Sample Grad School Recommendation Letter by a Professor

Sample Grad School Recommendation Letter by a Professor Successful graduate school applications are accompanied by several, usually three, recommendation letters. Most of your graduate admissions letters will be written by your professors. The best letters are written by professors who know you well and can relay your strengths and promise for graduate study. Below is an example of a helpful recommendation letter for admission to graduate school. What Effective Recommendation Letters Should Include An explanation of the context in which the student is known (classroom, advisee, research, etc.)The evaluationData to support the evaluation. Why is the student a good bet? What indicates that he or she will be a competent graduate student and, eventually, professional? A letter that does not provide details to support statements about the candidate is not helpful. What to Write Below is a template to help you organize your ideas as you compose a students letter of recommendation. Section headers/explanations are in bold (dont include these in your letter). Attention: Admissions Committee [if a specific contact is provided, address as indicated] Introduction: I am writing to you in support of [Student Full Name] and [his/her] desire to attend [University Name] for the [Program Title] program. Though many students ask me to make this request on their behalf, I only recommend students whom I feel are well-suited for the program of their choice. [Student Full Name] is one of those students. I highly [recommend, recommend without hesitation; as appropriate]  [he/she] be given the opportunity to attend your university. The Context in Which You Know the Student: As Professor of Biology at University Name, for X years,  I have encountered many students in my classroom and lab [edit as appropriate]. Only a small handful of outstanding students offer a unique perspective and really embrace their learning of the subject matter. [Student Name] has consistently shown promise and commitment, as indicated below. I first met StudentName in my [Course Title] course during the [Season and Year] semester. Compared to the class average of [Class Average], [Mr./Ms. Last Name] earned a [Grade] in the class. [Mr./Ms. Last Name] was evaluated on [explain basis for grades, e.g., exams, papers, etc.], in which [he/she] performed exceptionally well. Illustrate the Students Competencies: Though StudentName has consistently exceeded in all areas of [his/her] coursework, the best example of [his/her] promise is indicated in a [paper/presentation/project/etc.] on [works title]. The work clearly showed [his/her] ability to deliver a clear, concise and well-thought presentation with a new perspective by demonstrating.... [embellish here]. [Provide additional examples, as appropriate. Examples that illustrate research skills and ​interests, as well as ways in which you have worked closely with the student are particularly useful. This section is the most important part of your letter. What can your student contribute to the graduate program and professors with whom she may work? Why is she exceptional - with support?] Closing: StudentName continues to impress me with [his/her] knowledge, skill and dedication to [his/her] work. I’m sure you will find [him/her] to be a highly motivated, competent, and committed student who will grow into a successful professional [edit as appropriate- indicate why]. In closing, I highly recommend [recommend without reservation; highest recommendation; add as appropriate] Student Full Name for admission to the [Graduate Program] at [University]. Please feel free to contact me if you require further information. Sincerely, [Professors Name][Professors Title][University][Contact information] Recommendation letters are written with a specific student in mind. There is no generic grad school recommendation letter. Consider the above as a guide as to the sort of information to include as you write recommendation letters but tailor the content, organization, and tone for the particular student at hand.

Facts and Geography of Honduras

Facts and Geography of Honduras Honduras is a country located in Central America on the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It is bordered by Guatemala, Nicaragua and El Salvador and has a population of just under eight million. Honduras is considered a developing nation and it is the second poorest country in Central America. History of Honduras Honduras has been inhabited for centuries by various native tribes. The largest and most developed of these were the Mayans. European contact with the area began in 1502 when Christopher Columbus claimed the region and named it Honduras (depths in Spanish) because the coastal waters surrounding the lands were very deep. In 1523, Europeans began to further explore Honduras when Gil Gonzales de Avila entered the then-Spanish territory. A year later, Cristobal de Olid established the colony of Triunfo de la Cruz on behalf of Hernan Cortes. Olid however, tried to establish an independent government and he was later assassinated. Cortes then formed his own government in the city of Trujillo. Shortly thereafter, Honduras became a part of the Captaincy General of Guatemala.Throughout the mid-1500s, native Hondurans worked to resist Spanish exploration and control of the region but after several battles, Spain took control of the area. Spanish rule over Honduras lasted until 1821 when the country gained its independence. Following its independence from Spain, Honduras was briefly under the control of Mexico. In 1823, Honduras joined the United Provinces of Central America federation which later collapsed in 1838.During the 1900s, Hondurass economy was centered on agriculture and particularly on United State s-based companies that formed plantations throughout the country. As a result, the countrys politics were focused on ways to maintain the relationship with the U.S. and keep foreign investments.With the onset of the Great Depression in the 1930s, Hondurass economy began to suffer and from that time until 1948, the authoritarian General Tiburcio Carias Andino controlled the country. In 1955, a government overthrow occurred and in 1957, Honduras had its first elections. However, in 1963, a coup took place and the military again ruled the country throughout much of the later 1900s. During this time, Honduras experience instability.From 1975 to 1978 and from 1978 to 1982, Generals Melgar Castro and Paz Garcia ruled Honduras, during which time, the country grew economically and developed much of its modern infrastructure. Throughout the rest of the 1980s and into the 1990s and 2000s, Honduras experienced seven democratic elections and in 1982, it developed its modern constitution. Government After more instability in the later 2000s, Honduras today considered a democratic constitutional republic. The executive branch is made up of the chief of state and the head of state - both of which are filled by the president. The legislative branch is comprised of the unicameral Congress of Congreso Nacional and the judicial branch is made up of the Supreme Court of Justice. Honduras is divided into 18 departments for local administration. Economics and Land Use Honduras is the second poorest country in Central America and has a highly uneven distribution of income. Most of the economy is based on exports. The largest agricultural exports from Honduras are bananas, coffee, citrus, corn, African palm, beef, timber shrimp, tilapia and lobster. Industrial products include sugar, coffee, textiles, clothing, wood products, and cigars. Geography and Climate Honduras is located in Central America along the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Oceans Gulf of Fonseca. Since it is located in Central America, the country has a subtropical climate throughout its lowlands and coastal areas. Honduras has a mountainous interior which has a temperate climate. Honduras is also prone to natural disasters like hurricanes, tropical storms, and flooding. For example, in 1998, Hurricane Mitch destroyed much of the country and wiped out 70% of its crops, 70-80% of its transportation infrastructure, 33,000 homes and killed 5,000 people. In addition in 2008, Honduras experienced severe flooding and almost half of its roads were destroyed. Facts Population: 7,989,415 (July 2010 estimate)Capital: TegucigalpaBordering Countries: Guatemala, Nicaragua, and El SalvadorLand Area: 43,594 square miles (112,909 sq km)Coastline: 509 miles (820 km)Highest Point: Cerro Las Minas at 9,416 feet (2,870 m)