Reference Letters 

Sample 1

I have known Jane Doe in a variety of capacities for many years. She has been my daughter's riding instructor for the past several years and, in addition, is my partner in a small business where she is responsible for writing and editing articles and web site content.

Jane is organized, efficient, extremely competent and has an excellent rapport with people of all ages. Her communication skills, both written and verbal, are excellent.

In summary, I highly recommend for any position or endeavor that she may seek to pursue. She will be a valuable asset to any organization.

If you have any questions, please to do hesitate to contact me.

Sample 2

To Whom It May Concern:

I am very glad to write a recommendation for Jane Doe, whom you are considering for a admission to Podunk College.  I was Miss Doe's English teacher during her junior year at Troy High School.

Jane is an intelligent, resourceful, and energetic student, who favorably impressed all of her teachers at Troy High School and who earned great respect, admiration, and popularity among her student peers.  While maintaining a high grade point average throughout her high school career, she also became constructively involved in numerous extracurricular activities, including Anthesis (the literary magazine),  The Trojan Tempo (the school newspaper, of which she was editor her senior year), and ASTRA (a girls service club).  I especially remember her work on her junior term paper on Radical Environmentalism that earned her an excellent grade and a strong career interest.  I am confident that her outstanding skills as a writer, speaker, worker, and leader will prove to be of great value to your university.

Please feel free to contact me if you need further information.

Sincerely,

Diane Grimes

Troy High School

English Department

Sample 3

Director of Admissions:

I am pleased to recommend Sarah Barnhardt for admission to your institution.  I have known Sarah and worked with her for two years as a student in my English class.  During that time she has proven to be capable, dependable, and industrious.

In the classroom Sarah was a joy to work with.  She constantly strove to produce the very best effort she possibly could. When working in small groups she was the natural leader and organizer.  She demonstrated responsibility toward the group effort and helped others to understand difficult material. Her composition skills were excellent, and as the two years progressed, we set individual goals to further improve them.  A joint English and American History research paper, which is one of the most demanding requirements of our four year program at Troy High School, was approached as a challenge to accomplish her best.  In completing this paper, she took the initiative to seek conferences and work on revisions with both teachers well before it was required.  She also proved to be capable in some of the more creative composition assignments and produced wonderful examples of narrative and descriptive writing, as well as poetry.

Outside of the classroom, she had involved in several part time jobs to develop work related skills and has been active in Key Club and ASTRA, which are volunteer organizations handling activities such as blood drives and food baskets.  These activities were always successfully integrated into a very full schedule of homework.

I feel Sarah has the abilities and drive to accomplish almost anything she sets her mind to.  She has developed the skill s and attitudes necessary to handle college level work. Please consider her for admission to your institution.

Sincerely yours,

Mary L. Noble

Troy High School

English Department