Shreyashi Pathak Study Abroad Content Specialist
Study Abroad Content Specialist
A Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is an important document that helps you stand out when applying for studies abroad. It’s written by someone who knows you well, like a professor or employer, and speaks to your skills, character, and potential as a student. Admissions committees at universities abroad use LORs to understand your abilities beyond just your grades or test scores.
A strong recommendation can greatly improve your chances of getting accepted, as it provides a personal endorsement of your capabilities and readiness for academic success. It acts as a bridge between your application and the admissions team, offering insights into who you are as an individual and how you’ll contribute to the university’s academic community.
Also Check: Letter of Recommendation (LOR) Format and Samples
Ways of Accepting LORs by Universities Abroad
Here are the various ways universities abroad accept LORs:
- Electronic LORs (e-ref system): Applicants provide referees' official emails, and the university sends a secure link for referees to submit the recommendation online.
- Electronically Sent LORs (by Email): Referees send the LOR directly to the university’s official email address from their official email account.
- Paper LORs: Some universities require printed and signed LORs to be submitted via postal mail or in person.
- Paper Reference Form LORs: Universities may ask for LORs to be submitted on a specific reference form, which is then mailed or submitted online.
Who and How to Approach for a Strong Letter of Recommendation
Choosing the right person for your LOR is a crucial decision, as it can greatly impact your application. Approach someone who knows you well and can speak to your strengths, whether academic or professional.
Who to Approach:
Here’s a table with who to approach for a strong LOR and a simple description of each:
| Who to Approach | Description |
|---|---|
| Professors or Academic Advisors | Choose a professor who knows you well through class work or projects. They can speak to your academic abilities. |
| Employers or Internship Supervisors | If you’ve worked or interned, ask a supervisor who can vouch for your professional skills and work ethic. |
| Research Mentors | If you’ve worked on a research project, ask your mentor to highlight your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. |
| Extracurricular or Volunteer Leaders | A leader from a club or volunteer organization can talk about your leadership, teamwork, and commitment. |
How to Approach:
Approaching the right person for a recommendation is important to ensure a strong LOR. Here’s how one can approach your recommenders effectively:
- Give Ample Time: Request the recommendation at least 4-6 weeks before the application deadline to allow your recommender sufficient time.
- Be Clear About Your Needs: Explain the program you’re applying to and what specific qualities or experiences you’d like them to highlight.
- Provide Relevant Information: Share your resume, goals, achievements, and any forms or submission guidelines to make the process easier.
- Respect Their Time: Understand that writing a recommendation is a time-consuming task, so be considerate when making your request. If they decline, thank them for their time and effort.
Also Check: Professional Letter of Recommendation
Essential Elements to Include in a Letter of Recommendation
Sample Recommendation Letter
The following is a sample LOR written by a college professor for a student applying for an MS program. It can help students get an idea of how to structure their own letter and what details to include.
|
It gives me immense pleasure to write this reference letter in favor of (Candidate Name), who is aspiring to pursue the Master in Science program at your university. I have known (Candidate Name) as his professor for over three years now. I taught him the courses of ‘Module Name’, ‘Module Name,’ ‘Module Name,’ and ‘Module Name’, in the second, third, fourth, and sixth semesters, respectively. Based on my observations, I would like to highlight that (Candidate Name) is a sincere student, who dedicates total attention to academics and strives to improve wherever necessary. Their positive attitude towards learning and curiosity for the new puts them ahead of their peers. Throughout their tenure at this institute, (Candidate Name) has shown a keen interest in learning from practical projects and techniques. They have engaged in intense research-related discussions and debates and have chosen significantly complex topics for their specialization papers. Through these processes, they have gained valuable knowledge that they will be able to implement in their career ahead. Alongside his academic performance, (Candidate Name) has portrayed great enthusiasm in inter-college competitions and tournaments, and has never missed a chance to win the institute its glory. They have invariably been an active member of academic clubs and associations and worked rigorously to implement changes that have aided not only fellow students but also the institution in general. I can assure you that (Candidate Name) will continue their efforts in being a valuable part of the student body at your esteemed university and simultaneously shine as an individual. I would like to express my deepest personal and professional admiration for them and truly believe that (Candidate Name) will add a lot of value to their environment through their vibrant energy, hard working attitude, and passion. Thus, I extend my endorsement for their admission into the program they choose to pursue at your university. I am happy to answer any questions which might help you in making a decision. Yours sincerely, |
Tips for Securing a Strong Letter of Recommendation
Some of the key tips for securing a strong Letter of Recommendation are listed below:
- Choose Referees Carefully: Select referees who can dedicate time and follow the institution’s LOR submission rules.
- Check LOR Requirements: Confirm how many LORs are needed for your application.
- Use Official Email: Ensure referees use only their official email addresses to send the LORs.
- Understand Submission Method: If the LOR is electronic, be prepared for referees to spend more time completing it online.
- Provide Referee Details: Enter the official email addresses of your referees in the application form.
- Monitor Emails: Referees should watch for the unique link sent to them and follow the instructions carefully.
- Ask Early: Request the LOR at least 4-6 weeks before the deadline.
- Provide Necessary Info: Share your resume, goals, and any submission details with the recommender.
- Check Submission Method: Confirm whether the LOR needs to be submitted online, by email, or on paper.
- Follow Instructions: Ensure the LOR is submitted according to the university’s specific guidelines.
- Confirm Submission: Double-check that the letter has been submitted before the deadline.
Also Check:
Additionally, students should ensure their LOR is one to two pages long, highlighting specific examples of their skills, achievements, and character. It’s also better to submit recent LORs that reflect current abilities, though older ones can still be accepted if they provide strong, relevant insights.
FAQs
Ques: Can I write my own LOR and have someone sign it?
Ans: No, you cannot write your own LOR. It must be written by someone who knows you well and can give an honest, objective assessment of your abilities.
Ques: Can I submit the same LOR to multiple universities?
Ans: Yes, you can use the same LOR for different applications, but it’s important to tailor it to the specific program if needed.
Ques: Can I ask for a recommendation letter for a non-academic program?
Ans: Yes, LORs can be requested for both academic and professional programs, as long as the recommender can speak to your relevant skills and experiences.
Ques: Can an LOR be written in a language other than English?
Ans: It depends on the university’s requirements. Most institutions prefer LORs in English, but if it’s written in another language, it may need to be translated as per university requirement.
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