The Do’s and Don’ts of Writing a Great Letter of Recommendation for Graduate Studies

If you’ve been brainstorming how to write a great letter of recommendation for graduate studies, you’ve just stumbled on the best and last article you’ll ever need. It is necessary to write a great letter of recommendation when applying for graduate studies. And there are things you must do and avoid if you’ll have it serve its purpose.

A letter of recommendation, as the name implies, is a document written by someone you hold in high esteem. Its purpose is to endorse your skills, experience, and qualifications and commend you for whatever program you’re applying for. It also gives insight into your academic potential and could be the deciding factor in your admissions.

In addition to a statement of purpose, transcripts, English language proficiency test scores, and other important documents, writing a great letter of recommendation is unavoidable when applying for graduate studies.

Whether you’re the one writing or you’re the one in need of it, this post will guide you on the dos and don’ts for writing a great letter of recommendation for graduate studies. 

Components of a Letter of Recommendation for Graduate Studies

• Introduction and salutation.
• Explain the relationship and how long you’ve known them.
• Highlight your experience with them and evidence of their soft and hard skills. 
• Specific reasons you are recommending them for the program.
• Conclude with a strong recommendation.
• Closing statement with contact information.
• Signature.

Things You Should Do When Writing a Letter of Recommendation for Graduate Studies

1. Know the Candidate Well

As a professor or lecturer, before agreeing to write anyone’s letter of recommendation for graduate studies, ensure you know the applicant well. This will help you provide a detailed, meaningful, and honest assessment. Your familiarity with the candidate will make the recommendation authentic and genuine. 

2. Understand the Purpose of the Letter

Understanding the purpose of the letter is essential. A letter of recommendation for graduate studies serves the purpose of speaking up for the candidate and endorsing their achievements. It is like giving credibility to their curriculum vitae and approving that the content is true and correct.

Some schools and programs demand specific requirements from the candidate’s letter. 

3. Highlight Specific and Relevant Achievements

A letter of recommendation for graduate studies should highlight the candidate’s academic abilities, experience, character, and potential for success in line with the chosen program. 

Use specific examples to highlight the candidate’s strengths and accomplishments. Mention notable projects, research, or coursework showcasing their skills and dedication. This will make the letter more credible.

4. Use a Professional Tone

A letter of recommendation for graduate studies falls under the category of formal letters. And should be written as such. When writing, ensure you maintain a formal and professional tone throughout. 

Avoid casual language or overly familiar expressions that could undermine the letter’s seriousness. Ensure you maintain a formal tone and adhere to professional writing standards. This demonstrates respect for the application process and reflects positively on you and the candidate. 

5. Provide Context

While highlighting the candidate’s strengths, accomplishments, and skills, ensure you explain your relationship with the candidate and the context in which you have observed their abilities. This helps the admissions committee understand the basis of your evaluation. 

As the candidate, provide enough background information about the program and school you’re applying to. You can ask your references what information they would like, but giving them a copy of your application materials is standard practice.

Tell them why you are interested in the program and your research interests. You can also remind them of the classes you took with them and the projects you participated in. Give them this information well in advance of the application deadline.

6. Emphasize the Candidate’s Unique Qualities

As a professor or lecturer, you would have worked with several students. And you can tell who has unique and outstanding qualities. If the candidate falls into this category, ensure you highlight what makes the candidate unique. Discuss their special skills, experiences, or perspectives that differentiate them from other candidates and add value to the graduate program.

7. Be Honest and Sincere

Honesty is crucial in a letter of recommendation. There’s no point in lying or exaggerating. The admissions committee will appreciate your sincerity in your assessment. 

While it’s essential to focus on their strengths, acknowledge areas for growth and improvement where necessary. A truthful and balanced letter is more credible. 

8. Use a Clear Structure

Organize the letter with a clear structure: an introduction, body paragraphs, a conclusion, and a signature.  Use paragraphs to separate different points. This helps the reader follow your assessment logically and covers all key points.

9. Proofread and Edit Thoroughly

This point cannot be overemphasized. Having errors in your letter of recommendation for graduate studies is a big error, and it gives the admission committee a reason to question your credibility and qualifications.

Ensure the letter is free from grammatical and spelling errors. A polished letter reflects well on both the recommender and the candidate. Have one or two others proofread the letter multiple times to eliminate grammatical or spelling errors.  

Things You Should Not Do When Writing a Letter of Recommendation for Graduate Studies

1. Don’t Use Generic Statements

Steer clear of vague or overly general statements when writing a letter of recommendation for graduate studies. Instead of saying, “The applicant is a hard worker” or “The applicant is a great student”, provide specific examples and events demonstrating these qualities.    

2. Don’t Include Irrelevant Information

Graduate studies letters of recommendation are formal and should focus solely on the purpose. Anything outside the purpose of recommending the candidate for the program is considered irrelevant. 

Whatever qualities and experiences you mention must be relevant to the graduate program and the candidate’s overall academic and professional goals. Avoid personal anecdotes that do not contribute to the overall purpose of the letter.   to the.  

3. Don’t Be Too Brief

Writing a brief letter may give the impression that you don’t know the applicant well or don’t fully endorse their application. Avoid making it brief. Provide sufficient detail to support your positive assessment.  

4. Don’t Miss the Deadline

No matter how great the letter of recommendation for graduate studies is, missing the deadline can disqualify the candidate or reduce their chances of being selected for the program. So, ensure you submit by the specified deadline.  

5. Don’t Omit your Contact Information and Signature

Sometimes, the admissions committee might reach out to confirm certain information. Ensure you include your contact information and be available for any follow-up questions. This adds an extra layer of credibility. 

A signed letter adds a layer of authenticity and professionalism. Always include your signature, whether the letter is submitted electronically or in print. 

Writing a great letter of recommendation for international graduate studies requires careful thought and attention to detail. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can provide a strong and compelling endorsement to help the applicant stand out in the competitive admissions process. Remember, your letter can make a significant difference in helping the candidate achieve their academic and professional goals.