Skip to main content

Our goal is to give you the tools and confidence you need to improve your finances. Although we receive compensation from our partner lenders, whom we will always identify, all opinions are our own. Credible Operations, Inc. NMLS # 1681276, is referred to here as "Credible."

You’ve been asked to write a letter of recommendation for a student or someone you know. But if this is your first time writing a letter of recommendation, the task can feel a bit intimidating. A letter of recommendation from an academic or professional advisor can help clinch a student’s scholarship decision or admission decision for an international study program, for example.

Not only does the letter of recommendation provide an endorsement of the student from someone who knows them well, but it can also help give the committee reviewing applications a more well-rounded perspective of who the student is.

How to write a letter of recommendation

Many academic programs and scholarships require applicants to submit one or more letters of recommendation as part of the application process. To some colleges, they are as essential as filling out the FAFSA.

Not only are letters of recommendation critical, but they also offer an opportunity to emphasize why the applicant would be a good candidate for their chosen college or university. Letters of recommendation humanize applicants and are similar to cover letters for resumes: a succinct summary of what makes them unique and skilled.

What should the letter include?

A letter of recommendation for a student applying for a college scholarship generally needs to include:

  • A letterhead
  • An introductory paragraph
  • Two to three main paragraphs
  • A conclusion
  • A signature

Here’s how to format and write each of these sections:

Letterhead

If you’re associated with an institution or organization that has its own printed letterhead, it’s a good idea to use. But you’ll still need to provide your specific contact information and other details, generally in the top right or left-hand corner of the page. These details include:

  • Date
  • Your full name
  • Your title
  • Name of your school or university, including the logo
  • Street address
  • City, State, Zip Code
  • Your preferred contact information (email, phone number, etc)

Introductory paragraph

Start by asserting that you recommend the applicant for the scholarship or program. From there, explain who you are, how you know the candidate, and for how long.

Discuss any special background, credentials, or knowledge you may have that gives you particular insight into how well the applicant fits the criteria for the program. For instance, if you are an alumnus of the school, scholarship, or program your student is applying for, you may want to mention that here.

Main paragraphs

Describe how the candidate fits the scholarship criteria. This may include things like your student’s grades or academic performance, but there’s no need to limit yourself to a simple listing of what the applicant has accomplished. The student has plenty of space elsewhere in their application to provide that information.

The best letters of recommendation will take the time to share a story about the applicant. You may want to relate an incident when the candidate truly impressed you, showed strength of character or compassion, or demonstrated their problem-solving abilities.

These are the sorts of personal characteristics that are difficult to demonstrate with transcripts or to say about oneself in an application essay, so it’s up to your letter of recommendation to share with the committee.

Conclusion paragraph

You will end your letter of recommendation with a concluding paragraph, emphasizing your endorsement of the applicant. This is also where you invite the reader of the letter to contact you via email or telephone should there be any further questions about the candidate.

Signature

Letters of recommendation must also be signed by hand in order to certify its authenticity. Some application processes also require the letter writer to seal the letter and sign the sealed flap of the envelope. Be sure to follow any such certification requirements to ensure your letter is included in your student’s application.

How long should a letter of recommendation be?

Typically, a scholarship letter of recommendation should fill an entire page. Sometimes, an additional half page is needed.

Did you know? Letters of recommendation aren’t only for college admissions. Letters of recommendation are also essential in acquiring scholarships. Scholarships can help students take a big chunk out of their tuition and help them pay for college.

Check Out: How to Pay for College

What not to do in a letter of recommendation

Here are a few things to avoid when writing a letter of recommendation:

Waiting until the last minute

This applies both to the applicant and writer. When you’re asked to write a letter of recommendation, it’s imperative that you’re given ample time to write.

Keep college deadlines in mind and ask the applicant if there are any deadlines you need to be aware of. But generally, you should have at least three weeks to write the letter in addition to a specified due date. Not only is it courteous, but it also allows you to avoid any time-induced mistakes.

Being too generic

As mentioned before, letters of recommendation help humanize applicants. You should emphasize what makes the applicant unique, such as noteworthy talents, positive character traits linked to specific achievements (for example, leadership skills could be connected to participation in student government), and or contextualized academic achievements.

Applicants can assist writers in avoiding generalized letters of recommendation by supplying the writer with a list of noteworthy achievements.

