What's a good format for a letter of recommendation?

Hey everyone! Quick question: What's the ideal format for a letter of recommendation for a student? One of my teachers agreed to write one for me, but he asked me to provide him with a format or template. Could anyone help me out with this? Thanks!

Hello! It's great that your teacher is willing to write a letter of recommendation for you. Here's a general outline that your teacher can follow when writing the letter. Recommenders typically divide their letters into four main sections: introduction, academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities.

1. Introduction:

- State the teacher's relationship with the student (how long they've known the student, in what capacity)

- Share the purpose of the letter, i.e., for college admissions

2. Academic Performance:

- Discuss the student's performance in the teacher's class, including specific examples of accomplishments, strong understanding of class material, and any growth observed over time

- Mention any special projects or notable assignments the student excelled in

- If applicable, compare the student's performance to their peers or discuss their classroom engagement

3. Extracurricular Involvement:

- Share any knowledge of the student's involvement outside the classroom (clubs, sports, community service, etc.)

- Highlight any leadership roles, initiative, or commitment the student has demonstrated in these activities

4. Personal Qualities:

- Discuss the student's character traits that make them a strong candidate for college admissions

- Use specific anecdotes or stories that illustrate these qualities, such as resilience, creativity, empathy, or collaboration

- Speak to the student's potential for success in college and beyond

5. Conclusion:

- Summarize the key points made in the letter and provide a strong recommendation for the student

- Offer contact information for follow-up questions if needed

It's important for your teacher to provide specific examples and stories to make the letter more powerful and memorable. Encourage your teacher to personalize the letter to reflect your unique qualities and experiences. Good luck with your college applications!