonstrated exceptional academic ability throughout [his/her] undergraduate career, consistently earning high grades and demonstrating a deep understanding of the subject matter.
[Name] is also an active participant in [his/her] academic community, regularly volunteering for research projects and participating in extracurricular activities related to [Field]. As [his/her] supervisor, I have been consistently impressed with [his/her] work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to think critically.
I strongly recommend [Name] for admission to your graduate program, and I am confident that [he/she] will make a valuable contribution to your academic community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Research Fellowship Recommendation
Dear Fellowship Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the [Fellowship Name] research fellowship. [He/She] has demonstrated exceptional research abilities throughout [his/her] academic career, producing high-quality research papers and making significant contributions to the field of [Field].
[Name] is also an effective communicator, regularly presenting [his/her] research findings at conferences and symposiums. [He/She] has also demonstrated strong leadership abilities, serving as a mentor to junior researchers and taking on leadership roles in [his/her] academic community.
I strongly recommend [Name] for the [Fellowship Name] research fellowship, and I am confident that [he/she] will make a significant contribution to the field of [Field].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Postdoctoral Fellowship Recommendation
Dear Fellowship Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the postdoctoral fellowship in [Field]. [He/She] has recently completed [his/her] doctoral degree under my supervision, and I can attest to [his/her] exceptional academic abilities and research potential.
[Name] is an accomplished researcher who has published several papers in top-tier academic journals. [He/She] has also demonstrated strong leadership abilities, serving as a mentor to junior researchers and taking on leadership roles in [his/her] academic community.
I strongly recommend [Name] for the postdoctoral fellowship in [Field], and I am confident that [he/she] will make a valuable contribution to your academic community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Faculty Position Recommendation
Dear Hiring Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the faculty position in [Field]. [He/She] has demonstrated exceptional academic abilities throughout [his/her] academic career, earning [his/her] doctoral degree from [University] and producing high-quality research that has been published in top-tier academic journals.
[Name] is also an effective communicator and teacher, regularly presenting [his/her] research findings at conferences and symposiums and serving as a mentor to junior researchers. [He/She] has also demonstrated strong leadership abilities, taking on leadership roles in [his/her] academic community.
I strongly recommend [Name] for the faculty position in [Field], and I am confident that [he/she] will make a valuable contribution to your academic community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Academic Scholarship Recommendation
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the [Scholarship Name] academic scholarship. [He/She] has consistently demonstrated exceptional academic abilities throughout [his/her] undergraduate career, earning high grades and demonstrating a deep understanding of the subject matter.
[Name] is also an active participant in [his/her] academic community, regularly volunteering for research projects and participating in extracurricular activities related to [Field]. [He/She] has also demonstrated strong leadership abilities, taking on leadership roles in [his/her] academic community.
I strongly recommend [Name] for the [Scholarship Name] academic scholarship, and I am confident that [he/she] will make a valuable contribution to your academic community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Academic Award Recommendation
Dear Award Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the [Award Name] academic award. [He/She] has consistently demonstrated exceptional academic abilities throughout [his/her] undergraduate career, earning high grades and demonstrating a deep understanding of the subject matter.
[Name] is also an active participant in [his/her] academic community, regularly volunteering for research projects and participating in extracurricular activities related to [Field]. [He/She] has also demonstrated strong leadership abilities, taking on leadership roles in [his/her] academic community.
I strongly recommend [Name] for the [Award Name] academic award, and I am confident that [he/she] will make a valuable contribution to your academic community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Academic Program Recommendation
Dear Program Director,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for [Program Name]. [He/She] has consistently demonstrated exceptional academic abilities throughout [his/her] undergraduate career, earning high grades and demonstrating a deep understanding of the subject matter.
[Name] is also an active participant in [his/her] academic community, regularly volunteering for research projects and participating in extracurricular activities related to [Field]. [He/She] has also demonstrated strong leadership abilities, taking on leadership roles in [his/her] academic community.
I strongly recommend [Name] for [Program Name], and I am confident that [he/she] will make a valuable contribution to your academic community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an academic referee report?
An academic referee report is a document written by an academic professional, such as a professor or supervisor, that provides a recommendation for an individual seeking admission to an academic program, scholarship, or fellowship.
What should be included in an academic referee report?
An academic referee report should include a detailed assessment of the individual’s academic abilities, as well as any relevant achievements, research experience, and potential. The report should be honest, objective, and supported by specific examples.
How should an academic referee report be formatted?
An academic referee report should be formatted as a formal letter, addressed to the appropriate admissions committee, scholarship committee, or fellowship committee. The letter should be organized into clear paragraphs, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
How long should an academic referee report be?
An academic referee report should be long enough to provide a detailed and thorough assessment of the individual’s academic abilities, but not so long as to become repetitive or overly detailed. A length of 50 to 80 sentences is typically sufficient.
What should the tone of an academic referee report be?
The tone of an academic referee report should be formal, but also friendly and approachable. The report should be written in a way that accurately reflects the writer’s assessment of the individual, while also demonstrating a willingness to assist in any way possible.
Can I edit the examples provided?
Yes, you can edit the examples provided to fit your specific needs. However, it is important to ensure that the final report accurately reflects the individual’s academic abilities and potential.
Conclusion
Writing an academic referee report can be a challenging task, but by following the tips and using the examples provided, you can create a report that accurately reflects the individual’s academic abilities and potential. Remember to be honest, objective, and specific in your assessment, and to take your time to explain your thoughts step by step.