What is the maximum length of letters of recommendation?

Asked by: Kattie Homenick  |  Last update: December 25, 2023
Score: 4.3/5 (5 votes)

The recommendation letter should be no more than two pages in length. Although a recommendation letter is more about quality than quantity, a letter containing only a few sentences is not recommended.

Is there a limit on letters of recommendation?

Typically letters of recommendation are 1–2 pages. There is no word limit.

Can a recommendation letter be 3 pages?

Including vivid detail will make the recommendation much more effective. In most cases, a letter of recommendation should consist of three or four paragraphs and not be over one page in length.

Can letter of recommendation be 2 pages?

In most circumstances, however, your letter should fill a page neatly and perhaps go on to a second page. When students apply for graduate school or a national scholarship, two-page letters are the norm, and very short letters leave candidates at a clear disadvantage.

Is there a word limit for college letters of recommendation?

How long should a letter of recommendation be? 300-400 words long and should present your character, accomplishments, and abilities from an objective perspective.

How to get a strong recommendation letter (Get Accepted to Your Dream University Part #8)

20 related questions found

How long is the average college recommendation letter?

The letter should be about one page in length and generally consist of three parts: opening, body, and closing. The writer should explain the relationship between himself/herself and the candidate as well as why the letter is being written.

Is it okay to send 4 letters of recommendation?

Some schools require that you submit four or five letters. Many schools optionally allow you to send additional recommendation letters beyond their requirements. Some letter writers can be flaky and even disappear when you need them most. Therefore, it's best to have a backup letter.

Can you send too many letters of recommendation?

If you're attaching letters of recommendation to your job application, limit it to a maximum of three–unless the job posting requests additional letters. “In general, I advise candidates to lean on the side of caution and only include high-quality recommendations from credible sources,” she adds.

Can I ask the same person for multiple letters of recommendation?

While it might seem intimidating to ask someone to write about you, it doesn't have to be! If you're applying to multiple opportunities, it's totally okay to ask the same person for multiple letters because they can reuse their writing and submit it to any position you apply to.

What are the 6 details that should be included in a letter of recommendation?

What is a letter of recommendation?
  • Introduction and statement of recommendation.
  • List of specific reasons you are recommending them to the position.
  • Personal story with evidence of their qualities (soft and hard skills)
  • Closing statement with contact information.
  • Signature.

Can I ever read my letter of recommendation?

In the academic world, recommendation letters tend to be kept confidential. Your teacher or counselor may show you the letter and ask for your feedback or revisions, but this depends on the person. Even if you're burning with curiosity, you shouldn't pressure your recommenders to show you the letter.

What is the closing line of a recommendation letter?

In the final paragraph, reaffirm why you're vouching for the applicant by highlighting the reason for your recommendation. Add their full name and the position you're recommending them for. Conclude the letter by adding a sign-off, your full name, job title, and signature.

How many teachers can I ask for a letter of recommendation?

It's best to submit two teacher recommendations from either your junior or senior year. One should be from an English teacher, and the other can be from a different discipline, depending on the area you think you may study. Your high school counselor should write the third recommendation letter.

Is it illegal to write a bad letter of recommendation?

Many states have legislation that provides employers with qualified immunity when providing a reference in good faith, protecting them from civil liability. However, employers can still face lawsuits if they provide a reference in bad faith, relaying untruthful information about an employee to a potential employer.

What are the rules to writing a letter of recommendation?

If a student asks you to write a letter of recommendation for them, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
  • Describe your personal relationship with the student. ...
  • Provide specific examples of the student's abilities and work ethic. ...
  • Stay away from vague wording and phrases. ...
  • Take the specific job or school into account.

Is it rude to ask for more than one letter of recommendation?

Consider asking for more letters of recommendation than required for the application. For example, if you're required to submit three letters, you may ask five references to write recommendations for you.

Can a professor write a bad letter of recommendation?

As others have mentioned, of course professors write “negative” letters of recommendation. You have a broad spectrum of faculty out there, some of whom leave nothing to the imagination about how they feel about the individual requesting the letter.

Can my boss write me a letter of recommendation for college?

Employers. If you have worked a job during your high school years, your employers would be the next best choice to write you a letter for college. Believe it or not, colleges and universities greatly value letters from employers.

Can retired professors write letters of recommendation?

Us retired faculty still exist and writing strong letters of recommendation does not come to a full stop instantly. In any event, it does not hurt to ask. The professor's e-mail address may be on their department's web site, if you do not have it already.

Is 3 letters of rec too much?

Recommendation Letters. Most graduate schools require 3 letters of recommendation. However, you should double-check how many each school requires, and do NOT send more than asked for. Sending too many letters or information not requested by the school, can actually HURT your candidacy.

Can I reuse my letters of recommendation?

Can I Reuse Letters of Recommendation Multiple Times? Definitely! Reusing one teacher's recommendation for multiple colleges can save you much time and is an intelligent way to handle the process.

Is 6 letters of recommendation too much?

How many letters should you prepare? Although the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) allows up to 10 letters of recommendation, we recommend you do not exceed five or six.

Should letters of recommendation be addressed?

If you are writing a personal letter of reference, include a salutation (Dear Dr. Smith, Dear Mr. Jones, etc.). If you are writing a general reference letter, say "To Whom it May Concern" or simply don't include a salutation.

Is it rude to ask for a letter of recommendation via email?

No, it isn't rude to ask for a letter of recommendation via email. As long as you write your email tastefully and respectfully, asking for a recommendation letter in this way is perfectly acceptable.

Can I send more than 3 letters of recommendation to Harvard?

How many letters of recommendation can be included in my application? Harvard Griffin GSAS requires three letters of recommendation. You may ask additional recommenders to submit letters if you choose, however, it is not guaranteed that the admissions committee will review additional letters.