Letter of Recommendation Draft for a Student
The short answer
A recommendation is written by the recommender, but many ask the student for a draft or notes to save time. Use this to organise how they know you, what you did and your qualities, in short paragraphs. The recommender must edit it and make it their own before signing.
Say who you are, how long you have known the student and in what setting. This gives your letter weight.
Style example (do not copy it): I am a professor of Computer Science at Sample Institute, and I have known the student for two years as their teacher and project guide.
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A specific story is worth more than adjectives. Describe what the student did and what came of it.
Style example (do not copy it): When our department's timetable system failed before exams, the student rebuilt the scheduling logic in three days, and it was used for the whole semester.
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Pick two or three qualities, such as initiative, teamwork or curiosity, and prove one with an example.
Style example (do not copy it): The student regularly stayed after class to help juniors, and several of them credit this help for passing the course.
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Give a fair comparison, such as the top five percent of those you have taught. Be honest: committees notice inflation.
Style example (do not copy it): In my twelve years of teaching, the student is among the top five students I have taught.
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End with a clear statement and an offer to answer questions.
Style example (do not copy it): I recommend the student without any reservation, and I am happy to answer any questions you may have.
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Your LOR draft
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How to: Letter of Recommendation Draft for a Student
- 1Choose the recommendation option.
- 2Fill in how the writer knows you and what you did together.
- 3Add examples of your skills with real results.
- 4Share the draft as notes, and let the writer change it freely.
At a glance
- Written by
- The recommender, in their own voice
- Draft is
- Notes to help them, not a finished letter
- Include
- How they know you, examples, qualities
Frequently asked questions
Is it right to write my own recommendation?
Sending notes is fine and common. Many universities, however, want the letter to come from the recommender, so present your draft as notes and let them write the final text.
How long should a recommendation be?
Usually one page, around 400 to 600 words, with specific examples. The tool shows a word count as you write.