If you are applying to graduate school, you will likely need a reference letter. A reference letter is a document that discusses your skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in your chosen field of study. It is written by someone who knows you well and can provide insight into your character and abilities. In this article, we will discuss tips for writing a great reference letter for grad school, provide examples that you can edit as needed, and answer some frequently asked questions about reference letters.
Tips for Writing a Reference Letter Grad School
When writing a reference letter for grad school, it is important to keep a few things in mind:
1. Choose the right person to write your reference letter.
You want to choose someone who knows you well and can speak to your strengths and potential for success in grad school. This could be a professor, employer, or mentor.
2. Provide the person with the necessary information.
Make sure the person writing your reference letter has all the necessary information about you, including your academic history, work experience, and extracurricular activities. Provide them with a copy of your resume or CV and any other relevant materials.
3. Be specific about what you are applying for.
Let the person writing your reference letter know what program you are applying to and what your goals are. This will help them tailor the letter to your specific needs.
4. Give the person enough time.
Make sure you give the person writing your reference letter enough time to write a thoughtful, detailed letter. Ideally, you should give them at least a month’s notice.
5. Follow up with a thank-you note.
After your reference letter has been submitted, be sure to follow up with a thank-you note to show your appreciation.
Examples of Reference Letter Grad School
Example 1: Reference Letter for MBA Program
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Sarah Johnson for the MBA program at XYZ University. I have had the pleasure of working with Sarah for the past two years and can attest to her exceptional analytical skills, leadership abilities, and dedication to her work.
Sarah has demonstrated a keen ability to analyze complex data and develop insights that have had a significant impact on our business. She is a natural leader who is able to motivate and inspire her colleagues to achieve their potential. Her dedication to her work is unparalleled, and I have no doubt that she will excel in the MBA program at XYZ University.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Director of Analytics, ABC Company
Example 2: Reference Letter for Law School
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Jane Doe for the law program at XYZ University. I have had the pleasure of teaching Jane in several courses and can attest to her exceptional analytical skills, strong work ethic, and dedication to the study of law.
Jane has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of legal concepts and a talent for applying them in practical settings. She is an active participant in class, always willing to challenge herself and her peers to think critically about legal issues. Her strong work ethic and dedication to her studies have earned her top grades in all of her law courses.
Sincerely,
Professor Jack Johnson
Department of Law, XYZ University
Example 3: Reference Letter for PhD Program
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Tom Smith for the PhD program in psychology at XYZ University. Tom was a student in my research methods course, and I was impressed by his exceptional research skills, intellectual curiosity, and passion for psychology.
Tom has a natural talent for designing and executing research studies that yield significant results. He is highly motivated to pursue a career in research, and I have no doubt that he will make a valuable contribution to the field of psychology. His intellectual curiosity and passion for the subject are contagious, and I am confident that he will excel in the PhD program at XYZ University.
Sincerely,
Professor Jane Doe
Department of Psychology, ABC University
Example 4: Reference Letter for Master’s Program in Education
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend John Smith for the master’s program in education at XYZ University. I had the pleasure of working with John for three years as his supervisor at ABC School, where he served as a teacher and mentor to students.
John is an exceptional educator who is dedicated to his students’ success. He has a natural ability to connect with students and to create a classroom environment that is both engaging and challenging. His commitment to his students’ learning is evident in the many positive testimonials we have received from parents and colleagues alike.
Sincerely,
Susan Johnson
Principal, ABC School
Example 5: Reference Letter for Master’s Program in Public Health
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Emily Doe for the master’s program in public health at XYZ University. I have had the pleasure of working with Emily for the past two years at ABC Health Clinics, where she has served as a research assistant.
Emily has exceptional analytical skills and a strong background in statistics, which she has applied to the analysis of a variety of health-related data sets. She is highly motivated to pursue a career in public health, and I have no doubt that she will make a valuable contribution to the field. Her intelligence, dedication, and strong work ethic make her an ideal candidate for the master’s program at XYZ University.
Sincerely,
Dr. John Smith
Director of Research, ABC Health Clinics
Example 6: Reference Letter for Master’s Program in Fine Arts
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Michael Johnson for the master’s program in fine arts at XYZ University. I have had the pleasure of working with Michael for the past four years as his art teacher and mentor.
Michael is an exceptionally talented artist with a passion for exploring new forms and techniques. His work is characterized by its originality, creativity, and technical skill. He is a dedicated and hardworking student who is always striving to improve his craft.
Sincerely,
Professor Jane Doe
Department of Fine Arts, ABC University
Example 7: Reference Letter for Master’s Program in Engineering
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend David Doe for the master’s program in engineering at XYZ University. I have had the pleasure of working with David for the past two years at ABC Engineering, where he has served as a research assistant.
David has exceptional technical skills and a strong background in mathematics and physics, which he has applied to the design and development of a variety of engineering projects. He is highly motivated to pursue a career in engineering, and I have no doubt that he will make a valuable contribution to the field. His intelligence, dedication, and strong work ethic make him an ideal candidate for the master’s program at XYZ University.
Sincerely,
Dr. John Smith
Director of Research, ABC Engineering
Frequently Asked Questions about Reference Letters
Q: What should I do if the person I want to ask for a reference letter is too busy?
A: If the person you want to ask for a reference letter is too busy, you may want to consider asking someone else who knows you well and can provide a strong recommendation. It is important to choose someone who can speak to your strengths and potential for success in grad school.
Q: Can I ask someone who is not a professor or employer to write my reference letter?
A: Yes, you can ask someone who is not a professor or employer to write your reference letter, as long as they know you well and can provide a strong recommendation. This could be a mentor, coach, or community leader.
Q: Do I need to provide the person writing my reference letter with a copy of my transcript?
A: It is not necessary to provide the person writing your reference letter with a copy of your transcript, but it may be helpful to provide them with a summary of your academic record and any relevant coursework or grades.
Q: Should I include the reference letter with my application, or should it be sent separately?
A: It depends on the requirements of the specific grad school program. Some programs may require that the reference letter be included with the application, while others may require that it be sent separately. Be sure to check the program’s requirements before submitting your application.
Q: How can I ensure that my reference letters are confidential?
A: You can ask the person writing your reference letter to send it directly to the grad school program or to a designated person in your department. You can also waive your right to access the reference letter, which will ensure that it remains confidential.
Q: Should I send a thank-you note to the person who wrote my reference letter?
A: Yes, it is always a good idea to send a thank-you note to the person who wrote your reference letter to show your appreciation. Be sure to let them know the outcome of your application and how much you appreciate their support.
Conclusion
A reference letter is an important component of your grad school application. It provides insight into your character, abilities, and potential for success in your chosen field of study. By following the tips outlined in this article and using the examples provided, you can ensure that your reference letters are strong and effective. Remember to choose the right person to write your reference letter, provide them with the necessary information, and follow up with a thank-you note after your application has been submitted.