Talking only about the applicant

Part of what legitimizes a letter of recommendation is the person who writes it. While the majority of the letter needs to be about the applicant, there should be information included about you in the first paragraph.

For example, if a writer wants to emphasize the literary talent of an applicant, they could legitimize that claim by mentioning their experience as a high school English teacher.

Additional tips for writing a letter of recommendation

Here are a few more tips for writing a letter of recommendation:

Research the school

It’s important to know what school the applicant is applying to. Colleges and universities differ in their cultures and values, as some schools may emphasize their history, while others their diversity. Knowing the culture of a school can help you understand what the school finds the most important in an applicant.

Additionally, a school may specialize in specific fields and majors. For instance, a school may have an excellent nursing program and is well known for producing the best nurses in the nation.

By knowing the applicant’s intended major and their related skills, the writer can specify why the applicant would be a perfect fit for the school’s educational program.

Be concise

A letter of recommendation should be concise. Every sentence should add something that furthers the intended purpose of the letter: to communicate why the applicant should be admitted to the college or university.

Colleges and universities go through a large number of letters of recommendation from thousands of applicants. While you must fit in as much important information as possible, you should also keep your writing engaging and interesting.

Follow school instructions

Different schools will have different requirements for letters of recommendation. Some schools require one letter of recommendation for the admission process while others may require three or more.

Additionally, some colleges will require specific people to write a letter of recommendation, such as a recent teacher. Schools can also have specific forms that must be filled out by the writer.

Look at examples

Some schools provide examples of excellent letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation are not meant to deter applicants. Schools want to help applicants achieve their educational goals and will supply the necessary tools to do so.

Applying to colleges and universities can be a stressful process, but it’s also a time of excitement. Credible can help reduce the stresses of the application process by helping you learn more about student loans.

Credible lets you compare private student loan rates from multiple lenders, all in one place.

The companies in the table below are Credible’s approved partner lenders. Whether you’re the borrower or cosigner, Credible makes it easy to compare rates from multiple private student loan providers without affecting your credit score.

LenderFixed Rates From (APR)
Variable Rates From (APR)


Credible Rating
Question mark icon to show more information Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
4.09%+10 6.16%+10
  • Fixed APR: 4.09%+10
  • Variable APR: 6.16%+10
  • Min. credit score: Does not disclose
  • Loan amount: $2,001* to $400,000
  • Loan terms (years): 5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20
  • Repayment options: Full deferral, fixed/flat repayment, interest only, academic deferment, military deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability
  • Fees: None
  • Discounts: 0.25% to 1.00% automatic payment discount, 1% cash back graduation reward
  • Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident or DACA student enrolled at least half-time in a degree-seeking program
  • Customer service: Email, phone
  • Prequalified rates with a soft credit check: Yes
  • Cosigner release: After 12 on-time principal and interest payments
  • Loan servicer: Launch Servicing, LLC


Credible Rating
Question mark icon to show more information Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
4.48%+1 6.36%+
  • Fixed APR: 4.48%+1
  • Variable APR: 6.36%+
  • Min. credit score: 720
  • Loan amount: $1,000 to $350,000
  • Loan terms (years): 5, 10, 15
  • Loan types: Any private or federal student loan
  • Repayment options: Full deferral, full monthly payment, interest only, immediate repayment, academic deferment, military deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability
  • Fees: Late fee
  • Discounts: Autopay, loyalty
  • Eligibility: Available in all 50 states (international students can apply with a creditworthy U.S. citizen or permanent resident cosigner)
  • Customer service: Email, phone, chat
  • Soft credit check: Yes
  • Cosigner release: After 36 months
  • Loan servicer: Firstmark Services


Credible Rating
Question mark icon to show more information Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
4.07%+2,3
5.59%+2,3
  • Fixed APR: 4.07%+2,3
  • Variable APR: 5.59%+2,3
  • Min. credit score: Does not disclose
  • Loan amount: $1,000 up to cost of attendance
  • Loan terms (years): 5, 8, 10, 15, 20
  • Repayment options: Full deferral, full monthly payment, fixed/flat repayment, interest only, immediate repayment, academic deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability
  • Fees: Late fee
  • Discounts: Autopay
  • Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and be making satisfactory academic progress.
  • Customer service: Email, phone
  • Prequalified rates with a soft credit check: Yes
  • Cosigner release: After half of the scheduled repayment term has been completed
  • Loan servicer: College Ave Servicing LLC

    Learn more about cosigner release requirements. Requesting prequalified rates on Credible is free and doesn't affect your credit score. However, applying for or closing a loan will involve a hard credit pull that impacts your credit score and closing a loan will result in costs to you.



