ViVi, Chinese Language and Literature, Yale University
Dear Sir or Madam:I take great pleasure in recommending Vivi, one of my favorite students, for admission into your distinguished graduate program.
I first became acquainted with Ms. Vivi in 1997, when she took the course History of Chinese Drama that I taught. I got to know her better when I advised her research in the last two years of her undergraduate studies.
An extraordinary talented student, Ms. Vivi excelled most of her fellow students in both coursework and her research papers. In my course of History of Chinese Drama, she often asked the most imaginative and creative questions about the lecture and the assigned readings, which was really a pleasant surprise for me since Chinese students tend to be shy and conservative in class, quite a contrast to her boldness. Her Academic Year Thesis entailed in-depth research on personality, life history and literary criticism of Li Qingzhao, an excellent pre-modern Chinese poetess. An active thinker, she is not satisfied with the traditional image of Li, which is characterized by her boudoir lament lyrics, and decided to reveal other important aspects of this famous poetess and give her a fair evaluation. This is a very refreshing idea, but not an easy task for an undergraduate student since it is opposite to the long-held view.
Taking advantage of her solid background in classical literature and ancient writing, Ms. Vivi read extensively and critically all the historical records available. With her strong English proficiency, she even read reference material written by Sinologists from America and Japan, which is very rare even for students on the graduate level. I clearly remember how this industrious woman haunted different libraries in our university, and some of which only allow teachers or graduate students to get in, but Ms. Vivi persuaded the librarians with her courage and persistence. After careful consideration, Ms. Vivi often came to my office and discussed with me her new findings and problems met during the course, from which she exhibited exquisite analytical and expressive skills. She never lost herself in the tremendous amount of reference materials; instead, she is well versed in spotting and organizing relevant ideas and then later combining them with her own. At the end of the term she successfully presented a paper that the department's Academic committee considered as the very best paper of the year. With its meticulous research and original thinking, the paper has served as an example of the consummate academic writing for other students of mine ever since.
Viewing me as both a friend and teacher of hers, Ms. Vivi often talked with me about her ideal to become an innovative researcher on Chinese language and literature. To help her quench her thirst for genuine understanding of Chinese culture, I tutored her in her self-study program and have lent many of my own books to her, some of which are outside her major, though related, such as books on history, philosophy, journalism, etc. And she seemed to be fascinated by all of them. Judging by her past attainment, I believe she has been much more engrossed in doing independent research than most of the other students I have taught. Honestly, I have not seen many Chinese students who are so intent on achieving an academic career in this field. This has won her appreciation from not just me but my colleagues as well.
Now, mature as both a professional and as an individual, Ms. Vivi is aiming at a more advanced training to bring her intellectual capabilities into full play, which she hopes to receive in your famous university. I understand this young woman's aspiration and believe that her unusual talents will stand her in good stead for a quality graduate study like yours. I shall really appreciate it if you could accept her into your program, thus putting her on track to realize her dreams.
Yours Sincerely
Professor (name)
Reference Letter #2
Dear Sir or Madam,At Miss Vivi's request, I am writing to support her application for acceptance into your graduateprogram.
Miss Vivi worked as an intern in my Department of Politics, Culture and Science at (newspaper name) Daily in the two summer sessions of 1998 and 1999. As one of the biggest and most distinguished newspaper bloc of the country, (name) Newspaper Group endows great pressure and burden on each journalist. Every year we need some young blood who are responsible, and good at writing and communication to help us. Ms. Vivi easily met our requirements and worked with us for four months under the direction of my colleagues and myself.
The main responsibilities she shouldered were interviewing and composing. This work was both challenging and burdensome for a novice, even though Miss Vivi had taken related classes in school. The major problem she encountered at the very start was the complicated format and regulation of reportage, but soon she demonstrated her impressive ability as a fast-learner, characterized by asking right questions in unfamiliar fields and by memorizing necessary relevant information in a short period of time. During the lunch hour we often saw her studying international periodicals about Journalism and Sinology. Having been a Chinese major, I was fond of discussing with her a variety of topics varied from current affairs to cultural events, from which I saw more clearly her keen mind and energy. Her substantial training in writing also helped her. After half a month of practice, she began to work independently and soon gave out new reports that were unfeigned, attractive, and succinct, the very traits of successful news release. During her internship, several of her works were published on the Front Page, which was a rare honor and recognition of fulfillment for our young people.
What contributing to Miss Vivi's achievement as well were her interpersonal skills. Courteous, pleasant and helpful, she can always win trust from people who know very little about her. While she worked with us, her colleagues, myself included, all had confidence in her as a good team player. Among her many valuable talents I'd also like to mention her immense proficiency in English and computer, which is something she can put to good use in any academic positions. A versatile associate, with whom I have enjoyed working, she should be able to help enrich the class discussions in your program with her enthusiasm and professional experience.
For the above reasons, I recommend her to you without any reservation. I believe that she will become an excellent student and assistant when admitted you're your program. Your favorable consideration of her application will be highly appreciated.
Sincerely,
