GUIDELINES

  1. Provide a brief introduction. Include your name, position, and company or school, if any. Explain the capacity in which you know the person you are referring to in the letter.
  2. Enumerate the qualifications of the applicant. Relevant information may include academic performance, work and study ethic, awards received, and other achievements. You may mention character traits, but keep your tone relatively objective and try to back up any claims with anecdotal evidence or facts.
  3. Thank the recipient and leave your contact details just in case more information is required.

SAMPLE LETTER

[Senders Name]
[Address line]
[State, ZIP Code]

[Letter Date]

[Recipients Name]
[Address line]
[State, ZIP Code]

[Subject: Normally bold, summarizes the intention of the letter] -Optional-


Dear [Recipients Name],

Good day.

My name is Dr. Samuel Jenkins. I am currently connected with Dean Central University and hold the positions of Head Researcher and Professor of the Biology Department. I have had the opportunity to teach Mr. James Jameson, one of your applicants, in several of my classes.

It is the light of this that I write to you. I understand that Mr. Jameson has expressed the desire to continue his scientific studies by taking Medicine at your distinguished institution. To my knowledge, he has always maintained a good average. Furthermore, he has organized several Science Camps over the past four years. I believe this reflects his sense of initiative and ability to handle responsibility. I am therefore confident to say that Mr. Jameson has what it takes to pursue his objective of eventually becoming a medical professional.

Thank you very much for your time. Should you need more information, you may contact me through Jane, my secretary, at 555-5555.

Sincerely,

[Senders Name]
[Senders Title] -Optional-

[Enclosures: number] - Optional -
cc: [Name of copy recipient] - Optional -

Recommending an applicant for medical school. Sample letter.

Further things to consider when writing reference letters to schools

Further things to consider when writing reference letters to schools

Reference Letters

Reference letters are letters written to endorse someone's general character and personality. A reference letter differs from a recommendation letter in that the latter supports the person's application for a specific job or education program and is usually addressed to a particular person. A reference letter is more general in nature, refers to the overall character of the person, and is not addressed to anyone in particular. It is normally addressed as "Dear sir/madam," or "To whom it may concern." The person who writes the reference letter is known as the referee, and he/she could be a close friend or colleague.

For you to write good reference letters, you need to know the candidates well to be able to express their best character. Start off with a salutation and the name of the person the letter is about. Write a sentence or two explaining how you know the person and for how long. Mention the strong qualities, characteristics, and strengths of the person in question. Giving brief examples, discuss why you feel the person will be a great addition to office and work culture. Use strong verbs but do not exaggerate. Conclude with your contacts and signature.

Letters to Schools

Letters to schools are letters written to institutions designed to provide learning environment and spaces to pupils and students. There are many times when you may feel the need to write to a school administration. Maybe you want to recommend a student or employee or want to apply for an academic program. Perhaps your child has a disability, and you want to make sure that he/she is receiving special education services. Whatever the issue, putting your thoughts in writing avoids confusion since it provides you and the recipient with a record of your request. It is, therefore, crucial to keep a copy of any letter you send.

All letters to schools must use the standard business letter style. Start your letter with the proper address and salutation. Introduce yourself and explain the reason for your letter clearly and concisely. Depending on the content of your letter, provide any documentation that gives the recipient reference to the case or clarifies your concerns. Keep the tone polite, respectful, and professional. Close by thanking the recipient for his/her time and with a note of anticipation of positive feedback. Sign off and proofread the final draft before sending it.

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