Credible Rating
Question mark icon to show more information Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
4.43%+ 5.38%+
  • Fixed APR: 4.43%+ 11
  • Variable APR: 5.38%+ 11
  • Loan amount: $1,000 to $99,999 annually ($180,000 aggregate limit)11
  • Loan terms (years): 7, 10, 1511
  • Repayment options: Full deferral, immediate repayment, interest-only repayment, flat/full repayment, academic deferment, military deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability
  • Fees: None
  • Discounts: Autopay11
  • Eligibility: Available to borrowers in all 50 states. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • Customer service: Phone, email
  • Prequalified rates with a soft credit check: Yes
  • Cosigner release: After 36 months11
  • Loan servicer: American Education Services
  • Min. income: $1


Credible Rating
Question mark icon to show more information Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
4.56%+8 7.76%+8
  • Fixed APR: 4.56%+8
  • Variable APR: 7.76%+8
  • Min. credit score: 670
  • Loan amount: $1,001 up to cost of attendance
  • Loan terms (years): 5, 10, 15
  • Repayment options: Full deferral, full monthly payment, interest only, immediate repayment, academic deferment, forbearance
  • Fees: Late fee
  • Discounts: Autopay, reward for on-time graduation
  • Eligibility: Must be an Indiana resident or a U.S. citizen attending an eligible Indiana school
  • Customer service: Email, phone, chat
  • Prequalified rates with a soft credit check: Yes
  • Cosigner release: After 12 months
  • Loan servicer: American Education Services


Credible Rating
Question mark icon to show more information Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
5.35%+ N/A
  • Fixed APR: 5.35%+
  • Variable APR: N/A
  • Min. credit score: 670
  • Loan amount: $1,500 up to cost of attendance less aid
  • Loan terms (years): 10, 15
  • Repayment options: Full deferral, interest only, immediate repayment, academic deferral, forbearance
  • Fees: None
  • Discounts: None
  • Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and be making satisfactory academic progress.
  • Customer service: Email, phone
  • Prequalified rates with a soft credit check: Yes
  • Cosigner release: After 48 months
  • Loan servicer: American Education Services (AES)


Credible Rating
Question mark icon to show more information Credible lender ratings are evaluated by our editorial team with the help of our loan operations team. The rating criteria for lenders encompass 78 data points spanning interest rates, loan terms, eligibility requirement transparency, repayment options, fees, discounts, customer service, cosigner options, and more. Read our full methodology.
4.50%9 - 15.49%9 6.37%9 - 16.70%9
  • Fixed APR: 4.50%9 - 15.49%9
  • Variable APR: 6.37%9 - 16.70%9
  • Min. credit score: Does not disclose
  • Loan amount: $1,000 up to 100% of school-certified cost of attendance
  • Loan terms (years): 10 to 209
  • Repayment options: Full deferral, fixed/flat repayment, interest only, academic deferment, forbearance, loans discharged upon death or disability
  • Fees: Late fee, non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee
  • Discounts: Autopay
  • Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Also available to non-U.S. citizen students (including DACA students) attending a school located in the U.S. who apply with a qualifying cosigner.
  • Customer service: Phone, chat
  • Prequalified rates with a soft credit check: Yes
  • Cosigner release: Borrowers can apply after graduation, 12 consecutive on-time principal and interest payments, and meeting certain credit requirements.
  • Loan servicer: Sallie Mae
Compare Prequalified Private Student Loan rates.

Compare Private Loans Now




Lowest APRs reflect autopay, loyalty, and interest-only repayment discounts where available. Prequalified rates are not an offer of credit. | 10Ascent Disclosures | 1Citizens Bank Disclosures | 2,3College Ave Disclosures | 11Custom Choice Disclosures |  7EDvestinU Disclosures | 8INvestEd Disclosures | 9Sallie Mae Disclosures

Learn More: Student Loan Limits: How Much in Student Loans You Can Get

Emily Guy-Birken has contributed to the reporting of this article.

About the author
Sarah Maroney
Sarah Maroney

Sarah is an Editorial Assistant at Credible.

Read More