
 
Sample Rhodes Scholarship Recommendation 
 
 
 
 
September xx, 20xx 
 
 
Letter of Recommendation for John Lerner for the Rhodes Scholarship 
 
It is with pleasure that I recommend to you John Lerner for the Rhodes Scholarship. Although I have 
known Mr. Lerner for a relatively short time, I feel that I have come to know him quite well through the 
work he has done on a variety of projects that originate in my office of Undergraduate Studies. In 
particular, I have seen him in his capacity as President of the Liberal Arts Undergraduate Student 
Council and in the organizational work he did with the Liberal Arts Career Fair. In addition, I have 
spoken to a number of my staff members who have worked closely with Mr. Lerner and who have 
nothing but the highest praise for him. All who know him consider him to be a remarkable young man 
who combines a high level of intellect with outstanding leadership abilities. 
 
Mr. Lerner’s intellect and hard work are clearly demonstrated by his perfect 4.0 grade point average. 
Given the grading system here at Mythic University (where A-minuses are possible and the university-
wide average GPA is below a 2.6), receiving all “A” grades is in itself a great accomplishment. In Mr. 
Lerner’s case, however, such a record reflects not only his dedication to his studies but also the depth of 
his commitment. He is a reflective, analytical young man who readily accepts challenges. The fact that 
he has already been chosen as a Teaching Assistant in a political science course demonstrates his 
intelligence and his ability to work with others in a constructive and challenging manner. The faculty 
members with whom I have spoken have nothing but praise for his abilities, his conscientiousness, and 
his positive attitude towards everything he undertakes. 
 
Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of Mr. Lerner is his farming background and the fact that he 
had managed to pay his own way to get an education. The work on his parents’ farm has given him a 
perspective on hard work, ethics, and life that few students possess. In working with him, one 
immediately senses that “his values are in the right place.” This background, in addition to his year in 
Germany and his many co-curricular activities, have helped shape his intellect and his attitudes. He has 
an amazing sense of responsibility, he interacts extremely well with his peers as well as with people in 
authority, and he can always be counted upon to carry out tasks to their fullest. 
 
In my contact with Mr. Lerner in his role as President of the Liberal Arts Student Council, I have 
particularly noted his ability to delegate while always making absolutely certain that assigned 
responsibilities are indeed fulfilled. He sees projects through to the end and he does not hesitate to take 
on some of the more onerous tasks himself. This is one of the major reasons why he has gained my 
respect and that of my staff members. He is insightful, he has excellent judgment, and he has the 
humility not to set himself above others (even if, at times, this is, in fact, true). Everyone who has 
worked with him not only likes him immensely but also respects him as a peer. Sometimes it is difficult 
to remember that he is still a student rather than someone with a great deal more life experience.