Ready-Made Student Reference Letter Templates

What Is a Student Reference Letter?

A student reference letter is a document that a reference person would write to a school, university, or college to help that student to get a job, scholarship, or get into a college or university.

How to Write a Student Reference Letter

According to the Big Future's website, a reference or recommendation letter can reveal details about a student that his or her grades can't. This means to say that the schools want to look deeper at each student who applies in their school. And what's a better way to do it than reading recommendations from their superiors who know them. So, if you're one of the people that a student requested to write him or her a student reference letter, you should be honored.

Ready to write now? Check out the steps below to guide you to write one.

1. Identify What Program Or Major

To make your simple letter more specific, cater it to what type of major or program the student will apply or volunteer to. This strategy works better than having a general idea in your letter.

2. Be Honest

The school or college who will read your student letter will trust what you say. If you put lies on it just to help the student increase his chance of admission, it's not going to help him at all. If they found out, it would stain your reputation.

3. Show Accomplishments

In the formal letter, show the student's accomplishments that you think can be beneficial to the program he or she's applying to. This can help you impress the recipient.

4. Mention the Student's Experiences

You can also mention the student's life experiences in the sample letter. You can write how he managed to go through his problems in schools or at home that will show how resilient and tough he is.

5. Write the Skills

To persuade the recipient more, you can also mention his or her skills and how these are great ones. Back them up with examples to make your character reference letter stronger.

General FAQs

• Who can be an academic reference?

  Your academic reference can be your recent professors. But before choosing a professor, it's essential to evaluate some things. You have to determine how well you did in his or her class. Also, you have to consider if your professor still remembers you or knows you.

• How many references should you list?

  The answer depends on how many references the company asked from you. Ideally, you will need three to four references on your list. 

• Do employers actually call references?

  Yes, a lot of employers will contact your references. Although not every employer will call them, most of them will so you have to prepare for it.

• Can a relative write a letter of recommendation?

  No, don't ask your relative for a letter of recommendation. Most employers or colleges will not approve of this. If you want to be a stronger candidate, then choose the people who know you professionally like your teacher or your academic adviser.

• Are reference checks important?

  Yes, they are essential because they verify the information on your resume. This can also be a way for your references to selling your skills to the employer, college, graduate school, or university you're applying to.