All about Letters of

Recommendation
(LOR) | Format, Sample
LOR, more!
Introduction:

There is a wide variety of documents to arrange before you send in your

university application. And while there is a lot you can do to embellish
most aspects of your university application, there is one detail that you
have little control over- your letter of recommendation.

What is an academic letter of recommendation(LOR)?

Your reference letters for university applications are a reflection of your

merit, character, and achievements from an external perspective.
Commonly, it is an academic letter of recommendation for students from
professors,  sent in conjunction with the college application.  When you
apply to a university abroad, the institution might want to know things
about you that distinguish you from the other applicants. This is where
your letter of recommendation and statement of purpose give you an
edge over your peers. Most universities require a reputable person to talk
for you and confirm the things you say about yourself in your application,
so as to keep the selection criteria completely impartial and transparent.

How to get a letter of recommendation?

Universities regularly ask for a very specific type of person to be your

reference. It is necessary to pay attention to the mandatory set of
requirements that this person needs to fulfill. This will help you avoid any
delay or rejection of your application process on that end. Among the
things to be fulfilled for being a reference, the most common are:

1. This person must know you for a considerable amount of time (If
possible, more than 2 years) 

2. Should not have any blood ties to you  This person could also be
somebody living legally in the country where you’re applying to, preferably
a citizen.

3. Make sure you notify the person you choose in advance. This way, they
would be ready to provide a good response regarding anything the
university asks about you.
Selecting your reference
adlines for submission of test scores but it is better to send the scores with
the application.
If you can have someone from the academic area referring you (maybe a
teacher or tutor) it would be great. Even better, if this academic reference
is from the discipline you plan to pursue. This way, the person can better
express the reasons why you would be a good addition to the university’s
program. 

A doctor, policeman, or any other person in a position of authority is also a

good idea. The testimony they provide about you is considered reliable
because people in such positions are held in high regard. 

Lastly, if your testimony comes from a member or leader of a voluntary

group, maybe an NGO, this will give you extra points, as it presents you as
a person who cares for others. As a result, your LOR speaks well not only
about your professional background but also your social one.
All about writing the Letter of Recommendation:

Prerequisites

- It's very important that know the student as a faculty member or as a

research advisor or supervisor for any projects.

- Make sure you know the student well enough to write a supportive
recommendation.

- All LORs should be written on letterhead and signed

- All virually written LORs must be in a PDF format with an electronic

signature from all concerned parties.

What should you know about your student before writing a

letter?

- Ensure that you have a detailed discussion with the student prior to
writing the letter.

- Learn about their interests and future goals

- Is there anything specific they would like you to focus on?

- Should your letter be specialty specific (this candidate will be an

excellent Robotics engineer) or general (this candidate will be an excellent
and hard working engineer)?

You may want to ask for a students:

o CV
o Personal statement
o Copies of evaluations
o Transcripts
o A photograph (to jog your memory
Sending in the LOR

Be sure to tell your student when you will send in the LOR.
If possible, you and the student should set the deadline together.
Email the students once you have submitted the LOR.
It is best to write a letter immediately after the student has completed
your rotation.
Encourage students, especially the final year students, to let you know
early on if they would like a letter from you.
You can even offer to write a letter for an outstanding student, especially
for 3rd years who may not be planning their applications yet.

Content of a Letter

• It is important to include information appropriate to each unique student.

It's always recommended that you meet with a student before writing the
LOR. Letters should include:

o Your relationship with the student

o How long and in what context you know the student
o Details about student and student performance

Here are some potential topics:

Student’s potential
Professionalism
Interpersonal and leadership skills
Technical skills (if applicable)
Passion for their chosen specialty
Personal Characteristics
Specialty specific information
Letter of Recommendation format:

While copying someone else's LORs is a mistake you should avoid, you can
certainly read Letters of recommendation written for others, for your personal
understanding and reference. Here's a standard LOR format and a sample
LOR for you to look through:

A basic LOR format

Dear [Address the University admissions office] or [TO WHOM IT MAY

CONCERN:]

PARAGRAPH 1:

If written to a specific university employee: I am writing this reference letter at

the request of [student] who is applying for the [program name] at your
prestigious [university, school, college, etc.]

If written 'to whom it may concern': I am writing this reference letter at the
request of [student].

S/he has asked you to write this general letter which s/he may show to any
prospective university admissions officer who asks him/her for references.

PARAGRAPH 2:

I have known [student] for [length of time] in my capacity as a [your job title] at
[prior university or company name].

If Applicable: [student] worked for me as a [job title]/ or [student] belonged to

the [club or organisation] for which I served as an advisor/ or [student] took
[number] courses from me, including [names]. [Student] earned grades of [list
grades], respectively, in those courses.

Based on [student's] grades, along with his/her [excellent, good, etc.]

attendance and class participation, I'd rate [students] performance in my class
as [rating].
PARAGRAPH 3:

[Student] has a number of strengths to offer [an employer, a graduate

program]. (List qualities here, backing each one up with examples. Try to pick
qualities that tie into the specific type of job student is seeking or requested on
the grad school application).

EXAMPLE: [Student] often exhibited excellent leadership in my class,

volunteering to lead groups and then organising the group's project quickly
and efficiently. This attribute would serve [student name] well in the position of
Assistant Manager with your company.

PARAGRAPH 4:

In conclusion, I would [highly] recommend [student]. If his/her performance in

my class(es) is any indication of how she/he would perform [in the program the
student is applying to.], [student] will most definitely be a positive addition to
your [college/university].

Sincerely yours,

[NAME & TITLE]

Note: Material and letter sample is adapted from the Career Development Centre, Ohio State University
Conclusion:

It is necessary to provide all the relevant information to the person writing

your academic letter of recommendation. You can also help by
highlighting all your accomplishments. We hope this guide helps you with
your letter of recommendation and takes you a step closer to your future.
At iSchoolConnect, we help applicants connect with universities abroad a
nd get into the programs they are passionate about. Select the country
and the university you want, mail us with your information by filling out a
simple form on our website and we will help you get into  your dream
university!