在出国申请是否成的诸多要素中，有力的推荐信是录取的重要条件之一，其份量仅次于于本科成绩单和标准化考试(GRE、 GMAT、TOEFL)成绩。多数学校都要求申请人提交两封到三封的推荐信，由教授、系主任或工作主管直接寄给指定的单位。
【推荐信格式】
推荐信的格式有些模式可循，以下将针对各段提供模式作参考：
(一)抬头可用的句子有：
Dear Sir/Madam;
To Whom It May Concern:
(二)第一段：引文句子可以引用如：
“It is a pleasure to recommend to you (name)， a former student of mine at (name of university).”
“I an very happy to have this opportunity to recommend (name)， who is presently applying for admission to your graduate (or undergraduate) program in (name of program).”
“I understand that (name) is applying for admissions to your graduate (undergraduate) school， and has requested that I write this letter of recommendation for her/him.”
“In my capacity as professor at University， I have known for three years， as both his/her advisor and professor.”
(三)第二段：这段可以提供最实质的内容。譬如，如果推荐者是教授，解释学生在他门下所修的课程。
“(name) took two of my courses during the 1984-85 academic year， as follows; “” and “”.”
“(Name) was enrolled in three of classes from September 1984 to June 1986 “” and “”.”
接下来，教授写一些有关申请人在课堂上的表现，如完成的研究计划、实验室研究、研究报告、考试的成绩、课堂态度、讨论课的参与等，举出实例。
“In my class (es)， (name) did excellent work. She always listened attentively， participated activitely in class， and handed in very good written assignment.
“In particular， his/her research paper on (topic) was of exceptionally high quality， and showed that s/he fully understands and has a strong background in his/her field.”
如果推荐人是工作主管，首先一定要仔细陈述申请人的工作职责，并对申请者工作表现作一评估。如果可能的话尽量列举实例。
“When (name) held the position of (job title) in this company she was one s/he was one of my best employees. His/her job responsibilities included (describe them)， and s/he carried out his/her duties with exceptional skill and professionalism.”
“S/he not only did his/her own work， but also helped other employees， and made many valuable contributions to the efficient running to our firm.”
(四)最后以几句结尾作总结;
“Therefore I am happy to highly and without reservation recommend (name) for admission to your graduate program. Your kind/serious consideration of his/her application would be most appreciated.”
“I am thus pleased to give my full support and recommendation to (name)'s application for admission to your school. If any further information is required please feel free to contact me.”
(五)签名：
Sincerely
Sincerely yours
Very truly yours
With best regards
【推荐信范文】
Dear Professor:
I understand that is applying for admission to your Postgraduate Master’s Program, and has requested that I write this letter of recommendation for her.
I have known as a resourceful and goal-oriented individual ever since she attended my Instrumental Analysis course(score:84) in her fourth academic semester. She often raised thought-provoking questions during the course lectures. Thus,it is natural that I like discussing with this young girl and enjoy becoming more familiar with her and her aspirations. In her sixth academic semester, she took my course of Electrochemical Analysis(score:89).The more I get to know her, the more I find she is talented at chemistry. With her outstanding talent and solid background in chemistry, she also did quite well in most of her other courses during her undergraduate study. I feel strongly that ’s unusual talents and abilities will stand her in good stead for a quality chemistry education, and your university will provide the best opportunities for her.
While at xxxUniversity, had excellent performances in all subjects of her studies and demonstrated great potential, but she is more than a knowledgable bookworm;she is an outstanding leader. She is not only the President of the Student Union in the College of Chemistry, but also the Minister of Commonweal Department of Students’ Association Union of University. She is adept in speech and debate, which give her great capabilities for expression, abstract reasoning， and cooperation. She also took part in and organised many extracurricular activities, such as “Dream Fly” Party of College of Chemistry and Chemical Knowledge Contest of University.
We at University see an optimistic, highly independent， and easy-going character in , with highly unusual determination. She is not to be defeated by any difficulties. She believes that , with hard work, she can achieve anything she wants. I think her confidence in herself is well grounded in her track record.
Judging by what I know of her, I think is fully qualified to pursue a Master’s degree in your program. Therefore，I recommend her with much enthusiasm and I shall greatly appreciate your favorably consideration for her application for admission.