Letter of Recommendation

Sample 1

Dear Admissions Committee, 

I am writing to recommend Savannah ‘Ava’ Burcham, who is applying to your Sociology PhD program. I have known Ava for over a year now, first meeting her when she took my advanced seminar, Behavioral Economics, as a senior at Emerson College. We also worked together as I helped her with some edits on her application to graduate school. For what it’s worth, I’m going to say that Ava is fantastic. 

The behavioral course is a dual-enrolled senior and masters student seminar, in which we tackle fairly challenging readings from economics, psychology, and human evolution. Students also work on an applied policy project, suggesting ways to affect behavior change on a particular topic.  Ava impressed me with her grasp and understanding of the material, ending up with an A. I really got a sense of her drive, though, when she came to me to discuss her applied project. That semester I worked with researchers and government agencies to provide a set of topics for students to choose from; raising awareness of the spotted lanternfly in Massachusetts, getting dive operators in the Galapagos to use a shark tracking app. Ava wanted instead to look at teaching methods professors could use to equalize and encourage participation across genders. I didn’t know Ava, and was skeptical. Usually students don’t do this kind of thing well.  Not only did she produce an impressive piece of research, she demonstrated a strong work ethic, an ability to implement her strategy as she presented her research to the class, an unusual understanding of independent research, and real concern for diversity and equality. 

Ava’s project demonstrated her desire to enter academia and sociology before I ever knew her post grad plans. We don’t often get students interested in pursuing careers in academia at Emerson; we’re more pre-professional. When we do, it’s a bit surprising, and I have talked a few people out of pursuing doctorates. Ava is built for it. She’s patient to the point of stubbornness, bright, hard-working, cooperative, and inventive. She can tolerate uncertainty and can organize herself and her program. She cares about teaching and learning in addition to any topical material. She sees the light at the end of the dark and sometimes dismal tunnel, and in fact seems to like the tunnel more than a little. 

Ava is a pretty impressive student—excelling in my course, designing her own interdisciplinary major, managing a full (and sometimes overloaded) school schedule, working part time, participating in multiple on-campus organizations, and receiving high praise from other professors. But she is also quite aware of and excited for the growth she needs. In the US and at Emerson we can specialize in producing arrogant students, but Ava has more humility than most. While I think she could probably develop more confidence, at least in how she speaks about herself, it’s nice to not have to tone that down, but rather up. The same semester I taught Ava, she was applying to the masters program where she is currently enrolled (University of Leeds). She recognized that she needed some help on the application, and sought my advice. She showed me an already well-thought out draft, and willingly accepted and implemented feedback, without losing sight of her original voice and aspirations. I tell you this to point out that Ava takes criticism and suggestions well, and responds to them quickly. That’s not an easy lesson. She understands collaboration and respects the work of those who came before her, but still seeks to make her own mark. Her statement of purpose ended up a nice example of clear, memorable, intelligent writing. 

When I first met Ava, she knew what she wanted and hoped for her future, but she lacked the confidence to really believe in all I could see she could achieve. Over the past year and a half, I’ve watched her grow in confidence and really start to do the work to become a promising young academic. I know you’ll be proud to have your name after hers when she’s done. I look forward to watching her grow into her own, and to keeping her as a friend and colleague for years to come. 

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any further details. 

Nejem Raheem, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Economics

Emerson College Dept. of Marketing Communication

Sample 2

Prof. Thomas Börner                                                                                     10 January, 2013

Institute for Medical Genetics

Humboldt-Universität

Augustenburger Platz 1

13353 Berlin

Germany

e-mail: thomas.borner@charite.de

Phone: +49 (0)30 / 450 569 124

Dear Mr. Brown,

I find myself extremely delighted to present a recommendation for one of my best research assistants, Adam Finberg, in his pursuit of the PhD program in medical genetics. He was my student during his studies at the Institute for Medical Genetics at Humboldt-University, when I was working as the Head of the Department of Medical Genetics. He was under my close supervision for a period of two years. I taught him a course in Metabolic Genetic Counseling in the third year of this course, and he also worked directly under my supervision during his research work on “T-Cell Regulation of Antibody Responses.” This interaction provided me sufficient information about the intellectual capability, technical and research skills Mr. Finberg had developed during this period.

Since the beginning of our collaboration, Mr. Finberg has showed himself as a hardworking and intelligent student who is passionate about his chosen area. During my lectures, Mr. Finberg has been concentrated and attentive, profoundly perceiving study material and displaying a remarkable understanding of the content. He has consistently taken an active part in discussions and seminars, expressing thoughtful comments and interesting presentations. In completing tasks and assignments, Mr. Finberg has consistently demonstrated a positive attitude and great initiative, as well as fine team working skills.

