Suggestions for Writing a Letter of Recommendation

• Include your affiliation or relationship with the student:  Were you the professor, supervisor and/or advisor? You will be able to identify different strengths based on your relationship with the student.
• Give honest and factual information:  Let students know how well you can speak about their strengths and abilities. If you have not had much interaction with a student, let them know before you write a letter.
• Ask a student for a copy of their resume or a list of their activities on campus, accomplishments, and any other experiences:  This will allow you to see a more holistic picture of the student.
• Identify the student’s skills, attitudes, personal characteristics, ability to grasp information, contributions made, and intellectual ability:  Include examples when possible.
• Let students know how much time you need to write a letter and try to stay within that time frame:  Students will be respectful of your time and effort but also consider students’ deadlines.
• Be cautious when utilizing any information that could be the basis of discrimination:  Though employers or graduate schools cannot legally discriminate, you do not want to include information that others can wrongfully use.
• The letter you are writing can include some weaknesses, but as a whole create an honest and accurate picture of the student.

Words you may want to include:

Some possible points to address in the letter: