If you have been asked to write a character reference letter for a student, it’s important to know what to include and how to structure it properly. In this article, we will provide you with tips and seven examples of character reference letters for students. You can find examples and edit them as needed to fit your specific situation.
Tips for Writing a Character Reference Letter for Students
When writing a character reference letter for a student, follow these tips:
1. Start with a Title
Begin your letter with a clear and concise title that describes the nature of the reference. This could be something like “Character Reference Letter for College Admission” or “Reference Letter for Scholarship Application.”
2. Continue with a Detailed and In-Depth Explanation
After the title, provide a detailed explanation of how you know the student, how long you have known them, and your relationship to them. This should include specific examples of the student’s qualities, accomplishments, and character that are relevant to the purpose of the letter.
3. Let’s Explain Step by Step
Break up your letter into clear sections with subheadings to make it easy for the reader to follow. Use bullet points or numbered lists to highlight the student’s strengths and qualities. Be sure to use specific examples and evidence to support your claims.
Example 1: Character Reference Letter for College Admission
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to provide a character reference for John Smith, who is applying to your college. I have known John for four years as his teacher and advisor, and I can confidently say that he is one of the most talented and hardworking students I have ever had the pleasure of teaching.
John is a natural leader and has served as the captain of our school’s debate team for the past two years. He has also been involved in community service projects, including volunteering at a local food bank and participating in a fundraiser for a children’s hospital.
I am confident that John will excel at your college and make a positive impact on your community. I strongly recommend him for admission to your college.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Ms. Jane Doe
Example 2: Character Reference Letter for Scholarship Application
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to provide a character reference for Sarah Johnson, who is applying for your scholarship. I have known Sarah for three years as her mentor and supervisor in our school’s robotics club, and I am impressed with her dedication, creativity, and leadership.
Sarah has shown exceptional skill in designing and building robots, and she has won several awards in regional and national competitions. She has also mentored younger students in the club and organized outreach events to promote STEM education in our community.
With her talent and passion, Sarah has the potential to make a significant contribution to the field of robotics and engineering. I strongly endorse her application for your scholarship.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
Dr. John Smith
Example 3: Character Reference Letter for Job Application
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Michael Brown for the position of marketing associate at your company. I worked with Michael for two years at our previous company, where he was a marketing intern and then a full-time marketing specialist.
Michael is a highly motivated and creative individual who consistently exceeded his goals and demonstrated excellent teamwork and communication skills. He was instrumental in launching several successful marketing campaigns and initiatives, and he played a key role in our company’s growth and success.
Michael is also a great listener and problem solver, and he always takes the time to understand the needs and preferences of his clients and colleagues. I am confident that he will be an asset to your team and make a positive impact on your business.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Lee
Example 4: Character Reference Letter for Volunteer Work
Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
I am writing to recommend Ashley Kim for a volunteer position at your organization. Ashley has been a volunteer at our local animal shelter for the past two years, and she has shown exceptional dedication, kindness, and responsibility.
Ashley has helped us with various tasks, including feeding and walking the animals, cleaning their cages, and assisting with adoption events. She has also developed a special bond with many of the animals and has provided them with love and care beyond what is expected of a volunteer.
Ashley is a role model for our other volunteers and a beloved member of our team. I highly recommend her for any volunteer position that involves working with animals or people in need.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
David Kim
Example 5: Character Reference Letter for Study Abroad Program
Dear Study Abroad Committee,
I am writing to support the application of Emily Lee for your study abroad program. I have known Emily for three years as her professor and academic advisor, and I am impressed with her academic achievements, cultural curiosity, and global perspective.
Emily has excelled in her coursework in international relations and has contributed to many class discussions and projects with her critical thinking and analysis. She has also participated in several extracurricular activities, including a Model UN conference and a language exchange program, which have broadened her cultural awareness and communication skills.
I believe that Emily will be an excellent ambassador for your program and a valuable representative of your institution. I fully endorse her application for your study abroad program.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Dr. Thomas Kim
Example 6: Character Reference Letter for Graduate School Application
Dear Graduate Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend David Park for admission to your graduate program in computer science. I have known David for four years as his research supervisor and instructor, and I have been impressed with his intellectual curiosity, technical skills, and research potential.
David has worked on several research projects with me, including developing a novel algorithm for database optimization and implementing a machine learning model for predicting user behavior. He has also published several papers in top-tier conferences and journals and has presented his work at international conferences.
David is a highly motivated and creative individual who is passionate about advancing the frontiers of computer science. I strongly believe that he has the potential to make significant contributions to the field, and I strongly endorse his application to your graduate program.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
Dr. Jessica Lee
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I include in a character reference letter for a student?
A: A character reference letter for a student should include your relationship to the student, how long you have known them, specific examples of their qualities and achievements, and your endorsement for the specific purpose of the letter, such as college admission, scholarship application, or job interview.
Q: How long should a character reference letter be?
A: A character reference letter should be one to two pages long, or approximately 50 to 80 sentences. It should be concise and to the point, while still providing enough detail and evidence to support your claims.
Q: Can I use bullet points or numbered lists in a character reference letter?
A: Yes, you can use bullet points or numbered lists to highlight the student’s strengths and qualities, especially if you have multiple examples to share. Just make sure that each point is clear and specific, and that you provide enough context and explanation for each one.
Q: Should I write a personal or professional character reference letter?
A: It depends on the purpose of the letter and the relationship you have with the student. If you are writing a letter for a college admission or scholarship application, for example, a personal reference from a teacher, coach, or mentor may be more appropriate. If you are writing a letter for a job application, a professional reference from a supervisor, colleague, or client may be more relevant.
Q: How should I address the recipient of the letter?
A: Start your letter with a formal greeting, such as “Dear Admissions Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager.” Use the recipient’s full name and title if possible, and make sure to spell it correctly. If you are not sure who will be reading the letter, you can use a generic greeting like “To Whom It May Concern.”
Q: How should I close the letter?
A: End your letter with a professional and courteous closing, such as “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” or “Thank you for your consideration.” Sign your name and provide your contact information if necessary, such as your email address or phone number.
Conclusion
Writing a character reference letter for a student can be a rewarding and meaningful experience. By following these tips and using the examples provided, you can create a letter that highlights the student’s strengths, accomplishments, and character, and helps them achieve their goals and aspirations.