The student’s overall performance is ranked as far above average, which is evidenced by his marks. He takes an active part in the scientific and social life of the university – he is ranked in the top 2% of faculty students.

Mr. Finberg is highly enthusiastic about what relates to his research. He maintains continual self-learning and growth through extensive reading. He strives to make new methods in the laboratory. This has helped him to gain a deep understanding and broad erudition in the subject of genetics. While testing a new research method, he needed a new and not easily available drug that our university could not afford at that time. Mr. Finberg wrote to different pharmacy companies and had a meeting with managers at psychiatric clinics to explain his research proposals and needs. As a result, he gained sponsors not only for the drug he was asking for, but also for chemicals needed for research. His sharp intellect with a sense of reason allows him to handle the most abstract concepts with ease. Mr. Finberg is perpetually seeking new experiences and ways of researching, determined to expand his concepts abroad.

Mr. Finberg is a worthy member of a research community. He is a well disciplined, responsible student with a pleasant personality. He is respectful, showing a great capacity for integration into university life. Also, he is always ready to help others in their studies as a tutor. Furthermore, he instructs college students, graduate students, and other faculty members. He has also actively participated in seminars and different journals related to medical genetics.

For all these reasons, I would highly recommend Mr. Finberg for the PhD program in medical genetics and would like to recommend him to qualify as a teaching/research assistant in your university. As Department Head, I respect and support his interests to further study and research. Considering his performance in his research project, social and scientific activities, he is the right choice for a PhD program where he can develop and apply his talents. I am confident that Mr. Finberg will add diversity and uniqueness to your academic community.

If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours Sincerely,

Prof. Thomas Börner

Sample 3 (Academic Recommendation)

American university,

School of Business,

4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW,

Washington, DC 20016-8017.

27th May 2013

Colombia University,

Office of Admissions,

School of Continuing Education,

203 Lewisohn Hall approx,

2970 Broadway, Mail Code 4119,

New York, NY 10027-6902.

RE: RECOMMENDATION LETTER

It is a pleasure to recommend Peter Jameson for admission to the Columbia University summer school program. Peter was my student in Business 301 (basics in financial accounting), and has proven to be a student others should emulate. He is aware about the quality of his work, and in addition to this, his attendance of classes and research sessions are commendable. This hard work has gifted him with his consistency in attaining good grades on all exams and continuous assessment tests. His work shows his close attention to detail and an ability to put together material resources to design large talking points for discussion. These discussions were always ripe with well-researched and thought-out content. These discussions left everyone with a comprehensive view of the subject under discussion and an improved understanding of real-world situations.

Peter made intelligent and visionary contributions during common class discussions. His true talent came into full view in the field in which his leadership abilities took center stage. Peter is a natural when it comes to dealing with people. In just a few short weeks, Peter was named group leader. This post has not affected his love for the field or for guiding fellow students, but has just intensified it more. We have worked together on course material review before exams, and this has improved the performance of the class in general.

I believe in Peter’s strong academic abilities. This coupled with his outstanding leadership skills will make him one of the ideal candidates for the Columbia University summer school program. If any highlighting is of essence, please contact me at the Bates University campus.

Signature

Senior Professor J .D. Ombudsman

Sample 4

“To,

The Admissions Committee

It is with great pleasure that I recommend my student Mr./Miss (name) for an MS in Computer Science program at your precious university. (Name) has been my student for the last (period of time) and during this time I have found him to be an exemplary student. I have taught him (name of subject) and found his performance to be more than satisfactory. He has a positive attitude towards learning, and his academic record is proof of the same. 

As his professor, I can assure you that he will be a good fit in your esteemed institute. I truly believe his skills are a perfect match for the aforementioned program. He is very motivated, determined, and strong-willed. He is fluent in programming languages like C++, Java, and Python. He has a keen interest in Web Development too. He has successfully headed the team of our college’s ‘Coding Club’ as its President. He has also taken part in various inter-college events and Coding competitions. He is an active member of the Student Committee of the college, serving as the Vice President faithfully. His commitment towards his interest in Computers is commendable. He believes in uplifting the weaker sections of society. He has been tutoring underprivileged children in Maths, Physics, and Chemistry for free for the last five years. He has successfully conducted a Book collection drive for underprivileged students for the last three years. I believe this program would greatly support him/her and help him grow his career. I have seen him take on various challenges head-on. I remember he appeared for his third-semester exams despite suffering from Dengue. His perseverance and resilience are applaudable.

I vouch for (name) in this letter recommending him to you. Accepting him into your institute will be the right choice as the institution would benefit from the value that he will add. I know that he will become an invaluable asset to your institution and the community.

Sincerely,

Name

Designation

Name of Institute”