If you are a teacher, counselor, or supervisor who has been asked to write a reference letter for a student, you may be wondering where to start. Writing a reference letter can be a daunting task, especially if you are not familiar with the process. In this article, we will provide you with a reference letter template for students that you can use as a starting point.
Tips for Writing a Reference Letter for Students
Before we dive into the template, let’s go over some tips for writing a reference letter for students:
1. Start with a Title
It’s important to start your reference letter with a clear and concise title that indicates the purpose of the letter. For example, you might use a title like “Reference Letter for College Application” or “Reference Letter for Scholarship Application.”
2. Provide a Detailed Explanation
After your title, provide a brief explanation of your relationship with the student, how long you have known them, and what qualities make them stand out. This will help the reader understand why you are writing the letter and what they can expect to learn from it.
3. Use Specific Examples
To make your reference letter more impactful, try to use specific examples of the student’s accomplishments or character traits. This will help the reader get a better sense of who the student is and what they are capable of.
4. Highlight the Student’s Strengths
Be sure to highlight the student’s strengths and areas of expertise in your reference letter. This will help the reader see why the student is a good fit for the program or scholarship they are applying to.
5. Edit and Proofread Carefully
Before you submit your reference letter, be sure to edit and proofread it carefully. Check for spelling and grammar errors, and make sure the letter is well-organized and easy to read.
6. Provide Contact Information
Finally, be sure to provide your contact information in case the reader has any questions or needs to follow up with you.
Examples of Reference Letter Templates for Students
Reference Letter for College Application
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend John Smith for admission to your university. John was a student in my AP English class for two years, and I can honestly say that he is one of the most intelligent and hard-working students I have ever had the pleasure of teaching.
John consistently excelled in my class, earning top grades and actively participating in discussions. He is an excellent writer, with a talent for crafting persuasive arguments and insightful analysis.
John is also a natural leader, and he was instrumental in organizing several successful fundraising campaigns for our school’s literary magazine. His ability to inspire and motivate his peers is truly remarkable.
I believe that John would be an asset to your university, and I wholeheartedly recommend him for admission.
Sincerely,
Ms. Jane Doe
Reference Letter for Scholarship Application
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to recommend Sarah Johnson for the [Name of Scholarship] Scholarship. Sarah was a student in my chemistry class for two years, and I was consistently impressed by her passion for science and her dedication to her studies.
Sarah is a natural problem-solver, and she often took on challenging projects that pushed her to her limits. She has a gift for understanding complex concepts and applying them to real-world situations.
What sets Sarah apart, however, is her commitment to giving back to her community. She volunteered regularly at a local hospital, where she worked with patients and learned about the medical field. She also organized a fundraiser for a local charity that raised over $5,000.
I believe that Sarah is an exceptional candidate for the [Name of Scholarship] Scholarship, and I recommend her without reservation.
Sincerely,
Dr. John Smith
Reference Letter for Job Application
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Tom Brown for the position of Marketing Manager at your company. Tom was a student in my marketing class for one semester, and I was consistently impressed by his creativity, strategic thinking, and communication skills.
Tom has a gift for crafting compelling messages that resonate with consumers, and he is always looking for innovative ways to reach new audiences. He is also an excellent team player, and he excels at collaborating with others to achieve common goals.
What sets Tom apart, however, is his focus on results. He is always looking for ways to measure the effectiveness of his campaigns and make data-driven decisions. He is also a quick learner who is always looking for ways to improve his skills and expand his knowledge.
I believe that Tom would be an excellent addition to your team, and I recommend him without reservation.
Sincerely,
Ms. Jane Smith
Reference Letter for Graduate School Application
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Maria Rodriguez for admission to your graduate program in psychology. Maria was a student in my Introduction to Psychology class, and I was consistently impressed by her analytical skills and her ability to think critically about complex issues.
Maria is a gifted researcher who has a talent for designing and executing experiments that produce meaningful results. She is also an excellent writer, with a talent for explaining complex concepts in simple, easy-to-understand language.
What sets Maria apart, however, is her empathy and her passion for helping others. She has volunteered at a local mental health clinic for two years, where she has worked with patients struggling with a variety of issues. Her dedication to the field of psychology is truly inspiring.
I believe that Maria would be an excellent addition to your graduate program, and I recommend her without reservation.
Sincerely,
Dr. John Doe
Reference Letter for Study Abroad Program
Dear Study Abroad Coordinator,
I am writing to recommend Emily Davis for your study abroad program in France. Emily was a student in my French class, and I was consistently impressed by her fluency in the language and her passion for the culture.
Emily is a gifted linguist who has a talent for learning new languages quickly and accurately. She is also an excellent communicator, with a talent for connecting with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
What sets Emily apart, however, is her sense of adventure and her willingness to step outside her comfort zone. She is always looking for new experiences that will broaden her horizons and challenge her assumptions.
I believe that Emily would be an excellent candidate for your study abroad program in France, and I recommend her without reservation.
Sincerely,
Ms. Jane Brown
Reference Letter for Volunteer Program
Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
I am writing to recommend David Kim for your volunteer program at the local food bank. David was a student in my history class, and I was consistently impressed by his commitment to social justice and his passion for helping others.
David is a natural leader who has a talent for organizing and motivating groups of people. He is also an excellent communicator, with a talent for explaining complex issues in simple, easy-to-understand language.
What sets David apart, however, is his sense of empathy and his commitment to making a difference in his community. He has volunteered at a local soup kitchen for two years, where he has worked with people from all walks of life.
I believe that David would be an excellent addition to your volunteer program at the local food bank, and I recommend him without reservation.
Sincerely,
Dr. John Kim
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a reference letter for a student?
A reference letter for a student should include a clear and concise title, a brief explanation of your relationship with the student, specific examples of the student’s accomplishments or character traits, and a highlight of the student’s strengths and areas of expertise. You should also edit and proofread the letter carefully, and provide your contact information for follow-up questions.
How long should a reference letter for a student be?
A reference letter for a student should be between 50 to 80 sentences long. This is enough to provide a detailed portrait of the student’s character and abilities, while still remaining concise and focused.
What should I include in the greeting of a reference letter for a student?
The greeting of a reference letter for a student should be personalized and professional. Use the student’s full name and address the letter to the appropriate person or committee. A typical greeting might be “Dear Admissions Committee,” or “To Whom It May Concern.”
What should I include in the body of a reference letter for a student?
The body of a reference letter for a student should include specific examples of the student’s accomplishments or character traits, as well as a highlight of their strengths and areas of expertise. Try to be as detailed as possible, and use concrete examples to illustrate your points.
What should I include in the complimentary close of a reference letter for a student?
The complimentary close of a reference letter for a student should be professional and sincere. Use a formal closing such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” and sign the letter with your full name and professional title. You might also include your contact information in case the reader has any questions or needs to follow up with you.
What should I do if I am asked to write a reference letter but do not feel comfortable doing so?
If you are asked to write a reference letter but do not feel comfortable doing so, it is important to be honest with the requester. Explain that you do not feel that you know the student well enough to provide an accurate and meaningful reference, and suggest that they seek out someone who is better suited to the task.
How should I submit a reference letter for a student?
Check with the requester to see if there are any specific guidelines for submitting the reference letter. In general, you should either email the letter directly to the requester, or provide a hard copy that can be mailed or hand-delivered.
Conclusion
Writing a reference letter for a student can be a challenging task, but it is also an opportunity to highlight the student’s strengths and accomplishments. By following the tips and using the templates provided in this article, you can create a reference letter that will help the student stand out from the crowd and achieve their goals.