A Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is a written endorsement or reference provided by someone who is familiar with the applicant’s academic, professional, or personal qualities. Typically, LORs are required as part of college and university applications to offer additional insights into an applicant’s character, capabilities, and potential for success in the academic environment.
Contents of LORs:
- Introduction: Identify the recommender and their relationship to the applicant.
- Context: Specify how the recommender knows the applicant and for how long.
- Qualifications: Highlight the qualifications and expertise of the recommender, emphasizing their credibility.
- Specific Examples: Include anecdotes or specific examples that illustrate the applicant’s skills, achievements, and character.
- Comparisons: If possible, compare the applicant to their peers to provide context for their strengths.
- Conclusion: Summarize the key points and express a strong endorsement.
Methods for Submitting LORs:
- Direct Submission by Professors: Some universities allow professors to send LORs directly through official channels.
- Applicant Submission: Applicants can request LORs from recommenders and submit them along with their application.
Things to Take Care When Submitting LORs:
- Deadline Adherence: Ensure that LORs are submitted before the specified deadline.
- Format Compliance: Follow the application guidelines regarding LOR format and submission methods.
- Appropriate Recommenders: Choose recommenders who can speak to your relevant qualities and experiences.
- Permission: Seek permission from recommenders before listing them and provide them with all necessary details.
- Include Contact Details: Include the complete contact details of the recommender, such as their phone number and email address, to facilitate verification if required by the admissions committee. This ensures the authenticity and credibility of the recommendation.
- Guidance on Choosing Recommenders:Select recommenders who can provide a well-rounded perspective on your abilities, including professors, employers, or mentors. Aim for individuals who are familiar with your recent work or achievements.
- Tailoring LORs for Different Programs: Consider customizing LORs for each program if applying to multiple institutions, highlighting specific skills or experiences relevant to each.
- Consistency in Tone and Style: Ensure consistency in the tone and style of all submitted LORs to present a unified and coherent image of the applicant.
- Follow Specific Instructions: Adhere closely to any specific instructions provided by the university regarding the number of recommendations required, preferred formats, or specific questions to be addressed.
- Addressing Academic Gaps or Weaknesses:If there are specific academic gaps or weaknesses in your application, discuss them with your recommenders, and ask them to address these issues positively in the LOR.
- Reminder for Recommenders: Remind your recommenders of key experiences, accomplishments, or qualities you would like them to emphasize in the letter to ensure a comprehensive and targeted recommendation.
- Thank-You Note to Recommenders: After your application process is complete, consider expressing gratitude to your recommenders for their time and support. It’s a professional courtesy that can strengthen your future relationships.
- Verification of Submission: Confirm with recommenders that they have successfully submitted the LOR, and double-check your application portal to ensure all documents, including the LORs, have been received.
Why do Colleges/Universities ask for LORs?
Holistic Assessment: LORs help admission committees gain a more comprehensive understanding of the applicant beyond grades and test scores.
Objective Perspective: They provide an external, unbiased evaluation of the candidate, often from a teacher, employer, or mentor.
Verification of Claims: LORs validate the claims made by the applicant in their application, shedding light on their achievements, skills, and character.
How many LORs to submit?
The number of Letters of Recommendation (LORs) required by colleges and universities can vary. Generally, institutions specify the exact requirements in their application guidelines. Here are some common scenarios:
Standard Requirement: Many colleges and universities typically require two to three LORs as part of the application package.
Program-Specific Requirements: Some programs or departments within a university might have specific LOR requirements. For instance, a science program may request a recommendation from a science teacher or a research mentor.
Varied Sources: Universities often prefer recommendations from different sources, such as teachers, employers, or mentors, to gain a well-rounded perspective on the applicant.
Optional LORs: Some institutions may allow applicants to submit additional LORs beyond the required number. However, it’s essential to check whether they encourage or discourage extra recommendations.
Specialized Programs: Certain specialized programs, like medical schools or law schools, might have specific guidelines regarding the number and type of LORs required.
International Applicants: International students may need to submit LORs translated into the language of instruction, accompanied by an official translation if the original LOR is not in the language accepted by the institution.
Online Submission Systems: Many colleges and universities use online submission systems where recommenders can submit LORs directly. In such cases, applicants typically provide the contact information of their recommenders in the application.
Letter of Recommendation sample (LOR Sample)
Remember, a well-crafted and thoughtful LOR can significantly contribute to the overall strength of your college or university application. Taking the time to choose appropriate recommenders and providing them with necessary information can make a substantial difference in how your application is perceived by the admissions committee.
It’s crucial for applicants to carefully review the application instructions of each institution they are applying to. Adhering to the specified LOR requirements and submitting the necessary documents by the deadline is essential for a complete and successful application. If in doubt, contacting the admissions office for clarification is always a good practice.
