Writing recommendation letters for students helps shape their academic futures. Teachers, counselors, and mentors write letters that showcase each student’s unique qualities and achievements.
Creating the right words can be challenging, but a solid approach and structure will help you create compelling letters that make your students stand out. These 10 proven templates will guide you to write strong, effective recommendation letters that admission officers notice.
Student Recommendation Letter Templates
Use these templates as starting points for your recommendation letters. Adjust them to match your specific needs.
1. General Academic Achievement Letter
*Subject: Letter of Recommendation for [Student Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
As [Student Name]’s [Your Role] at [School Name] for the past [Time Period], this recommendation comes from seeing their academic performance and personal growth.
[Student Name] stays in the top 5% of their class, maintaining a 4.0 GPA while taking advanced placement courses. They ask smart questions during class discussions, especially about [Subject Area], making the lessons better for everyone.
They also show strong leadership as [Position] of our [Club/Organization]. They achieved [Specific Achievement] while keeping their excellent grades.
[Student Name] will bring fresh ideas and strong work ethics to your institution. They get my highest recommendation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Contact Information]*
2. STEM Excellence Letter
*Subject: Academic Recommendation – [Student Name]
Dear Selection Committee,
As the [Subject] teacher at [School Name], this letter supports [Student Name]’s application to your [Program Name].
[Student Name] shows exceptional skill in mathematics and sciences. Their research project about [Topic] showed strong knowledge of [Specific Concept], winning first place at our state science fair.
They learn hard ideas quickly and explain them well to other students. [Student Name] started a peer tutoring program that raised class grades by 15%.
This mix of academic excellence and helping others makes [Student Name] perfect for your program.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Contact Information]*
3. Arts and Creative Achievement Letter
*Subject: Recommendation for [Student Name] – Arts Program
Dear Admissions Team,
As the [Arts Department] Chair at [School Name], this letter recommends [Student Name] for your [Program Name].
[Student Name]’s creative skills shine in every project. Their recent [Art Piece/Performance] showed great new ideas and strong technique, earning [Award/Recognition].
They always try new creative ideas while keeping high standards. Their work leading our [Arts Club/Event] got younger students excited about trying new artistic methods.
[Student Name]’s mix of creativity and hard work will make your program better.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Contact Information]*
4. Athletic Achievement Letter
*Subject: Athletic Recommendation – [Student Name]
Dear Recruiting Committee,
As Head Coach of [Sport] at [School Name], this recommendation shows [Student Name]’s athletic achievements and character.
[Student Name] led our team as captain for [Time Period], helping us reach [Achievement]. Their record includes [Relevant Numbers/Achievements], but these numbers show just part of who they are.
They help others by teaching younger players and running community sports programs. They keep a [GPA] while doing great in sports.
[Student Name] will be great for your athletic program.
Best wishes,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Contact Information]*
5. Community Service Focus Letter
*Subject: Recommendation Letter for [Student Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
As advisor of [School’s] Community Service Club, this letter supports [Student Name]’s application to your institution.
[Student Name] gave [Number] hours to community service, running programs that [Specific Impact/Achievement]. Their work on [Description] supported [Number] local families.
They plan well and show care for others in their service work. They got other students involved and achieved [Specific Outcome/Achievement].
[Student Name]’s dedication to helping others matches your institution’s values perfectly.
Regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Contact Information]*
6. International Student Letter
*Subject: Academic Recommendation for [Student Name]
Dear Admissions Officers,
As [Role] at [School Name], this letter recommends [Student Name], an excellent international student from [Country].
[Student Name] quickly fit into our academic setting, learning English while getting great grades. They add fresh ideas to class talks based on their background.
They started a cultural exchange club that connects international and local students through monthly events. Their academic successes include [Specific Achievements/Awards].
[Student Name] will add new ideas to your campus community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Contact Information]*
7. Leadership Excellence Letter
*Subject: Leadership Recommendation – [Student Name]
Dear Selection Committee,
As Student Council Advisor at [School Name], this letter shows [Student Name]’s outstanding leadership skills.
[Student Name] serves as Student Body President, starting programs that made student life better. Their work on [Specific Project] led to [Positive Outcome].
They bring different groups together well. They lead by thinking ahead and caring about what others say.
[Student Name]’s leadership abilities will help your institution grow.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Contact Information]*
8. Research and Academic Project Letter
*Subject: Academic Recommendation for [Student Name]
Dear Admissions Committee,
As Research Program Director at [School Name], this letter supports [Student Name]’s research achievements.
[Student Name] finished an independent research project about [Topic], showing advanced understanding. Their findings about [Specific Area] won recognition from [Organization/Competition].
They show strong analysis skills and know how to do research well. They explain hard ideas clearly, better than other students.
[Student Name] has the study skills and research ability needed for university success.
Regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Contact Information]*
9. Performing Arts Letter
*Subject: Performance Recommendation – [Student Name]
Dear Arts Admission Committee,
As Director of [Performance Program] at [School Name], this letter recommends [Student Name] for your performing arts program.
[Student Name] starred in [Productions], making each role special. They spend [Number] hours each week practicing and getting ready for shows.
They help teach newer performers and help plan productions. They mix talent with hard work and team spirit.
[Student Name] will add much to your performing arts community.
Best wishes,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Contact Information]*
10. Technical Achievement Letter
*Subject: Technical Program Recommendation – [Student Name]
Dear Admissions Team,
As [Technical Program] Coordinator at [School Name], this letter supports [Student Name]’s application to your technical program.
[Student Name] does great work with hands-on technical tasks. Their work on [Technical Project] showed advanced skills in [Specific Skills/Concepts].
They run our robotics team while keeping high grades. They solve hard technical problems better than most students.
[Student Name] shows they will do well in advanced technical studies.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Contact Information]*
Wrap-up
These templates give you a base for writing strong recommendation letters. Add specific details about your student’s achievements and character. Good recommendation letters help qualified students reach their academic goals. Include examples and personal observations to make your letter special while keeping it professional and well-organized.