If you’re applying for a university program, you may need a Referee Statement to help you stand out from other applicants. This statement is written by someone who knows you well, such as a teacher, employer, or mentor, and can vouch for your skills, abilities, and character. In this article, we’ll provide tips for crafting a compelling Referee Statement and share some examples to guide you. You can use these examples as a starting point and edit them as needed to fit your specific needs.
Tips for Writing a Referee Statement for University Application
Here are some tips to help you craft a Referee Statement that will impress university admissions officers:
1. Understand the purpose of the statement
Before you start writing, make sure you understand the purpose of the Referee Statement. This statement is meant to provide additional information about you that may not be evident from your application, such as your work habits, leadership skills, and personal qualities. It should also explain why you are a good candidate for the program you are applying to.
2. Choose the right referee
Choose a referee who knows you well and can speak to your strengths, skills, and character. This could be a teacher, employer, mentor, or coach. Make sure you ask your referee for permission before including them in your application.
3. Provide the necessary information
Provide your referee with all the necessary information, such as the program you’re applying to, the application deadline, and any specific requirements for the statement. This will help them craft a statement that is tailored to your needs.
4. Be specific
Be specific about your accomplishments, skills, and experiences. Provide concrete examples that illustrate your strengths and abilities. This will help the admissions officers understand why you are a good fit for their program.
5. Keep it concise
Keep your statement concise and to the point. Admissions officers may have to read hundreds of applications, so make sure your statement is easy to read and understand.
6. Edit and proofread
Before submitting your statement, make sure you edit and proofread it carefully. Check for spelling and grammar errors, and make sure your statement flows well and is easy to read.
Examples of Referee Statement for University Application
Example 1: Leadership Skills
Dear Admissions Officer,
I am writing to highly recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to [Program Name] at [University Name]. As [Applicant Name]’s [Teacher/Employer/Mentor/Coach], I have had the pleasure of working with [him/her] for [Number] years, and I can attest to [his/her] outstanding leadership skills.
Throughout [his/her] time at [School/Company/Organization], [Applicant Name] has demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities, [give specific examples].
In conclusion, I strongly recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to [Program Name] at [University Name]. [He/She] would be an excellent addition to your program and I am confident that [he/she] would excel in [his/her] studies and contribute positively to your university community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Academic Achievements
Dear Admissions Officer,
I am writing to highly recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to [Program Name] at [University Name]. As [Applicant Name]’s [Teacher/Employer/Mentor/Coach], I have had the pleasure of working with [him/her] for [Number] years, and I can attest to [his/her] exceptional academic achievements.
Throughout [his/her] time at [School/Company/Organization], [Applicant Name] has consistently demonstrated [his/her] commitment to academic excellence, [give specific examples].
In conclusion, I strongly recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to [Program Name] at [University Name]. [He/She] would be an asset to your program and I am confident that [he/she] would excel academically and contribute positively to your university community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 3: Personal Qualities
Dear Admissions Officer,
I am writing to highly recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to [Program Name] at [University Name]. As [Applicant Name]’s [Teacher/Employer/Mentor/Coach], I have had the pleasure of working with [him/her] for [Number] years, and I can attest to [his/her] outstanding personal qualities.
[Applicant Name] is a [kind/caring/responsible/etc.] individual who always [give specific examples]. [He/She] is also [give specific examples of personal qualities].
In conclusion, I strongly recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to [Program Name] at [University Name]. [He/She] would be an excellent addition to your program and I am confident that [he/she] would contribute positively to your university community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 4: Work Ethic
Dear Admissions Officer,
I am writing to highly recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to [Program Name] at [University Name]. As [Applicant Name]’s [Teacher/Employer/Mentor/Coach], I have had the pleasure of working with [him/her] for [Number] years, and I can attest to [his/her] exceptional work ethic.
[Applicant Name] is a hardworking and dedicated individual who always [give specific examples of work ethic]. [He/She] is also [give specific examples of personal qualities].
In conclusion, I strongly recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to [Program Name] at [University Name]. [He/She] would be an asset to your program and I am confident that [he/she] would excel academically and contribute positively to your university community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 5: Problem-Solving Skills
Dear Admissions Officer,
I am writing to highly recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to [Program Name] at [University Name]. As [Applicant Name]’s [Teacher/Employer/Mentor/Coach], I have had the pleasure of working with [him/her] for [Number] years, and I can attest to [his/her] exceptional problem-solving skills.
[Applicant Name] is a creative and resourceful individual who always [give specific examples of problem-solving skills]. [He/She] is also [give specific examples of personal qualities].
In conclusion, I strongly recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to [Program Name] at [University Name]. [He/She] would be an excellent addition to your program and I am confident that [he/she] would excel in [his/her] studies and contribute positively to your university community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 6: Communication Skills
Dear Admissions Officer,
I am writing to highly recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to [Program Name] at [University Name]. As [Applicant Name]’s [Teacher/Employer/Mentor/Coach], I have had the pleasure of working with [him/her] for [Number] years, and I can attest to [his/her] exceptional communication skills.
[Applicant Name] is an articulate and persuasive communicator who always [give specific examples of communication skills]. [He/She] is also [give specific examples of personal qualities].
In conclusion, I strongly recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to [Program Name] at [University Name]. [He/She] would be an asset to your program and I am confident that [he/she] would excel academically and contribute positively to your university community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 7: Creativity
Dear Admissions Officer,
I am writing to highly recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to [Program Name] at [University Name]. As [Applicant Name]’s [Teacher/Employer/Mentor/Coach], I have had the pleasure of working with [him/her] for [Number] years, and I can attest to [his/her] exceptional creativity.
[Applicant Name] is a talented and imaginative individual who always [give specific examples of creativity]. [He/She] is also [give specific examples of personal qualities].
In conclusion, I strongly recommend [Applicant Name] for admission to [Program Name] at [University Name]. [He/She] would be an excellent addition to your program and I am confident that [he/she] would contribute positively to your university community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions about Referee Statements for University Applications
What is a Referee Statement?
A Referee Statement is a document written by someone who knows you well and can vouch for your skills, abilities, and character. It is typically used as part of a university application to provide additional information about you that may not be evident from your application.
Who can write a Referee Statement?
A Referee Statement can be written by someone who knows you well, such as a teacher, employer, mentor, or coach. Make sure you choose someone who can speak to your strengths, skills, and character.
What should be included in a Referee Statement?
A Referee Statement should include information about your strengths, skills, and personal qualities. It should also explain why you are a good candidate for the program you are applying to. Make sure you provide specific examples to support your statements.
How long should a Referee Statement be?
A Referee Statement should be concise and to the point. It should typically be no more than one or two pages long.
When should I ask someone to write a Referee Statement?
You should ask someone to write a Referee Statement as soon as possible to give them enough time to craft a statement that is tailored to your needs. Make sure you provide them with all the necessary information, such as the program you’re applying to and any specific requirements for the statement.
What should I do if my referee declines to write a statement?
If your referee declines to write a statement, don’t take it personally. Thank them for their time and consider asking someone else who knows you well and can speak to your strengths.
Conclusion
A strong Referee Statement can help you stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of being accepted into the university program of your choice. Use the tips and examples in this article to craft a compelling Referee Statement that showcases your strengths, skills, and personal qualities. Good luck!