Student letter of recommendation example
I got asked to write my first peer recommendation letter and I'm not sure where to start. What should a strong student recommendation include, and can you show an example?
A strong student (peer) recommendation letter explains how you know the person, gives one or two specific stories that show character, and ends with a clear recommendation. It should sound like a peer who actually knows them, not a second resume or a teacher evaluation.
What to include
- Relationship: where you met, how long you have known them, and in what context
- Specific examples: the strongest letters usually include one or two brief stories rather than a list of adjectives
- Character traits: reliability, kindness, leadership, resilience, or collaboration, shown through those stories
- Clear close: say you recommend them, and include your contact information if the school requests it
Example peer recommendation
March 12, 2026
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Maya Chen for admission. I have known Maya for three years as a classmate in AP Biology and as a teammate on our school's Science Olympiad squad. We have studied together weekly and competed on the same event team.
Maya stands out because she turns group stress into clear next steps. Last fall, our Anatomy event partner dropped out two weeks before regionals. Maya rebuilt our study plan, made practice quizzes for both of us, and stayed after practice to walk me through circulatory pathways I kept missing. We placed third, and her help gave me the confidence to contribute.
She is also the classmate others trust with hard news. When our club lost funding mid-year, Maya organized a short meeting, listed what we could cut, and followed up with each member so no one felt blindsided. That mix of kindness and accountability is who she is every day, not just when adults are watching.
I recommend Maya without reservation. She will show up for her classmates the same way she has shown up for me.
Sincerely,
Jordan Lee
Senior, Lincoln High School
[email protected]
Keep the letter to about one page. Avoid vague praise ("amazing," "hardworking") unless you back it with a concrete moment. Most colleges do not require peer recommendations, but a small number—including some highly selective institutions—may invite or allow them as an optional supplement. Follow each school's submission instructions.
Bottom line: Lead with how you know the student, prove character with specific stories, and close with a clear recommendation. The sample above is a template you can adapt with real details.
The answers are generated with AI and reviewed by the EDsmart editorial team before publication.
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