What is a letter of recommendation?

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What is a Letter of Recommendation?

While applying for various universities, you may have heard a lot about something called the Letter of Recommendation (LOR), but what is it?

Just as the name suggests, a Letter of Recommendation is a letter that recommends a student, employee, colleague, or co-worker. It is also referred to as a Letter of Reference or LOR. When issued to a student, this letter helps the admission committee understand more about the applicant. Needless to say, this is a great tool to showcase the applicant’s strengths and impactful achievements from the perspective of their supervisor, mentor, superior, guide, or faculty.

Importance of a LOR in University Admissions

The LOR provides admission officials with a comprehensive insight into your suitability for admission to the concerned university. This letter allows admission officers to gain a clearer and more favorable understanding of your experience, achievements, contributions, and abilities, as conveyed by the recommender through the recommendation letter.

Characteristics of a Strong Letter of Recommendation

A strong LOR should be:

  • Short, crisp, and to the point for maximum impact.

  • A separate letter and should not be mixed with a resume.

  • Free of common errors that might lead to rejection.

Types of Letter of Recommendation (LOR)

Letter of Recommendations broadly can be classified into two broad categories based on the Nature of the Recommender:

1. Academic LOR

An Academic LOR is provided by a faculty member of your previous institute. Universities usually require two or three LORs from your previous institute. For undergraduate courses, these may come from teachers in school, whereas for master’s programs, they are typically provided by college professors.

The format of an Academic LOR varies in content, and it requires the professor to highlight the applicant’s accomplishments as a scholar of the course.

2. Professional LOR

Most MBA colleges abroad have predefined work experience requirements. Accordingly, they request a Professional Letter of Recommendation from an immediate supervisor. The format of a Professional LOR differs from an Academic LOR, as it focuses on the applicant’s ability to work in a team, exposure to the domain, and leadership skills—critical aspects for an MBA program.

How to Write a Good LOR?

There are certain guidelines to follow while drafting a Letter of Recommendation. These ensure that the admissions committee gains a detailed insight into the applicant and the relevance of the recommendation. Here’s what a strong LOR should include:

Relationship Between Recommender and Applicant

The letter should mention:

  • How long the recommender has known the applicant.

  • In what capacity they have interacted (advisor, mentor, faculty, teacher, supervisor, or colleague).

Direct vs. Indirect Observation

Direct observations carry more weight than indirect ones. A recommender who has directly worked with you can provide more valuable insights than someone who knows you through another person.

Assessment of Eligibility and Suitability

  • The recommender should provide an accurate assessment of your eligibility and suitability for the program.

  • The focus should be on suitability rather than simply advocating for the applicant.

  • Mentioning rankings (e.g., top 3 in class, top 1% of university) strengthens credibility.

Avoid Redundancy

  • LORs should not mention grades or test scores unless required.

  • Avoid repeating information already included in the application.

  • Only include private or sensitive information if absolutely necessary and relevant.

Unique Contributions and Strengths

  • Highlight the applicant’s potential contributions to the university.

  • Provide examples of positive changes, impacts, or initiatives taken by the applicant.

  • Comparisons (e.g., "Among 100 students, the applicant stood out for XYZ reasons") add credibility.

Why Are Recommendation Letters Important?

In short, a strong recommendation letter should be written by someone who:

  • Agrees freely to write it.

  • Has the time and willingness to provide a well-structured letter.

  • Holds a relevant authority and designation, which adds credibility.

A hastily written, vague letter is worse than not having a recommendation at all.

Formatting Guidelines for LORs

A Letter of Recommendation should be 400-500 words and must include:

  • Nature and tenure of association.

  • Clear formatting based on university requirements.

Use of Letterhead

  • Academic LOR: Should be on the university’s letterhead.

  • Professional LOR: Should be on the recommender’s current company letterhead.

  • If the recommender has moved to another organization, ensure that the letterhead belongs to their current employer.

Difference Between LOR and SOP

A Letter of Recommendation is not a Statement of Purpose (SOP). While an SOP reflects your own perspective on your aspirations and achievements, a LOR provides an external viewpoint. An ideal recommender should be someone who:

  • Knows you well.

  • Has personally witnessed your work.

  • Can provide specific examples of your excellence.

A generic LOR holds little value and can weaken your application.

Choosing the Right Recommender

Many applicants choose recommenders based on rapport rather than expertise. To ensure a strong LOR:

  • Have a detailed discussion with your recommender before making a formal request.

  • Share relevant information about the course and university requirements.

  • Provide accurate dates of association.

Final Thoughts

A well-written recommendation letter significantly boosts your chances of admission. If you need guidance or sample LORs, feel free to reach out to our counselors, who are always ready to help.