Higher Studies Recommendation Letter

The intense competition prevailing in modern times has made it mandatory for a recommendation letter to be a part of a student's application for admission to higher studies. The grades by themselves are not proof enough of the student's calibre and most universities that impart higher studies require a kind of a testimonial from the candidate's previous institution that throw light upon the moral character, the strengths and the personality of the applicant seeking admission. A lot of emphasis is also laid on extracurricular activities, project work and awards received by the candidate.

Recommendation letters give an insight into the personal traits of the applicant and not just the academic standards that are evident from the grades obtained. Most universities want to ensure that they admit only the best candidates that would uphold the values, reputation and image of their institution. Therefore equal importance is given to letters of recommendation as to the grades obtained.

Now that you know how vital a role, recommendation letters play in the admission process, it is better to begin preparing for one, well in advance.

Some important points:-

• Choose someone who knows you well, someone who likes you and is sure to give a positive feedback about you
• Request the recommender well in advance and proceed only if he/she is willing to write about you. If there is even a slight reluctance, it is best to approach someone else; so you need sufficient time in hand
• Prepare a concise bio data about yourself, your grades and achievements and other valuable information about you that the recommender can refer to while drafting the letter. The file prepared should contain a record of your grades, any voluntary work undertaken by you and your future goals.

Higher Studies Recommendation Letter

Robert A. Herrington
Springfield Academy
1939 North Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84104

Wayne D. Smith
Xaviers school of Economics
430 Berkshire Circle
Knoxville, TN 37909
24 Nov'11

Dear Mr Smith,

I write this letter to recommend my student Pearl Spencer to be admitted into your esteemed institution to pursue higher studies in economics. I have known Pearl for the last 4 years and have always found her to be a bright and sincere student with a zest for learning. Her amiable nature and polite and courteous demeanour had made her popular among the students and the staff alike.

Pearl has graduated from High School with an A grade and has stood second in the entire batch of 120 students. Her genuine interest in Economics coupled with an analytical and logical bent of mind indeed make her a promising student. She has won the best paper award for her analysis of economic theories and her work was published in the journal "young economist". Her presentation on "How to tackle recession" was adjudged the best student project of the year.

Pearl Spencer would certainly fit into your esteemed institution and would be an ideal candidate for the post graduate course in economics. I hereby vouch for her moral character and am confident of her potential. She definitely deserves a place in your post graduate course and I am certain that she will do your institution proud. I therefore request you to strongly consider her candidature.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely

Robert .A. Herrington

Thus a higher studies recommendation letter must sound natural and genuine so avoid heaping lavish praise on the student. List examples of achievements and accolades and emphasize on moral character and general behaviour of the student. These are the top criteria for any universities while granting admission. The sample provided makes for an ideal example of a recommendation letter. Also, you can look Personal Recommendation Letter and School Recommendation Letter for more example of letters.