Letter of Recommendation (LOR) Format for Students
Talk to ExpertThe Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is a crucial document for applying to universities abroad. An LOR provides a true and detailed information about the candidate’s skills, and capabilities. Also, it can be used to vouch the details mentioned in the statement of purpose. Along with assessing a candidate’s strengths, weaknesses, experiences and achievements, a recommender can help the university in judging the worth of the candidate as per the programme’s requirements.
What is the LOR Format for Students?
An LOR usually consists of 400-500 words and fits on one page. It is divided into 4-5 paragraphs: an introduction, 2-3 body paragraphs and a conclusion.
We have discussed the LOR format for students below.
- Para 1: Introduction - This consists of a brief description of recommender’s credentials (title, college/company name, including his relationship with the client), how long and in what capacity he has known the client; to highlight the client’s stand, he can compare the client’s status, as against any other students whom he has supervised or taught. He/she has to identify responsibilities including the number of people supervised. Close this paragraph with the client’s outstanding qualities that motivate the recommender to recommend him/her.
- Para 2: Discuss one quality- (for example academic prowess, research aptitude, ability in thinking out of the box, leadership, organizational, teamwork skills, taking initiatives, work ethics and/or maturity). Choose any one of these or any other that relates to the client, for each paragraph, and provide a substantial and impressive example or instance when the client displayed that quality. This is very important.
- Para 3: Discuss any other quality– and provide an impressive example of when the client displayed that quality.
- Para 4: Discuss yet another quality– and provide an impressive example of when the client displayed that quality.
- Para 5: Conclusion - Summary of the client’s strengths and a ringing and enthusiastic endorsement of his/her candidacy.
Why is it important to follow the LOR format for Students?
As an LOR is a formal document, it is important for students to follow a particular format. Please find below the advantages of using a format:
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- It provides formal structure to the document, leaving a good impression on admissions committee (Ad Com).
- A format eases out the process of writing the LOR. It becomes easier for recommenders to follow the format and add details accordingly.
- Having a format reduces the chances of missing out essential details. When someone writes in a flow, at times, crucial details might be left out and unimportant details can take up more space. Using a format can help in giving equal space to all important aspects.
- A letter needs proper closing details, which an LOR format for students can provide.
- Using a format can even help in proofreading the document as you can check the areas which you have covered.
Important: Each LOR draft (considering there are 2-3 LORs for one applicant) should highlight different qualities so that they do not look written by one person. Also, the examples should be specific to that recommender only.
LOR Format for Students: FAQs
Q. How to write a Letter of Recommendation for students?
A. While writing recommendation letter for students, the recommender must provide evidence-based evaluation. It is important to provide examples with each trait to support the claims. Instead of including many qualities, the recommender must focus on three to four qualities, which are more related to the intended course. You must follow the LOR format for students to create a one-page recommendation letter.
Q. How to start a Letter of Recommendation?
A. As per the LOR format for students, you must begin your LOR by mentioning the recommender’s designation, relation with the candidate, and years of association. The introductory paragraph must include a brief about the candidate’s personality, and comparison with the peer group. Keeping the tone of the LOR formal and positive from the beginning would be a great start for an LOR.
Q. Who should write Letters of Recommendation for students?
A. The students who are applying for higher studies abroad need to be careful while selecting their recommenders. You can choose your subject teachers, professors, project guides, and mentors for writing recommendation letters. It is better to get an LOR from someone who has closely observed your work and can vouch for your unique abilities and traits. A general recommendation, without specific examples to support the claims, would not be effective, despite the higher designation or acclaimed position of the recommender. Also, it is always better to contact your recommenders early, giving you enough time to get your LORs prepared and signed.
Q. What is an ideal length for an LOR for students?
A. The ideal length of an LOR is a single A4 sized page. An LOR includes four to five paragraphs; at least three paragraphs must cover distinctive abilities of the candidate. It is essential to back every trait with appropriate instances or examples. This will help you to create a 400-500 word LOR, which will be an apt word count for most universities. Do not forget to check university guidelines regarding recommendation letters as they may sometimes require a question-answer format LOR. In that case, answers must follow the specified questions and word limit.
Q. Can I get admission without an LOR?
A. There are few graduate schools and universities where an LOR is not an admission requirement, and you can get admission without an LOR. However, most universities, in USA and Canada, especially, include LORs as an admission requirement. It is important to prepare documents as per the university admission requirements. You must consider that a well-written LOR by your professor or project guide can improve your chances of selection.
Q. How many Letters of Recommendation are required from a student?
A. Normally, 2-3 LORs are required by universities for the admission process. For MS and UG level programmes, academic LORs are needed, while for MBA programmes, professional recommendations are expected from the students. Although every university provides the number of LORs needed for the application process, it is advisable to prepare at least 3 LORs, beforehand, even if you have not decided upon the university.
Q: Is university of West of Scotland good for international students?
The University of the West of Scotland has five modern and diverse campuses in United Kingdom. The University has welcomed more than 3,000 international students which are representing 1/3 of the globe. They also have 130 European partners who are actively in global study and exchange options through the Commonwealth universities programmes. The University also offers study abroad opportunities for UWS who are eligible for the same and also have more than 20 transnational education partners worldwide which helps them deliver UWS Bachelors and Masters Degrees around the world.
