Letters of Recommendation

It is probable that three to five letters of recommendation may be required to enter graduate
school. It is recommended that at least two of these letters come from your major field of study
and at least one should come from a teacher/educator in your minor of study.

Key Points for securing a letter of Recommendation

Develop a relationship with the educator/faculty member writing the letter of recommendation
over the longest period of time possible. They should be aware of your strengths, character, and
communication skills.

Determine the best person to write the letter. Don’t force anyone to write a letter of
recommendation. Notify them at least 6-8 weeks in advance of the letter being due. Take into
account the educator’s schedule/time of year when approaching them. No one writing a letter of
recommendation wants to feel rushed, and any student applying to graduate school does not want
a rushed letter of recommendation in their application file. In addition, clearly identify the intent
of the letter of recommendation to the recommender (business school, physical therapy school,
or medical school).

Create a list of your personal and academic achievements that can be given to the recommender
and used when writing the letter. You want to include specific examples of success and
overcoming hurdles in school. Moreover, a recommender may be able to explain a poor score or
withdrawal on your transcript that was not covered in the essay portion of the application. If the
educator recommended withdrawing from a class, that may help explain W’s on a transcript.

Set-up a contact system between the recommender and yourself using e-mail or telephone
number, so that if any point on the personal achievement text needs to be clarified when the
recommender sits down to write the letter. Also identify a date the application will be turned in
so that the recommender can send the letter of recommendation near the same time.

Give your recommender’s telephone number on your final application if the academic review has
any questions. Be sure on how many copies are required and exactly where the finished letter
should be sent. Provide an addressed and pre-stamped envelope with each letter request. Provide
the full name, title, and complete mailing address of the person to whom a letter is to be written.

Don’t use references from relatives, family members or people that don’t know you well.

Waive your right to review the letters whenever possible. A sealed letter will have more merit
during a review process.

If you are asked to write a rough draft of the letter of recommendation, graciously accept.
Sample Letter #1
LSU Physical Therapy School
1500 Poydras St.
New Orleans, La. 10032
(504) 212-4700 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (504) 212-
4700      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

January 1, 2003

Subject: Letter of Recommendation for Sarah Hoover

To Whom It May Concern:

It is with enthusiasm and enjoyment that I am writing to support Sarah Hoover’s application to
the LSU physical therapy program. For over 30 years I have been a faculty member of
Southeastern Louisiana University in the biology department. In addition I have supervised many
research laboratories and counseled many students seeking professional advancement. I hope my
view and opinion of Sarah Hoover will be beneficial to the Louisiana State University physical
therapy admissions committee as you evaluate this exceptional candidate.

I first came in contact with Sarah during the spring semester of 1997, when she entered my office
needing advice over respective class scheduling. During the course of our discussion, she
presented the idea that she would like to be a physical therapist with a bachelor’s degree in
biology from Southeastern Louisiana University. It was apparent at the time that she was highly
motivated to achieve this goal and would be an exceptionally strong student.

During the time I have known Sarah, she has shown energetic enthusiasm for learning and
openness to new ideas. Sarah was a student in Microbiology 400 and Microbiology 600 on my
class schedule. In these classes she exhibited an eagerness for knowledge and an understanding
of the instructed principles of the class. She scored at the top of her class on all verbal and
written examinations during this time.

Since then Sarah was asked to participate on the Biology student review committee developing
insight into existing and new curriculums. This was considered an honor for a junior student on
the committee at the time. She proved herself a leader among her peers and was responsible for
hosting prospective research companies at Southeastern Louisiana University interested in the
biology research. Her skills were apparent to all. Even the dean mentioned her in an annual
review to the faculty at the end of the semester.

I know Sarah is highly motivated and interested in practicing physical therapy. Sarah is a kind
and compassionate individual who is committed to helping people through medicine. She has
fulfilled the degree requirements of Southeastern Louisiana University with exceptional scores
and enhanced the biological sciences program. I have the highest admiration for her
achievements.

I advise you to thoughtfully consider Sarah Hoover’s application. I look forward to seeing her
future success in the physical therapy field.

Sincerely,

John Hancock, Ph.D.

Academic Assistant to the
Dean of Biological Sciences

Sample Letter #2
Southeastern Louisiana University
Attn: MBA Review Committee
345 Portland Ave.
Hammond, La. 39043

January 1, 2005

Subject: Letter of Recommendation for Peter Johnson

To Whom It May Concern:

Peter Johnson has worked under my guidance and supervision as an accounting assistant from
December 17, 2003, until September 24, 2004. His responsibilities include setting up new clients
for review, writing brief summaries of their financial condition, and managing the secretarial
staff. During his employment, Peter exemplified a hard worker and a talented asset to the staff.

I was impressed by Peter’s efficiency, time management and writing skills. His quick
understanding of the various tasks presented was comprehensive. Moreover, his concise and
thought provoking writing skills allowed insightful views of clients and clear financial outlines.

Your program of study sounds ideally suited to Peter’s academic goals. He will be coming to you
with the proven groundwork necessary for success in pursuing an MBA. He will also bring his
interest in accounting and healthcare. It is exciting to think of the many ways Peter will be able
to contribute to other students and the faculty.

I ask you to carefully consider Peter Johnson’s accomplishments and potential for success in an
MBA program.

Sincerely,
Tom Edwards
Chief Accountant for CWS Accounting

Sample Thank You Letter

Attn: Tom Edwards
Chief Accountant for CWS Accounting
548 Bluebird Ave.
Jacksonville, La. 34040

January 5, 2003

Subject: Thank You

The purpose of this letter is to convey appreciation and gratitude for aiding my academic
endeavors. I have always considered your classes and instruction to be valued in achieving my
goals. I was notified on January 3, 2003 that I was accepted into the University of Alabama
MBA program. I look forward with great anticipation in furthering my academic career at the
University of Alabama.

Thank you for submitting a letter of recommendation on my behalf. I have the greatest
admiration for your work.

Thank you,

Peter Johnson