How to write a letter of recommendation that strengthens a student’s college application

You may be asked to write a letter of recommendation for students during their college application process. As students hope for an early decision in their favor and, often, financial aid, a well-written recommendation can give them a powerful advantage in today’s competitive environment.

University of Cincinnati Admissions representatives review thousands of applications each year, most of them from academically qualified candidates. A strong recommendation letter can make a student stand out from the other applicants, and ultimately tip the needle in their favor. UC admissions reviews applicants holistically, so all letters of recommendation are considered in a student’s application.

The best recommendation letters provide some idea of who the person is — the whole person. Is the student intellectually curious, articulate or creative, do they have positive character traits?

• Keep it concise. Summarize in one sentence how you know the student, identify their strengths, and provide 1-2 examples or stories.
• Use concrete examples, not generalizations. Tell stories that illustrate the student’s character.
• If you know what major the student is looking at, you can incorporate details of why that student would be a good fit for that major and career path.
• Make each letter unique. Omit any statement that could apply to several or all of the students you may be recommending.

This is a business letter, so it should have a formal structure and be no longer than one page. Use professional language and keep the tone respectful yet personal. The goal is to provide a concise, well-organized endorsement that highlights the student's strengths, without overwhelming the reader with unnecessary details.

Here’s what should be included in a letter of recommendation:

When writing a letter of recommendation, it's important to begin by clearly explaining how you know the student. This helps establish the credibility and context of your endorsement. Mention how long you've known the student and in what capacity, whether as a teacher, coach, supervisor, or mentor. Providing this context allows the admissions committee to understand the depth of your relationship and the perspective from which you're evaluating the student. For example, if you've taught the student in multiple classes or worked closely with them on a project, share those details to highlight your familiarity with their character and academic abilities.

Many high school counselors recommend beginning with a statement of how you know the student (did you teach them in a subject, coach them in a sport or supervise them in an internship?) and for how long you’ve known them. Use the student’s full name in the first mention, then just the first name. Then, in two paragraphs, include specifics such as these:

• Relate a story or incident that demonstrates the student’s character: personal strengths, intellectual interests, integrity or leadership ability. If the student has experienced disappointment or failure, how did they react?
• Describe the student’s personality. How do they interact with teachers and peers?
• What will you remember most about this student?

Conclude with a sincere statement recommending the student to the specific college or university. If the student is sending the letter to a single institution, mention the school in your conclusion.

Using the student’s full name again, encourage the college to contact you with any further questions. Close with “Best regards,” and include your title and school after your typed name and signature.

A memorable letter of recommendation can go a long way toward helping students reach their academic and life goals.

[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[School Name]
[Date]

Admissions Committee
[College/University Name]

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am pleased to recommend [Student's Full Name] for admission to [College/University Name]. I have known [him/her/them] for [number] years as their [role, e.g., teacher, coach], and in that time, [he/she/they] has demonstrated strong academic abilities and admirable personal qualities.

In [subject/class], [Student's First Name] consistently performed at a high level, showing a deep understanding of the material and a strong work ethic. For instance, [he/she/they] led a successful project on [specific topic], which was particularly impressive for its [specific attribute, e.g., creativity, thoroughness].

Beyond academics, [Student's First Name] is known for [his/her/their] integrity, leadership, and commitment to [specific interest or field]. I am confident that [he/she/they] will thrive at [College/University Name] and make a valuable contribution to your community.

Please feel free to contact me if you need further information.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your School]

A good letter of recommendation for college includes the following key elements:

• Personal connection

• Specific examples

• Academic and personal balance

• Tailored to the college or major

• Positive, yet honest

• Professional tone and format

Yes, you can write a general recommendation letter for multiple colleges. Just avoid mentioning specific schools, focus on the student’s strengths and character, and keep academic interests broad if the student is undecided. 

While a general letter works, a tailored letter is usually more impactful, especially if the college has unique programs that align with the student’s goals.

Writing a thoughtful letter of recommendation can be pivotal in a student’s college application process, helping them stand out and achieve their goals.