Are you a student looking to apply to a new school? A reference letter from a teacher or counselor can help showcase your strengths and abilities to the admissions committee. In this article, we will provide tips and examples for crafting a strong reference letter for your school application.
Tips for Writing a Reference Letter School Application
Here are some tips for writing a reference letter for a school application:
1. Leadership Skills
Dear Admissions Committee,
It gives me great pleasure to recommend [Student Name] for the [School Name]. I have had the pleasure of teaching and mentoring [Student Name] for the past [number] years and can attest to their exceptional leadership skills. [Student Name] possesses a natural ability to inspire and motivate their peers, and has led several successful projects and initiatives during their time at [Current School Name].
I am confident that [Student Name] will continue to excel academically and personally at [School Name], and will be a valuable addition to your student community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
2. Academic Excellence
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to highly recommend [Student Name] for admission to [School Name]. As a teacher, I have had the pleasure of teaching [Student Name] for the past [number] years and can attest to their outstanding academic performance. [Student Name] consistently earns top grades in all subjects, and has demonstrated a passion for learning and intellectual curiosity that is truly impressive.
Furthermore, [Student Name] is not only a talented student but also an engaged member of our school community. They have volunteered for numerous extracurricular activities and shown leadership in several student organizations.
I have no doubt that [Student Name] will continue to excel academically and contribute positively to the community at [School Name].
Best regards,
[Your Name]
3. Character Reference
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Student Name] for admission to [School Name]. I have known [Student Name] for [number] years and can attest to their exceptional character and integrity. [Student Name] is a kind, compassionate, and hardworking individual who always goes above and beyond to help others.
Furthermore, [Student Name] is a dedicated and enthusiastic student who has consistently demonstrated a love of learning and a commitment to excellence. They have worked tirelessly to achieve their academic goals and have shown remarkable growth and development over the years.
I highly recommend [Student Name] for admission to [School Name] and have no doubt that they will make a positive impact on your school community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
4. Extracurricular Activities
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to highly recommend [Student Name] for admission to [School Name]. As [Student Name]’s coach for the [sport/activity] team, I have had the pleasure of working closely with them for the past [number] years and can attest to their exceptional talent and dedication.
[Student Name] has not only excelled in [sport/activity] but has also been a valuable member of our team, showing leadership, teamwork, and commitment to success. Furthermore, they have volunteered for numerous extracurricular activities and demonstrated a passion for community service and social justice.
I am confident that [Student Name] will make a positive impact on your school community and excel both academically and personally at [School Name].
Best regards,
[Your Name]
5. Creativity and Innovation
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to highly recommend [Student Name] for admission to [School Name]. As [Student Name]’s art teacher, I have had the pleasure of witnessing their exceptional creativity and innovation firsthand.
[Student Name] has a natural talent for art and has consistently demonstrated a unique and creative approach to their work. They have also shown a willingness to take risks and experiment with new techniques and mediums, which has led to some truly remarkable pieces.
I have no doubt that [Student Name] will continue to thrive creatively at [School Name] and make a valuable contribution to your arts community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
6. Communication Skills
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to highly recommend [Student Name] for admission to [School Name]. As [Student Name]’s debate coach, I have had the pleasure of working closely with them for the past [number] years and can attest to their exceptional communication skills.
[Student Name] is a natural communicator, with a gift for persuasive argument and public speaking. They have consistently demonstrated a mastery of complex issues and an ability to communicate their ideas clearly and confidently.
I am confident that [Student Name] will make a valuable contribution to your school community and excel both academically and personally at [School Name].
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a reference letter for a school application?
A reference letter for a school application is a letter written by a teacher, counselor, coach, or other adult who knows the student well and can attest to their strengths, abilities, and character. The letter is typically submitted as part of the student’s application to a new school.
Who should I ask to write my reference letter?
It’s a good idea to ask someone who knows you well and can speak to your strengths and abilities. This could be a teacher, counselor, coach, employer, or mentor. Make sure you choose someone who you trust and who can write a strong, detailed letter on your behalf.
How should I ask someone to write my reference letter?
You should ask in person or via email, and be sure to give the person plenty of notice (at least two weeks) before the deadline. Be polite and respectful, and explain why you are asking them specifically to write the letter. It’s also a good idea to provide them with any materials they may need (e.g. a copy of your transcript, resume, or personal statement).
What should I include in my request for a reference letter?
You should include a brief summary of why you are applying to the new school and what you hope to achieve there. You should also provide the person with any relevant information, such as the deadline for the letter, the format or length requirements, and any specific instructions from the school.
What should I do if the person declines to write my reference letter?
Don’t take it personally if someone declines to write your letter – they may be too busy or feel they don’t know you well enough to write a strong letter. Simply thank them for their time and ask if they can recommend someone else who might be able to write the letter on your behalf.
What should I do if I don’t have anyone to ask for a reference letter?
If you don’t have anyone who knows you well enough to write a strong reference letter, you may want to consider reaching out to a teacher or counselor from a previous school, or an employer or mentor from a job or volunteer position. You could also consider asking a family friend or community leader who knows you well and can speak to your character and abilities.
Conclusion
A strong reference letter can make a big difference in your school application. By following these tips and using our examples as a guide, you can craft a compelling and effective letter that showcases your strengths and abilities to the admissions committee.