Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
The Letter of Recommendation or LOR is a document that provides the admission officers with a comprehensive insight into your suitable candidature for admission into the concerned University. It aims to provide a favourable picture of your academic performance, strengths, experiences, achievements, contributions, and skills.
What is a Letter of Recommendation
The Letter of Recommendation or LOR is a document that provides admission officers with a comprehensive insight into your candidature for a university. It presents your strengths, achievements, and skills as described by your recommender. This letter is written by people with official authority or professional experience who can validate your abilities and suitability. The person writing the LOR should be known to you.
Types of Letter of Recommendation
Letters of Recommendation can be broadly classified into two categories based on the nature of the recommender:
Academic LOR
An academic LOR is a letter of recommendation provided by a faculty member of your current or previous educational institution. Universities usually ask LORs from your previous institution. This could be your teachers from school in the case of undergraduate courses, and professors from your college for Master's or PhD programs. The format often varies, but it usually highlights the applicant's accomplishments and potential as a student. Academic LORs are more relevant to MS or Bachelor programs abroad.
Professional LOR
Most MBA Colleges Abroad have defined work experience requirements and request a Professional Letter of Recommendation from an immediate supervisor. A Professional LOR differs from an Academic one as it focuses on your teamwork ability, domain knowledge, and leadership skills — essential qualities for MBA courses abroad.
Why do you need a Letter of Recommendation
Any student planning to study abroad requires an academic letter of recommendation. Regardless of course or country, students typically need at least three LORs. For undergraduate students, LORs can come from teachers, counsellors, or the principal. For MS students, college professors, internship supervisors, or team leads can issue LORs. For MBA students with work experience, LORs should be professional. Recent graduates applying for MBA or PhD programs may obtain LORs from professors or project guides.
How to write a Letter of Recommendation
A Letter of Recommendation is typically a 400–500 word essay describing a candidate's strengths and weaknesses. It should include the nature and duration of association between the recommender and the applicant.
- The letter must be written on official letterhead — the university's letterhead for Academic LORs and the company's letterhead for Professional LORs.
- The recommender should be currently associated with the organization whose letterhead is used.
- A LOR is not a repetition of the Statement of Purpose (SOP).
- A strong LOR provides unique perspectives on your personality, distinct from the SOP or resume.
- The recommender should be someone familiar with your work and capable of providing specific examples of your contributions and achievements.
- Generic or vague LORs hold little value; include concrete examples and personal insights.
Admissions committees review thousands of applications, so your LOR must stand out through genuine examples and individuality. Each LOR should reflect a unique perspective from a different recommender.
Recommendation Letter Format
There are many LOR formats available online, and choosing the right one can be confusing. Below table provides clear guidelines to help students with formatting, content, and presentation, ensuring the LOR meets academic and professional standards.
Vocabulary for Writing Letter of Recommendation
| Recommended Phrases | Recommended Adjectives |
|---|---|
| I’m pleased to recommend | Intelligent |
| It has been a pleasure working with | Organised |
| She is a creative problem solver | Logical |
| He conveys his ideas clearly | Committed |
| Has demonstrated specific strengths in | Determined |
| Timely completion of tasks | Optimistic |
| Meets the deadline before or on time | Efficient |
| Remains calm under pressure | Responsible |
| Willing to put in extra effort | Patient |
| Will meet your expectations | Team Oriented |
Why Are Recommendation Letters Important
Most applications require atleast one recommendation letters. Identify your recommenders early and ensure they agree to write for you. A LOR adds significant credibility to your profile as it reflects professional endorsement from experienced individuals. While choosing recommenders, prioritize those who can provide specific examples of your work, achievements, and character.
Tip!
A strong, well structured Letter of Recommendation complements your SOP and strengthens your overall application profile.
