Writing Letters of Writing Letters of RecommendationRecommendationBased on Harvard University’s GSAS Guide for Teaching

Fellows on Writing Letters of Recommendations

From the CHC

Writing Center

When asked to write a letter…0 Have the student bring

0 resume and transcript0 paper or test from your course0 copy of the application essay0 literature on the program or job 0 specific recommendation forms 0 due date of the recommendation 0 addressed envelope in which the

recommendation should be sent0 waiver form

From the CHC Writing Center

At the meeting, gather more details on the student’s prior achievements, reasons

for applying, and future goals.

Arrange a meeting with

the student

Confidential letters have greater

credibility, but the decision to waive

belongs to the student.

If you find that you CANNOT write a supportive letter

0 Have an honest, but constructive discussion with the student.

0 Help the student identify0personal strengths0a more appropriate letter writer0whether he/she is making an appropriate application0how he/she can improve future prospects

0 Don’t leave the student feeling that all doors are closed.

From the CHC Writing Center

If you find that you CAN write a supportive letter…

From the CHC Writing Center

Match the letter to its purpose

0 Students may ask for a general letter to have on file for the future.

0 The advantage is that you can write the letter when the student and his/her performance are still fresh in your mind.

0 The disadvantage is that the letter cannot be tailored to a specific purpose.

From the CHC Writing Center

Graduate School

Job Application

0 Focus primarily on academic abilities.0 Also include relevant personal characteristics.

0 Discuss work experience and extracurricular activities, as well as academic abilities and personal traits.

General Letter

Identify

0 Use department letterhead.0 Begin by identifying yourself and the purpose of the letter.0 Describe your relationship to the student.

0 How long have you known the student?0 In what course(s) did you teach the student? 0 How large was the class? 0 How much of the student’s work did you see?0 Did you know the student in any other capacity (e.g., as an academic

advisor, advisor to an extracurricular program)?

From the CHC Writing Center

Yourself

Your relationship

The student

Document the student’sscholarly capabilities

0 Describe the student’s academic strengths and accomplishments.

0 Support your statements with concrete examples.

0 Avoid cliches and superlatives.0 If you lack information to answer a

specific question on an evaluation form, say so.

From the CHC Writing Center

Emphasize those that make the

student unique.

Possibilities include papers,

exams, presentations, or

performance in the lab.

Describe the student’s character

0 Highlight strengths of character and noteworthy personality traits.

0 If appropriate, you may include personal barriers that the student has overcome, such as financial difficulties, family or personal illness, or experiences as a first-generation college student .

From the CHC Writing Center

Again, use concrete

examples to illustrate your

points.

Always consult with the student

first.Such barriers may also be

used to explain weaknesses in the student’s record.

Some final thoughts

0End your letter with a brief summary of your reasons for recommending the student.

0Keep the total length to 1-2 pages.0Take care to proofread, as the quality of your

writing will reflect on the student.0Save the letter somewhere, in case you need it

again in the future.

From the CHC Writing Center