The world of international education is brimming with ambitious students, all pursuing a coveted spot at their dream university. So, how do you make your application stand out from an overwhelming volume of submissions? A well-crafted Letter of Recommendation (LOR) can be your secret weapon, offering a unique perspective on your strengths and potential that transcripts and essays alone can’t capture. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to secure a glowing LOR that sets you apart from the competition.

What is an LOR?

LOR is important in validating and appreciating a candidate’s skills, work experience and professional virtues. This is a crucial necessity for any student who wants to study abroad irrespective of the course, institution or country they want to pursue.

• It highlights the core qualities and strengths that make a person a good fit for a job role or a university.
• It is generally written by professionals such as professors, colleagues, former employers, teachers, internship supervisors or clients.
• They are usually addressed to a prospective employer or an educational institution.

Why do you need an LOR to study abroad?

Universities abroad, specifically Western universities, prefer individuals with holistic qualities with their required exam scores. These qualities are usually not easily noticeable in academic transcripts or exam scores. 

So, to understand how an individual can contribute positively to society, admissions offices use LORs to help them choose potential aspirants.

What are the different types of LORs?

There are two types of LORs and they are as follows: –

•     Academic Letter of Recommendation

This form of LORs is usually provided by a teacher or a professor from the previous institute an individual had attended.

The skills to be highlighted are usually academic performance, teamwork skills, leadership ability, awards and recognitions and analytical research skills. Universities generally require a minimum of two such letters.

•     Professional Letter of Recommendation

Unlike an academic letter of recommendation, this form of LOR is issued by an individual’s immediate supervisor. It highlights a candidate’s adaptability in team projects, leadership, decision-making skills, time management and multitasking, teamwork skills, leadership ability, problem-solving skills and expertise in a specific domain.

How to Write an LOR?

Your letter of recommendation must cover the following information: 

1.  Brief Introduction.
2.  Relationship /Interactions with the individual.
3. An overview of the general attributes and performance of the individual.
4. Soft skills of the individuals.
5. A personal incident relevant to the professional relationship and the program the individual has applied for.
6. A closing statement offering an insight into the individual’s recommendation.

Basic Format of an LOR

A standard LOR has three sections and can be further divided into five paragraphs. Given below is the standard LOR format: –

• First Paragraph: This section should contain the introduction.
• Second Paragraph – Fourth Paragraph: This section should contain information about an applicant’s qualities as well as skills.
• Fifth Paragraph:  This section should contain the conclusion of the letter.

The letter should cover a student’s qualifications, skills, strengths as well as weaknesses. 

  What are the guidelines that you should follow?

 A well-written LOR should be concise yet provide the admission committee with a detailed insight into your application. 

The following guidelines below can help you follow a specific and more acceptable structure of a LOR.

1. You should make sure that there are no grammatical errors, and the structure of the sentences should be proper as well.
2. Make sure to concisely sum up the qualifications, skills, and strengths.  Avoid exaggerating to prove suitability for the program.
3. Make sure to avoid adding the score of the competitive tests as it would already be mentioned in the academic transcripts and the application.
4. You should keep the world limit to 600 words and make sure to keep it within one page.
5. In case two or three LORs are being written for multiple students please make sure to write each of them differently while maintaining the same font size and style.
6. Unless relevant, avoid adding private or sensitive information.
7. Make sure to highlight the contributions and the positive changes that the individual can make to the institution.
8.  It is extremely important that the LOR is sent to the organization or the university before the cut-off time.
9. An LOR should never be handwritten and should always be typed out in black on an A4 size sheet, with the font size being 11 to 12, and aligned to the left like any other formal letter with a one-inch margin on the page.

Some Examples of LOR

➣ For UG students

As the (Headmistress/Headmaster) of the (School Name, City)  I have had the pleasure of knowing [Student Name] since their enrollment in our school in (Date). Over the years, they have consistently demonstrated excellent academic performance and active involvement in extracurricular activities. 

As the (Headmistress /Headmaster) of (School name ) and having taught them (Subject name ) in the(Grade), I can confirm their dedication, sincerity, and commitment to academic excellence. 

(Student Name) displays immense self-confidence and has constantly proved their strong sense of dedication towards their studies. [Student Name]not only excels in academics but also exhibits impressive leadership skills and commitment to various extracurricular activities. Their participation in classroom discussions, initiation of debates, and the establishment of an innovative academic problem-solving platform highlight their proactive approach to creating a dynamic learning environment.

