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Letter of Recommendation for Graduate School in Psychology, Examples, Professional Writing and Editing, Tips, Strategies

letter of recommendation for graduate school in psychology samples

To Whom It May Concern:

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It is with great pleasure that I recommend ____ for admission to your Master’s Program in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness. As founder and director of the undergraduate Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Program at __U, I encounter many students who aspire to work as therapists and practitioners in Psychology,  ____ stands out from the crowd for her level of enthusiasm and engagement with both the material and the people with whom she comes into contact. Thus, I could not be more confident that she will make a most excellent contribution to your program and go on to serve on the cutting edge of Child and Adolescent Mental Health.

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I had the privilege of being ____’s mentor throughout two of my courses since she completed a minor in my field, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies. In almost every course that I have taught, there are one or two students who are at the forefront of class discussions, thankfully, helping to make teaching more interesting, engaging, dynamic and exciting. In both of my courses taken by ____, she was that outstanding student on her toes all the time and keeping me on mine as well. It was an honor to have her as a student.

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I shared most memorable moments working with ____ towards the completion of her midterm project for my Adolescent and Child Psychopathology course.  The assignment involved performing a psychiatric evaluation alongside a clinician of a child or adolescent at the __U Child Study Center. I was able to closely observe both her charismatic ability to gain the confidence of children, almost immediately, and her analytical prowess in the formulation of a well supported diagnostic evaluation. ____’s intuitive as well as empathetic nature and character make her an excellent candidate for innovative research into the mental health of children and adolescents - in addition to being a practitioner.

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What I most admire about ____ is her sheer passion; which I see as central to what makes a great mental health counselor. We had several lengthy and enjoyable discussions about a range of topics related to the mental health of children and I found her grasp of the literature to be most impressive. Her unbridled excitement is contagious, and when she left my office I felt energized myself to explore new areas and angles in our profession. What she shared with me about the prevention of eating disorders was especially insightful, demonstrating her thoroughgoing grasp of the physical sciences as well as early childhood development. On this point in particular, I felt as if I were engaging with a junior colleague in the department rather than a student. I can assure you that ____ is a top tier candidate for your program and it would be a pleasure to provide you with any further information.

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Sincerely,

Writing a strong letter of recommendation for a graduate school applicant in psychology involves providing a clear, well-supported, and detailed endorsement of the candidate's abilities, character, and potential. Here are some tips and suggestions:

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1. Understand the Purpose

A recommendation letter should highlight the candidate's qualifications, skills, and suitability for the specific graduate program they are applying to.

2. Gather Information

Before writing, request detailed information from the candidate, such as their resume/CV, personal statement, and details about the graduate program. This will help you tailor your letter.

3. Structure Your Letter

  • Header: Include your contact information, the date, and the recipient’s details.

  • Introduction: Introduce yourself, your relationship with the candidate, and how long you have known them.

  • Body: Provide specific examples of the candidate’s skills, accomplishments, and attributes. Discuss their academic achievements, research capabilities, relevant experiences, and personal qualities.

  • Conclusion: Summarize why you believe the candidate is a strong fit for the program. Offer your contact information for further questions.

4. Use Specific Examples

Provide concrete examples of the candidate’s work, achievements, and experiences. Specific anecdotes help illustrate their abilities and make your letter more compelling.

5. Highlight Key Qualities

Focus on qualities that are important for success in graduate school, such as:

  • Academic excellence

  • Research skills

  • Critical thinking

  • Communication skills

  • Dedication and perseverance

  • Teamwork and collaboration

6. Be Honest and Positive

Your letter should be positive and honest. Highlight the candidate’s strengths and address any weaknesses tactfully if necessary.

7. Proofread and Edit

Ensure your letter is well-written, free of grammatical errors, and professionally formatted. A polished letter reflects well on both you and the candidate.

8. Use Professional Language

Maintain a professional tone throughout the letter. Avoid colloquial language and ensure your writing is clear and concise.

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