A teacher at my school asked me to write a character reference letter for them. It's the first time I'm doing this, and I want to do it right. Any tips on what info to include or points to cover? Anything would be super helpful!
Writing a character reference letter, especially for a student, can feel like a huge responsibility, but remember, your main goal is to provide an honest overview of the student's traits, skills, and experiences. Here are few tips to guide you:
1. Clear Introduction: Begin your letter with an introduction that includes some context. Explain your relation to the student and for how long you have known them.
2. Focus on Strengths: List out the student's key strengths and characteristics. Be specific in your claims and, if possible, provide an example to substantiate each quality you mention. This could be an anecdote, event, or a situation where the student demonstrated these traits.
3. Relate to the Purpose: If the letter is being written for a specific purpose (like applying for a scholarship or job), then relate the student's attributes to that specific purpose. This could mean talking about their creativity, leadership skills, academics, or intellectual curiosity, depending on what the opportunity is about.
4. Professional Tone: Your tone should remain formal and respectful throughout the letter.
5. Conclusion: Sum it up by reiterating the student's suitability for the opportunity. Strive to be both enthusiastic and confident in their abilities.
6. Contact Information: Provide your contact information towards the end of the letter in case the reader has any follow-up queries.
Remember to proof-read your letter before sending it out. It might also be helpful to ask a fellow colleague to read it over to ensure that everything you've written makes sense and paints an accurate portrait of the student. Enjoy the process! Writing these letters is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on how you've seen the student grow and succeed.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.