In addition to their academic achievements, [Student Name] displays a keen interest in sports, particularly (Sport Name). They have successfully led the school (Name of the sports team )to numerous victories in various inter-school events, bringing pride and recognition to our academy. 

I am confident that [Student Name] possesses the qualities necessary to thrive in your university’s undergraduate program. Their pursuit of excellence, leadership abilities, and unwavering dedication make them an ideal candidate for admission. I would like to extend my wholehearted recommendation for his/her candidature for admission into the undergraduate program. If you require additional information or have any questions regarding [Student Name]’s academic and extracurricular accomplishments, please feel free to contact me. 

Sincerely,

Name

Designation

School, City

Contact and Email ID.

➣ For PG students

I am writing to express my wholehearted recommendation for (Candidate Name) who is seeking admission to the (Program Name )at your esteemed university. Having had the privilege of teaching (Candidate Name) for more than (Period), I am confident in their abilities and potential to thrive in your academic environment. I have instructed (Candidate Name) in various modules, including ‘Module Name,’ ‘Module Name,’ ‘Module Name,’ and ‘Module Name’ during(Semester numbers), respectively. Over this period, (Candidate Name) has consistently exhibited a commendable level of dedication and sincerity towards their academic pursuits.

What stands out most is their positive attitude towards learning and their innate curiosity to explore and comprehend new concepts, setting them apart from their peers. Throughout their academic journey at our institute, (Candidate Name) has demonstrated a profound interest in practical projects and research endeavours. Engaging in thoughtful discussions and debates, they have tackled complex topics for specialization papers, showcasing a genuine commitment to gaining in-depth knowledge applicable to their future career. 

Beyond academic accomplishments, (Candidate Name) has been an active participant in inter-college competitions and tournaments, making noteworthy contributions to the success of our institution. Their proactive involvement in various academic clubs and associations highlights their dedication to bringing about positive changes that benefit both fellow students and the institution as a whole. 

I am confident that (Candidate Name) will not only meet but exceed your expectations as they continue to excel in their academic pursuits and contribute positively to the university community. Their vibrant energy, strong work ethic, and passion for learning make them an ideal candidate for your (Program name). 

I fully endorse (Candidate Name) for admission to your university and am more than willing to provide any additional information or answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to contact me at my given [Contact Number] or [Email Address]. 

Yours sincerely, 

[Your Full Name]

[Your Designation/Department]

[Your College/University]

[City, State, Zip Code]

[Contact Number]

[Email Address] 

Essential tips to write a good LOR

• Your LOR should be written by someone who knows and has a personal connection to you. The LOR should distinctly state your relationship with them and why they recommend you.
• The LOR should reflect only significant skills and qualifications that are relevant to the university program you are planning to apply for.
• Make sure to strictly follow the formatting guidelines unless there are specific requirements from the university or the employer.
• Avoid using an informal tone and make sure to adhere to a formal tone.
• Keep your letter concise and to the point.
• Try to steer clear of sensitive topics and issues that might provoke a negative reaction.
• Use similar language to the one used in the admission description, that shall help you highlight points that are important for the university.
• Always make sure to proofread your LOR before posting your application.

Reach out to our team at Expert Education if you require further information or guidance on writing a Letter of Recommendation for you.

FAQs

• Is it necessary to get an LOR while applying for university admissions?

A letter of recommendation holds as much significance as your statement of purpose, resume, or admission essays. It’s a letter that provides credibility to your entire profile strongly supported by experienced and learned professors. A LOR provides a sense of trust in your application as a candidate for the admissions department in various universities. This is why it is also important to ensure that you choose an appropriate recommender based on their credentials and profile.

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  Can my LOR be written by a fellow student or a junior?

A LOR should always be written by a qualified person. The designation of the person matters as universities and colleges scrutinize applications very thoroughly and having it written by anyone else may cause issues.

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  Does a LOR have an expiration date?

LORs are valid for a year but certain universities and origination may have their specific preferences.

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  How do I write a recommendation letter for a student?

When writing a recommendation letter for a student, start by saying a few things about their school background. Then, explain how you know the student. Finally, end the letter with positive thoughts, and keep your sentences short and clear.

• What is the format of writing an LOR?

We have provided a format for writing an LOR in this blog, but to summarise it:

• Opening section: Purpose of the letter to be written. The relationship between the recommender and the candidate should be disclosed, including the period during which they’ve known each other.
• Body: Add the candidate’s information, including their strengths, interests, problem-solving abilities, and other relevant information.
• Closing section: Add a crisp and clear note mentioning why the candidate is worthy of recommendation.