LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

TEMPLATE
Notes:

 All parts in red are instructional only and all parts in black are for reference as
examples only

 Specific items in black are normal to any letter, and do not require any instruction

 Please make the letter highly personal to yourself and your relationship with the
recommender. Avoid generic terms which have no relation to the anecdotes, subject
matter or the context of the details.

 This template is specific to a recommender who is a teacher or coach in your school

or any other class but can be edited and modified to fit a supervisor or employer

 If the template is being used for multiple recommenders, please avoid using the
same format, but rather interchange the details while ensuring key information is
addressed.

 This template is a guide only and should be used only if a teacher asks you to write a
draft for them, so that they can ensure all critical aspects are cleared.

 Any direct use of the material will be considered plagiarism and Worldviral cannot
be held responsible for the same.

 ‘Student’ here within quotes refers to you the recommended. The template is written
in the male pronoun for ease of reading only

 IMPORTANT: This template should not be used without consultation with a

Worldviral mentor

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Dear Sir/Ma’am, or
To the Undegraduate/Graduate Admissions Committee, or
To whom it may concern

Sub: Letter of recommendation for ‘student’

I am delighted/pleased/ (Or any other adjective) to write this letter of recommendation for
‘student’. State the position and how long are they in the position from, and do they hold any
other positions in school. Any other credentials is also important such as certifications,
masters, etc. How long they know you and in what capacity (just subject teacher, house
master, club in charge, etc.). Brief statement appreciating the student which summarizes the
qualities that will be discussed and speaks about your character.

I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for ‘student’. I am a physics teacher at La

Martiniere for Boys, Kolkata since the past 8 years. I hold a masters degree in the subject
from University of Rotterdam and authored two national papers before joining La Martiniere.
I know ‘student’ since 5 years having taught ‘student’ since 2 years as his physics teacher and
was also his class teacher during grade 8. ‘Student’ has been an exemplary student displaying
great academic calibre, dedication for achieving success in all his activities, and being a
model student.

Choose your first paragraph to address your in-class and academic performance with the
teacher. Suggest, discuss any issues of low marks or appreciation for high marks. Include
aspects about interest in the subject, depth of knowledge, willingness to help others, class
participation. Include any personal anecdotes with the teacher, any extra assignments or work
you did with the teacher after class hours etc.

“Student” is one of the brightest and most well behaved students in his class, constantly
performing well in exams and in-class assignments. His achievement during his Class 10
boards were a testament to his dedication and perseverance. His grades in class 11 appear
lower and are mostly due to a change in subjects and critical grading norms, but has since
picked up and is performing well. He is a disciplined and well behaved student who
completes his assignments in a timely manner and with active interest, always striving to do
better. He is attentive in class and participates frequently, and his interest in the subject goes
well beyond the syllabus. He links in-class discussions with current affairs or with subject
matter in other classes, raising the quality of discussions. For example, his insight combining
his knowledge of global politics with neuroscience theories, shows calibre much beyond
peers at his level. He is well respected by teachers and other students and is always quick to
help others with difficulties in the subject.

Choose your second paragraph to address your extra-curricular activities both within school
and outside (unless there is a lot of content here to shift to another paragraph). Specifically
ensure the statements address a particular trait or characteristic and praise for your work.
Ensure the activities are just not rattling of your resume, but address few key aspects that a
teacher would be aware of.

‘Student’ has shown keen interest and skill within and outside the classroom. He is involved
in the school economics society where he is now the Director of Communications. The post is
highly coveted and student worked hard to be elected. As director ‘student’ has worked hard
organizing events and awareness for the society’s projects, and received praise from

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colleagues in the teachers’ community and peers alike. ‘Student’ is entrepreneurial in nature,
and has launched a project to help migrant workers find loans and has been able to improve
the livelihood of 300 workers. I am aware that he was able to effectively apply economics
and accounting principles to make an impact. Finally, the ‘student’ has also led his house
football team as vice-captain to winning the inter-house football cup. These activities are a
testament to his leadership, communication, and entrepreneurial skills.

