Some of my favorite words to describe an applicant in a recommendation letter include:

Visionary

Critical-thinker

Analytical

Methodical

Team-player

Enterprising

Zealous

Below is a long list of adjectives, words, and superlatives that you can use in your recommendation letter to describe an applicant. These words have been divided into 7 categories by function. Every recommendation letter should strive to comment on each of these categories.

Words to describe the applicants Academic Performance

Accomplished

Adept

Analytical

Astute

Bright

Consistent

Credible

Dependable

Diligent

Driven

Efficient

Elite

Exceptional

Fast Learner

Focused

Gifted

High-Achiever

Impeccable

Innovative

Intelligent

Meticulous

Outstanding

Proactive

Productive

Proficient

Progressive

Reliable

Resourceful

Results-Driven

Scholarly

Sharp

Skilled

Studious

Tenacious

Thorough

Top-Performer

Trustworthy

Well-Prepared

Well-Rounded

Wise

Words to describe the applicants Professionalism

Accountable

Adaptable

Adept

Alert

Attentive To Detail

Businesslike

Committed

Competent

Confident

Courteous

Determined

Diligent

Efficient

Experienced

Expert

Formal

Hard-Working

Integrity

Knowledgeable

Methodical

Orderly

Organized

Persevering

Persistent

Precise

Professional

Prompt

Punctual

Reliable

Resolute

Respectful

Responsible

Serious

Skilled

Sure

Tenacious

Thorough

Trustworthy

Well-Mannered

Well-Prepared

Words to describe the applicants Personal Qualities and Strengths

Ambitious

Brave

Capable

Charismatic

Compassionate

Confident

Conscientious

Cooperative

Courageous

Creative

Determined

Diligent

Easy-Going

Empathetic

Energetic

Enthusiastic

Far-Sighted

Flexible

Forgiving

Friendly

Generous

Genuine

Hardworking

Honest

Humorous

Imaginative

Independent

Innovative

Inspiring

Intellectual

Kind

Leader

Logical

Loyal

Meticulous

Motivated

Multitalented

Organized

Outgoing

Passionate

Perceptive

Persistent

Positive

Practical

Progressive

Quick-Witted

Reliable

Respectful

Responsible

Selfless

Sensitive

Smart

Strong

Supportive

Talented

Thoughtful

Tolerant

Trustworthy

Warm

Well-Rounded

Witty

Words to describe the applicants Career Goals

Active

Ambitious

Ambitious

Career-Driven

Certain

Committed

Conscientious

Determined

Diligent

Driven

Eager

Energetic

Enterprising

Enthusiastic

Entrepreneurial

Fast

Focused

Goal-Oriented

Independent

Industrious

Innovative

On-The-Ball

Pace-Setting

Passionate

Productive

Professional

Progressive

Purposed

Relentless

Results-Driven

Self-Driving

Self-Starting

Speedy

Strategic

Success-Driven

Tenacious

Vigorous

Visionary

Zealous

Words to describe the applicants Skills and Abilities

Accomplished

Adaptable

Adept

Analytical

Analytical

Articulate

Astute

Astute

Brave

Bright

Capable

Charismatic

Competent

Confident

Conscientious

Creative

Daring

Determined

Dexterous

Diligent

Discerning

Dynamic

Efficient

Experienced

Expert

Far-Sighted

Flexible

Focused

Gifted

Hardworking

Imaginative

Innovative

Inquisitive

Insightful

Intelligent

Intelligent

Judicious

Knowledgeable

Logical

Logical

Meticulous

Motivated

Multitalented

Organized

Original

Passionate

Perceptive

Persistent

Proactive

Productive

Proficient

Progressive

Resourceful

Resourceful

Self-Reliant

Skilled

Skilled 

Strategic

Successful

Talented

Team-Oriented

Tenacious

Thorough

Thoughtful

Trustworthy

Versatile

Well-Rounded

Words to describe the applicants Accomplishments

Amazing

Astonishing

Astounding

Breathtaking

Celebrated

Champion

Exceptional

Extraordinary

Fantastic

Impressive

Incredible

Innovative

Magnificent

Most valuable

Outstanding

Phenomenal

Remarkable

Sensational

Staggering

Superb

Supreme

Terrific

Top-notch

Unbeaten

Unbelievable

Unmatched

Unparalleled

Unrivaled

Unsurpassed

World-class

Words to describe the applicants Character and Personality

Adventurous

Affable

Affable

Altruistic

Amicable

Appealing

Assured

Best

Bold

Brave

Charismatic

Compassionate

Composed

Confident

Conscientious

Considerate

Considerate

Courageous

Decent

Delightful

Determined

Diligent

Diplomatic

Earnest

Easy-Going

Empathetic

Enthusiastic

Ethical

Exceptional

Exemplary

Fair

Forgiving

Frank

Friendly

Fun-Loving

Generous

Genuine

Good-Natured

Good-Natured

Gracious

Gregarious

Hardworking

Honest

Humorous

Ideal

Idealistic

Impartial

Incredible

Independent

Innovative

Inspiring

Intellectual

Kind

Likeable

Logical

Loyal

Magnanimous

Magnificent

Motivated

Noble

Open

Outgoing

Passionate

Patient

Perceptive

Polished

Positive

Practical

Progressive

Respectful

Responsible

Restrained

Selfless

Sensitive

Sincere

Smart

Sociable

Spirited

Strong

Supportive

Talented

Team-Oriented

Tolerant

Tolerant

Trustworthy

Warm

Witty