Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
A Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is a written document that provides an assessment of a student’s character, academic performance, and potential for success in a study abroad program. It is typically written by a professor, academic advisor, or employer who knows the student well and can provide an objective evaluation of their abilities.
Based on what you have accomplished and what you are doing, students are asked to submit an Academic or/and a Professional letter of recommendation (LOR).
ACADEMIC LOR VS PROFESSIONAL LOR:
Criteria | Academic Letter of Recommendation | Professional Letter of Recommendation |
Writers | Professors/ Teachers/Counselors | Supervisors/Managers/Clients |
Required for | Bachelors, Masters, Research | Mandatory courses like MBA, MEng, Medicine, Education, etc |
No. of Letters Required | 2 to 3 | 1 to 2 |
Skill-Sets to Focus On | Academic performance and the ability to grasp difficult concepts. | Professional behavior, team-work, and leadership qualities, etc. |
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION FORMAT:
Reference letter is always submitted in a form of a letter discussing the applicant’s qualifications, skills, strengths, and weaknesses. A typical letter of recommendation format comprises of three sections divided into five paragraphs:
- Introduction (one paragraph)
- Information on applicant’s skills and Quality (Three paragraphs)
Conclusion (one paragraph)
CONTENT OF LOR:
Basic information on how to submit recommendation letters to universities abroad are:
Your relationship with the applicant: Begin the letter by introducing yourself and explaining how you know the applicant. It is important to establish your credibility and explain why you are qualified to provide a recommendation.
The applicant’s academic performance: Provide a detailed assessment of the applicant’s academic performance, including their grades, coursework, potential research topics, student’s potential, professionalism, interpersonal and leadership skills, and any special projects or research they have completed. Be specific and provide examples wherever possible.
The applicant’s character and personal qualities: Describe the applicant’s personal qualities, such as their work ethic, creativity, and leadership skills. Explain how these qualities will benefit them in their chosen program of study and how they have demonstrated them in the past.
The applicant’s suitability for studying abroad: Discuss why you believe the applicant is well-suited to studying abroad, taking into account their academic background, personal qualities, and interests. Explain how you think they will benefit from the experience and what they can contribute to the program.
A summary and recommendation: In the final paragraph, summarize your main points and make a strong recommendation for the applicant. Explain why you believe they are an excellent candidate for the program and why you would recommend them without hesitation.
Basic Elements:
- Proof of relevant work experience
- Past and current achievements
- Analytical ability and critical thinking
- Academic and extracurricular potential and activities
- Zeal, passion, motivation, and commitment towards the intended program
- Uncertified or certified skills relevant to the program applied for
- Factors that may affect the applicant’s performance
Information on how the applicants fare against contemporaries
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LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION FOR TOP PROGRAMS:
The requirements and structure for a few top courses are given below:
Program | No. of LORs | Type of LORs | Theme |
LOR for MS | Three | At least 2 Academic LORs | Emphasize on academic achievements, capabilities, interests, and career goals |
LOR for MBA | Two to three | At least 1 Professional LOR | Highlight problem-solving skills, leadership qualities, strengths, and areas of improvement |
LOR for PhD | Two to three | Academic LORs | Talk about knowledge of subject, prior research & publications, academic performance |
LOR for UG | One or two | Academic LOR | Academic achievements and relationship with peers should be highlighted |
One of the major differences between a Statement of Purpose and a recommendation letter is that while the former is written by applicants themselves, the latter is written by someone else.
Depending upon the type of recommendation/reference required, LOR can be written by a Supervisor, Professor, Employer, or Counsellor. In some cases, students may have to ask their peers/colleagues to write a reference letter for them.
While there is no stringent word limit prescribed in a format for Letter of Recommendation, an ideal word count is 500-600 words. Unless otherwise specified, recommenders should complete their reference letter within one side of single A-4 size page.
Of all the documents submitted during the admission process, it is a LOR that offers an outside perspective of an applicant’s personality traits, achievements, and commitment towards studies.
The best way of approaching a recommender is via email or phone call. Ask them politely and provide all necessary details such as submission guidelines, requirements, etc. Also, while asking for a LOR, don’t forget to point out any specific skills and achievements you want them to highlight.
An impressive letter of recommendation comprises details like
- your name
- connection with the student you are recommending
- their qualifications, strengths, and skillset
- your feedback on their potential
- their suitability for the chosen program
- contact details
If a professional LOR or academic LOR comprises of these elements, then it is undoubtedly an impressive letter of recommendation.
The letter of recommendation requirements varies across university and by extension across countries. The requirements vary in terms of the number of LORs, submission guidelines, template, type of LOR, etc. Therefore, students are suggested to verify these details before asking for a LOR from a potential recommender.
A letter of recommendation, academic or potential should incorporate all significant components such as student’s qualifications, strengths, contact details, etc. Talking, specifically about academic LOR, recommenders are advised to share their honest feedback upon the student’s performance during his/her time at the university. Furthermore, recommenders must specify how the applicant will be suitable for the applied program.
For example, if you are writing a LOR for MBA, you must talk about the student’s potential after obtaining the degree and how the student will add value to the chosen university’s student community.
Yes, every recommender must sign the LOR they are writing for any student. This goes for even those LORs which are submitted electronically and no via post. The signature on the LOR is a sign of authenticity.
While there is no specific word limit on a letter of recommendation, an ideal word count for a LOR should be around 400-500 words.
While the basic structure remains the same in each LOR and the content differentiates majorly in terms of courses, there are a few minor details that vary as per the university, and therefore by extension across the countries.
Majority of students require academic LORs for MS programs, there are only a few universities that mandatorily ask for professional LORs. Therefore, students must ask their academic supervisors, professors, counselors, etc.
Your letters of recommendation should be preferably 1-2 months old only, especially in the case of academic letters of recommendation.
If you have any concrete work experience, you should preferably submit 1 academic letter of recommendation and 1 professional letter of recommendation.
