The Interfolio Blog

Last week we provided advice to applicants on how to ask for and obtain quality letters of recommendation, but we also recognize that not every academic is well-versed in writing these kinds of documents. So what do you do when students begin asking for recommendations? Here we've provided seven tips to help facilitate the writing process!

1. Keep in mind that a letter of recommendation is your chance to convey a student's skills, experience, and potential to succeed in the program to which they are applying.
2. Talk to the student before you begin writing. Make sure you feel that you can write them a positive letter. If not, perhaps suggest that they ask someone who knows them better.
3. Discuss the student's goals, the activities they're involved in, why they are applying for the program, etc. If you primarily know the student in the classroom, this will help you gain more perspective on the student, which will lead to a more well-rounded letter.
4. If you're still struggling for material, you can ask the applicant to write a brief recommendation for him/herself and use it as a reference.
5. Be sure to include a strong opening statement that mentions the name of the student and why you are writing the letter for them.
6. The body of the letter should include assessment statements. These phrases can judge the applicant's competence, integrity, and charisma. An assessment statement also incorporates examples of the student's performance as a means of supporting general statements about the individual. Be compelling! Try to discuss each quality in order of importance and keep this section's length between two and three paragraphs.
7. Closing statements are generally conclusive, positive comments at the end of the letter. They are important because they are your last chance to reach the admissions committee reviewing the student's application. Don't hesitate to ask the committee to contact you if they have any questions, or to further confirm the student's eligibility for the program.