Academic recommendations may also be requested as part of a job application, especially for an internship or entry-level position. They can be particularly powerful when a position is aligned with the applicant’s academic experience.
What’s in an Academic Recommendation Letter?
An academic reference letter is typically one to two pages in length. It highlights a student’s academic history, character, and academic or career goals. The letter expands upon a student’s report card or transcript, providing insight into how the applicant behaved as a student and is likely to perform as an employee. Recommendation letters may be requested in sealed envelopes with the signature of the letter’s author over the seal. This is done to ensure the reference is authentic and accurately portrays the candidate. Another option is to have the recommender send the reference directly or complete an online recommendation form. That means you may not have an opportunity to read what your recommender wrote about you. The letter is more likely to be positive and support your application if you have a good relationship with the recommender.
Who to Ask for a Recommendation
In addition to teachers, guidance counselors, administrators, supervisors, and others who can attest to your academic achievements may also write academic letters of recommendation for students. You can ask for letters of recommendation before you graduate. This way, you have some letters ready to go and can attach them to your resume or application right away. Letters written ahead of time will need to be more general, so they can work for more than one application. On a similar note, when you ask your teachers for references at the end of your time at school, request formal and informal copies of your transcript from the registrar’s office. You will be pleased to have these in a folder waiting for you when you apply for your first job.
Sample Academic Recommendation Request
This is a sample letter a student can email or mail to a former teacher asking for a reference letter. You can download the recommendation letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.
Sample General Academic Recommendation for a Student
This general academic reference letter can be drafted by a teacher for a student to keep in their academic portfolio for future use. May 19, 2021 Lisa LeeProfessor Childhood EducationAcme University123 Business StreetBusiness City, NY 54321 Dear Professor Lee, As I prepare for my journey into the workforce after graduation, I am hoping to gather a general letter of recommendation from you that I can use for future teaching position applications. As my elementary education advisor, mentor, and professor, I believe a reference from you would provide a potential employer with insight into my character and teaching abilities, ensuring them I would be an ideal candidate for the early childhood education position they are looking to fill. If you need any additional information, please contact me via email or phone. If you would kindly provide me with four signed copies of the letter in sealed envelopes with your signature across the seal, I would much appreciate it. Thank you for your consideration and support. Sincerely, Signature (hard copy letter)Sue Wright
Sample Academic Recommendation for a Student
Here is a sample academic reference letter from a teacher. May 19, 2021 Lisa LeeOperations ManagerSunshine Hospital123 Business StreetBusiness City, NY 54321 To Whom It May Concern, I am writing this reference for Mary Miller, a student I was fortunate to work with during her senior year at Newton College. As both Mary’s academic advisor and professor of Children’s Literature, I have watched her grow into a passionate and knowledgeable teacher. A natural in the classroom, Mary has worked with students in both inclusive classrooms as well as individually, focusing on their special needs in reading and writing. Mary is a patient and compassionate teacher and is the ideal candidate for your special education graduate program. Please feel free to contact me with any additional questions you may have regarding Mary at 555-123-2345 or email, laurie.gallo@college.edu. Sincerely, Signature (hard copy letter) Laurie GalloEducation Department ChairNewton College May 19, 2021 Franklin LeeDepartment Chair CommunicationsAcme University123 Business StreetBusiness City, NY 54321 Dear Ms. Jones: I am writing this reference at the request of Katie Kingston, who is applying for the Summer Communications Program at Acme University. I have known Katie for two years in my capacity as a teacher at Smithtown Middle School. Katie took English and Spanish from me and earned superior grades in those classes. Based on Katie’s grades, attendance, and class participation, I’d rate Katie’s academic performance in my class as superior. In conclusion, I would highly recommend Katie Kingston for this academic program. If her performance in my class is any indication of how she will succeed, Katie will be a positive addition to the program. If you should need any additional information, you can feel free to contact me at 555-555-5555 or by email at susan.samuels@email.com anytime. Sincerely, Signature (hard copy letter) Susan SamuelsTeacherSmithtown Middle School