Q: How can I get admission in the University of Manchester?
The application process at the University of Manchester may vary depending on the course and level of study. However, here is the application process for UG and PG courses:
The Undergraduate Application Process:
Step 1: You can apply through the UCAS common application portal.
Step 2: Go to the website and select the course you are interested in.
Step 3: Ensure you meet the Entry requirements (Academic qualifications, English proficiency, etc.
Step 4: Once you decide on the course, submit documents such as SOP, Transcripts and personal statements.
Check out: tips to improve your SOP.
Step 5: You can track the application's progress through your given credentials by UCAS.
Step 6: Once the applicant submits the application to UCAS, it forwards to the University, and the admission teams carefully analyse the application document.
Step 7: The university will send you an offer letter once selected. Hence keep checking your UCAS portal for your application status.
The Postgraduate application process:
Step 1: Select the postgraduate course you are interested in from the University of Manchester.\
Step 2: Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the chosen program, as they vary depending on the course.
Step 3: Complete the online application by providing your personal information.
Step 4: Upload the required documents, such as Academic transcripts and proof of English language proficiency ( TOEFL/ IELTS). experience in your fields and references (depending on the course). You also may require Two LORs depending on the course.
To make your admission better, check out the following: How Admission Officers Evaluate your application.
Step 5: If your application is successful, you will receive an offer from the University of Manchester.
Q: Does the University of Essex require IELTS?
International students whose native language is not English must meet the University of Essex English language requirements to get admission. The university accepts IELTS scores as proof of English language proficiency. Mentioned below are the IELTS scores required for UG and PG admission at the university:
English Language Test | Score |
|---|---|
IELTS | Overall score of 5.5 to 8.0 with minimum of 5.5 to 7.5 in each section |
The university also accepts the score of other English language tests such as TOEFL and PTE for admission to undergraduate and graduate programs:
English Language Test | Score |
TOEFL iBT | Overall score of 72 to 114 |
PTE | Overall score of 59 to 84 with minimum of 59 to 80 in each section |
Also read: Required IELTS Score for UK Universities
Q: How to prepare for UK 10th board exam 2025?
Those who are preparing for the UK Class 10 exam 2025 are recommended to follow the tips below.
- Know the exam pattern
- Make a proper time table as per the syllabus
- Solve previous year question papers
- Make short notes of important formulas and theorems
- Revise regularly
- Figure out weaker areas and learn them well
With proper planning and hard work, students can easily clear the UK 10th board exam.
Q: What is University of Wales, Trinity Saint famous for?
University of Wales, Trinity Saint (UWTSD) was founded in 2010, is a public institution for higher education and research at multiple locations. It was set up under the 1828 royal charter of Lampeter, the institution was the result of the merger between Trinity University College and the University of Wales. The institution merged with the Swansea Metropolitan University in 2013.
- Top Ranked University: The UWTSD is not ranked by any major ranking body, however as per the university ranking given on the official website of the university, it is ranked among:
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Film Production and Photography
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Fashion and Textiles
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Graphic Design
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Education
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Sports Science
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Mechanical Engineering
- #1st in Wales for Fine Arts
- Variety of Courses: UWTSD offers more than 300 programs at various levels including undergraduate, postgraduate degrees as well as multiple online courses.
- Highly distinguished and learned faculties: the faculty at UWTSD is highly learned and distinguished which enables students to be the best in their field of study.
- High Placements: According to Graduate Outcome data 2019-2020 quoted by the UWTSD, more than 95% of its graduates were found to be employed within 15 Months of graduation. The average salary of a graduate is not explicitly released by UWTSD, however, as per some unofficial sources the average salary of the graduates of UWTSD is approximately INR 30-35L. with the highest salary being reported as high as INR 66.5L for jobs in Financial Services.
Q: Why indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School - UK?
Indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School in the UK for several reasons, including its highly ranked programs, global outlook, and career support. Hult offers a range of full-time master’s degrees, immersive bachelor's programs, and MBA options that prepare students to excel in the global job market. The school is the largest and top-ranked global business school, providing students with an incomparable universal outlook. Additionally, Hult's focus on experiential learning, extensive career support, and the opportunity to study at multiple campuses around the world are attractive to Indian students seeking a global business education. Furthermore, the school's emphasis on innovation and meeting the needs of students and employers may also contribute to its appeal to Indian students
Q: What rank is Wolverhampton University in UK?
The University of Wolverhampton is one of the best universities in the United Kingdom. The university is consistently ranked among the best universities nationally and globally. For nearly 200 years, the University of Wolverhampton has been consistently providing a quality of education to students and producing highly skilled graduates. The national rankings of the University of Wolverhampton are given below:
| Ranking Body | Ranking |
|---|---|
| The Guardian University Guide 2024 | #101 |
| The Complete University Guide 2024 | #117 |
Q: How to download UK Board 12th date sheet 2024?
Following are the steps to download the UK 12th date sheet 2024.
- Open the Uttarakhand Board's official website at ubse.uk.gov.in
- Click on 'Examination Scheme' available on the homepage
- A new window will appear on the screen containing a link of the UK Board 12th date sheet 2024
- Click the link and download the Uttarakhand 12th date sheet 2024
- Universities in UK175 Universities
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Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae