Writing Letters of Recommendation

Advice on Writing Letters of Recommendation

By Doug Cutchins, Director of Social Commitment at Grinnell College

• Be specific and use examples.
• Know the student, know the opportunity, and know why you've been asked to write the letter.
• Length: more than one page, less than two pages.
• State who you are and the nature and length of your relationship with the student.
• Use comparative numbers or rankings when possible.
• Be honest (but cautious).
• Describe the person, not just the student.
• Know and meet the deadline.
• Use your particular viewpoint or lens into this student; don't repeat information available elsewhere on the application.
• Make the student work for the letter - give you enough time, and provide supplementary materials to help you write the letter.

For a more complete discussion of the art of writing recommendations, view this article.

Sample Letters of Recommendation

A sample letter of recommendation written by Jonathan Brand

A sample letter of recommendation written by David Campbell