What is letter of recommendation?

A letter of recommendation, also known as an LOR, is a document that recommends a student, employee, colleague, or co-worker for admission into a university or college, a job, or other opportunities. It is a letter written by a person who knows the applicant well and can attest to their qualifications, strengths, and abilities. LORs are a critical component of the application process for higher education programs and can greatly influence the admissions committee's decision.

Structure of an LOR:

An LOR typically consists of three main parts: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. 

• The introduction sets the tone for the letter and includes information about the recommender and their relationship with you. It should also briefly explain the purpose of the letter and why the recommender is qualified to provide a recommendation.
• The body of the letter is where the recommender can showcase your skills, achievements, and character traits. The body should be divided into paragraphs, with each paragraph highlighting a specific aspect of your achievements.
• The conclusion should summarize the letter's main points and emphasize why you are an excellent fit for the university or college. The conclusion should also include the recommender's contact information and encourage the admissions committee to contact them for more information.

How to Request an LOR:

LORs should be usually provided by your former professors or instructors who have taught you in your academic field of interest. Here are some tips to help you request an effective LOR:

1. Choose the right person: Think carefully about which professor or instructor knows you well enough to write a compelling LOR.

2. Ask early: Give your recommender plenty of time to write the letter. Ideally, you should ask at least a month before the deadline.

3. Provide them with your resume or CV: This will help your recommender write a more detailed and personalized letter.

4. Give them clear instructions: Make sure to provide your recommender with clear instructions on what the letter should cover and the deadline. Sometimes there is a specific requested format from the university that should be filled out in an online form. In such cases, provide your recommender with the necessary details and links to access the form.

5. Thank them: Always remember to thank your recommender for taking the time to write the letter and let them know how much you appreciate their support.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you receive a well-written LOR that highlights your strengths and qualities and supports your application for higher education programs.

Top Tips for Students and Professors

1. Be specific: Instead of saying "John is a good student," provide specific examples such as "John consistently achieved high grades in all his classes, especially in his major courses such as Statistics and Calculus."

2. Highlight your strengths: Emphasize your unique strengths and qualities that make you an excellent fit for the university or college. For example, "Sara is a natural leader and has demonstrated this by organizing several successful volunteer events at our school."

3. Be professional: Ensure that the tone of the letter is professional and positive. Avoid using overly casual language or slang. For example, "Ms. Smith is a pleasure to have in class and she's always down to hang out after school" should be avoided in an LOR.

4. Proofread: Double-check the letter for any grammatical or spelling errors before submitting it. For example, "Tom is a hard worker and does his best in everything he does" should be corrected to "Tom is a hard worker and does his best in everything he does."

5. Follow up: After submitting the application, follow up with your recommender to thank them again and let them know the outcome of your application. For example, "Dear Professor Smith, I just wanted to thank you again for taking the time to write me an LOR. I wanted to let you know that I was accepted into the program and will be attending in the fall. Thank you so much for your support!"

In conclusion, an LOR is an essential document that can make a significant impact on your admission to a university or college. It's important to request an LOR from a former professor or instructor who knows you well and can write a compelling letter. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can craft a persuasive LOR that highlights your strengths and makes a strong case for your admission. Remember to thank your recommender for their support, and best of luck with your application!