How to Type a Letter of Recommendation: A Handy Guide For Teachers

The Making of a Strong Letter

‍

Cite Examples, Not Generic Praise

Look, we’ve all been there—staring at the screen, typing “excellent student” for the umpteenth time. But let’s be real: generic praise can sound a bit “meh.” Instead, dish out some specific examples and strengths. For example, that time your student single-handedly presented a complex topic? Talk about that.

Want to write about how hardworking your student is? Do it—but don’t forget to include concrete examples that speak to those strengths.

For example:

Instead of saying: “John is a natural leader and a joy to have in class.”

Say: “John is skilled at making group work productive. He stays on top of things, makes sure everyone in the team is heard, and keeps it fun without being domineering. That’s rare to see in a high school student.”

‍

Go Beyond Test Scores

Writing about that A+ in calculus sounds impressive, but guess what? It makes the letter sound like a resume. Also, the admissions folks already have students’ transcripts and test scores. What they’re dying to know is the stuff that doesn’t show up in the grade book, i.e., a personal testimony of your student, which might include:

• The student’s contributions in the classroom, for example, when their class debate sounded like an impressive TED Talk.
• Their unique personality, earnestness, and work ethic
• The way they interact in a team
• Their display of creativity or problem-solving skills, especially those “aha” moments that make teachers proud

‍

The idea is to show a facet of the student’s academic personality through your eyes.

‍

Keep It Real

We hate to break it to you, but no one likes reading a recommendation letter laced with over-the-top flattery. The key is to maintain a genuine tone throughout the letter.

For instance, avoid adding superlatives like “Sharon is a shining star, and her intelligence is unparalleled.” Not only does it sound excessive, but it also makes the reader question the integrity of the statement.

The bottom line? Drop the clichés and get real. Use honest language that convinces the reader why the student is worth recommending

‍

The Go-To Structure (So You Don’t Have to Overthink It)

• Start Strong: Open with who you are, how you know the candidate, and why you’re writing. Keep it crisp and confident.
• Highlight Strengths: Show, don’t just tell. Share specific skills, accomplishments, and anecdotes using a professional yet warm tone.
• Seal the Deal: Wrap up with a strong endorsement and an offer to provide more information. Drop the proverbial mic.

‍

Pro Tips for Maximum Impact

• Use a Template—But Make It Personal: Using ready-made templates doesn’t make you lazy. It makes you efficient, so go forth and use them without guilt. Just be sure to personalize the key bits before turning one in.
• Keep It Readable: We get it—the number of “nice things” to say about a student can add up fast, but try to keep it snappy. The admissions reader will thank you for writing short paragraphs and clear sentences.
• Use a Smart AI Assistant: Want to knock one out fast? AI tools like Brisk’s Letter of Recommendation Generator are a godsend. Get editable templates and create polished letters of recommendation for students in minutes—and maybe, just maybe, you can drink your coffee while it’s still hot.