Choose the third paragraph to talk about personal anecdotes, or items of personal connect
which maybe mundane, but especially to be included if serious about the student (this may
include any accident, sickness, financial issues, etc.) If the above aspects are not there
extensively, then continue on to add any other extra-curricular activities. Continue the praise
and ensure the values that the colleges want, either for any student of the college or for the
particular stream, are addressed.

‘Student’ has been one of the most honest students with one of the highest levels of integrity
displayed. He is one of the few students to always cite sources even when not required, and
has continued to enforce the highest standard of ethics in class whether related to
examinations, assignments or discussions. He keeps a positive attitude and has been cheerful
in all interactions whether in class or outside. During grade 11, he had faced a lot of issues at
home which he approached me for guidance and I am happy to have helped him. It showed
strong character to approach for help and be prepared to take feedback.

Choose the fourth paragraph, to talk about teachers knowledge of your goals, career choice,
college choice etc. Close with final summary of your good quality, his pride and happiness in
teaching you and his confidence in you to achieve great things in life. Finishing with him
giving a recommendation to the college to accept the student and contact the teacher at the
details for any queries.

‘Student’ is very motivated, and has expressed interest to study economics and continue on
for a job in finance and his approach, thoughts, demeanour, and ethics are well aligned for the
role. His dream has always been to attend ‘University X’ where he will be a great fit and add
to the community with his ideas, approach, and personality. Overall, ‘student
is a hardworking, innovative, well balanced student who will achieve great success in his
career and will be an excellent member of the community in whichever college he attends.

I would like to highly recommend student to your university for this program. You may
connect with me at the below details to discuss further or address any queries.

Thanking you
Sign/Name
Contact details

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 LOR pointers to get you started for overall/counsellor LOR

1. Year of joining school

2. Class of joining school
3. Board and subjects
4. Overall academic performance %
a. Class X
b. Class XI
c. Class XII
5. Top subject % marks
6. Subject of interest in college
7. Personal Motivation for studying the subject.
a. How have you engaged with the subject?
b. What do you know about the subject
8. Career aspirations
9. Co- curricular activities
10. School extracurricular activities
11. External extracurricular activities
a. Internships
b. Passions and interests
c. Community service activities
12. Membership of clubs/societies + activities attended
13. Positions held in school
14. School awards
15. External awards
16. Any additional activities
17. Hobbies/Interests
18. Household responsibilities if applicable (babysitting, cooking, etc.)
19. Learning experience in classroom (specific examples)
a. Specific topics/subjects where you excelled
b. Critical thinking/Scientific Reasoning/Writing Skills
20. Learning experience in various projects/outside activities/positions/clubs
a. Leadership
b. Teamwork
c. Project Execution
d. Management
e. Empathy
21. Anecdotes (within and outside school)
a. Overcoming academic/personal/activity challenges (give as many)
b. Teamwork related efforts
c. Leadership/Taking on responsibility and completing the task
d. Maturity – demonstrating qualities of patience, virtue, respect, etc
e. Rapport building with specific teachers, administrators, or students
f. Hardwork/motivation to succeed
g. Learning about the world/community at large

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For academic teacher lor :

1. Subject that the teacher currently teaches

2. Additional subjects that the teacher has taught before, year-wise
3. Activities which the teacher has overseen, year-wise
4. Class/Year of first interaction with teacher
5. Marks in the subject since Grade 8/9
6. Explanations of any dip or sudden rise in marks
7. Specific topic learning examples that you enjoyed / did well in
8. Projects done in the classroom
9. Co-curricular/extra-curricular activities relevant to the subject
10. Leadership examples in the classroom (take charge of activities, helping peers,
participation which was over and beyond)
11. Examples of overcoming difficulty in the classroom
12. Examples of personal interactions with the teacher on any matter

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