Letter of Recommendation (LOR) for USA: Requirements & Writing Tips
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A Letter of Recommendation (LOR) forms an important part of your application as it helps the admissions committee (Ad Com) assess your profile holistically from another person’s perspective. It is no secret to the admissions committee that applicants tend to exaggerate or lie about their experiences in their documents like the statement of purpose (SOP), essay, or even the resume. However, when it comes to an LOR for USA, applicants cannot bend the truth as these documents are signed and sponsored by referees or recommenders that have known the applicants closely. Thus, in a recommendation letter for USA university, it becomes the recommender’s responsibility when endorsing an applicant for admission to any university.
Through a letter of recommendation US universities try to gauge your suitability for the program. This is why you must ensure that your LOR forms a positive impression on the admissions committee and its decision because it allows them to assess your capabilities and attributes for the course you have applied for from the referee’s perspective. Generally, at least two LORs are required for top universities in USA. Some universities may ask for specific LORs from specific recommenders depending on the programme and course you are applying for, such as MBA courses require at least one professional LOR and MS LORs and UG LORs should be from academic backgrounds. At most, universities require three LORs, while a few universities may ask for more than three LORs, but this is usually up to the applicant. Similarly, LORs for PhD should be academic LORs that demonstrate the applicant’s ability and potential for research and interest in the subject/field of study.
Applicants must remember that LORs provide them with a wonderful opportunity to talk about their strengths and achievements. While LOR requirements may vary widely across universities, they offer applicants the opportunity to talk about relevant projects, research or tasks done, to showcase their aptitude in a particular subject. In a letter of recommendation, US universities want to know about qualities, achievements and instances that make you a suitable student for the program. Hence, it is a good idea to discuss with your recommender about the traits and activities/accolades to be discussed.
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Your choice of recommender should be based on the course or program that you are applying for. For instance, if you have studied Computer Science Engineering graduate and are applying for a Data Science degree, the best recommenders for your LOR for US universities would either be your Data Science or Computer Science professors. This is because they can not only comment on your aptitude and proficiency for that subject in the US university recommendation letter but also discuss relevant coursework and your performance in them. This can add to the credibility and overall impact of the LOR.
LOR for USA: Writing Tips
Applicants should ensure that each letter of recommendation for US universities contains the referee’s nature of association with them. For instance, if the referee is a professor, then the following things should be covered in the introduction itself:
- In what capacity do they know the applicant?
- Subject/s taught and during which semester or year
- Years of association with the applicant
- How was the referee able to evaluate the applicant’s ability?
- Notable characteristics/traits that can help you succeed in the program (with instances)
- Comparison with other students with similar background/abilities
The next point to remember is that every attribute mentioned should be highlighted and backed by some proof or situation. For example, if the referee is talking about teamwork then mention any such instance where the referee was able to judge or witness this attribute in the applicant. A student’s potential/capability must be highlighted by a supporting instance so that it produces a greater impression on the admissions officers. Another important point is to remember that merely listing out qualities or attributes in your LOR for Masters in USA adds very little value to the document. Thus, every quality should be accompanied by a supporting instance/example.
Moreover, it is imperative to choose the right recommender because it determines what kind of recommendations can be produced. As discussed above, if anything is found amiss or the recommender fails to highlight the best attributes in the applicant, then admission chances may be affected. The right recommender should have the time to examine an applicant’s ability within the scope of their association. He or she must have worked or interacted with the applicant and should have shared a cordial relationship with him/her. It is not necessary to get a LOR from someone in a position of high authority or designation, such as the Chairman, CEO or Principal.
Getting a letter of recommendation for USA university from your reporting manager or professor with whom you have had a good interaction can prove to be more valuable, rather than a LOR from a CEO or Dean who has not even interacted with you. In short, the LORs should come from recommenders who have observed you, worked with or mentored you for a significant period of time. In this way, they can comment and highlight your abilities based on their close or direct association with you.
LOR for USA: How many LORs are required for universities in the USA?
This is one of the most common questions that applicants have, along with the questions ‘is LOR required for USA?’, and ‘how to write LOR for MS in USA’ Applicants should know that they will be asked to submit two to three academic LORs or professional LORs, depending upon their choice of programme and course. Top universities like MIT or Columbia University ask UG students to subject-specific LORs and at least one LOR from a school counsellor. At least one academic LOR is mandatory to apply for MS courses along with one professional LOR if work experience is mandatory for the selected course. US universities prefer a professional LOR for MBA in USA. For applicants just out of college without any work experience, academic LORs are accepted. However, one can also submit a LOR from one's internship period.
LOR for USA: LOR Requirements in Top US Universities
Overall, the guidelines for writing LOR for US universities are similar to that of a generic LOR. The only difference is in the number and type of LOR requirements specified by the university. Let’s have a look at some top US universities and their basic LOR requirements:
| University |
LOR for UG Courses |
LOR for MS/MBA Courses |
|---|---|---|
| 1 LOR: School Counselor 2 LORs: Subject Teachers |
MS: 2 LORs, one academic MBA: 2 LORs, professional |
|
| 1 LOR: School Counselor 2 LORs: Subject Teachers |
MS: 3 academic LORs |
|
| 2 LORs: Subject Teachers, 1 LOR: Math or Science Teacher |
MS: 3 LORs, one professional and one academic MBA: 2 professional LORs |
|
| At least two LORs 1 LOR: Subject Teacher |
MS: 3 LORs, one academic and one professional MBA: 2 professional LORs |
|
| 1 LOR: School Counselor 2 LORs: Subject Teachers |
MS: 2/3 LORs, one academic MBA: 2 professional LORs |
|
| One LOR from School Counselor |
MS: 2/3 LORs, one academic MBA: one professional LOR |
|
| 1 LOR: Math or Science Teacher 1 LOR: Social Studies or Humanities Teacher |
MS: 3 LORs, one academic Professional LOR also accepted |
|
| 1 LOR: School Counselor 1 LOR: Humanities Teacher 1 LOR: Math or Science Teacher |
MS: 3 LORs, two academic MBA: one professional LOR |
|
| Two LORs from Subject Teachers |
MS: 3 LORs, one academic MBA: 2 professional LORs |
|
| Two LORs from Subject Teachers |
MS: 3 LORs, two academic MBA: 2 professional LORs |
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LOR for USA - FAQs
How long should the recommender know me for?
While choosing the recommender for your LOR for MS in USA, you must also consider the length of your association, i.e. how long s/he has known you for. The recommender must know you for at least six months or more to be able to draft an LOR for you. While you can get it from professors or managers who have known you for a short while, getting one from a recommender who has seen your growth over a period of time adds more depth to the LOR.
How many LORs are required for MS in USA?
Though the number of LORs required for MS in USA differs from university to university, a minimum of three LORs are typically asked for. Some universities may even ask for more number of LORs. Applicants must try to get LORs from either their academic or professional spheres, or as required by the university.
Is there any LOR format for Masters in USA?
There is no particular LOR format for USA. Typically, LORs begin with the recommender introducing themselves and talking about their association with you. They can then talk about your academic/professional qualities, relevant experiences or accolades that would make you a good fit for the said program. LORs also provide an opportunity to recommenders to mention their observations about you and your overall aptitude/suitability for the program.
Which qualities/traits and instances should me mentioned in the LOR?
The qualities that you mention in the LORs must be most academic/professional in nature and should come with examples or instances, as seen by the recommender. Try to mention qualities that showcase you in a good light For example, if the recommender is talking about your ‘superior research skills’, he or she must provide relevant instances of the same, as evidenced in projects, events, competitions or in the classroom. Mentioning examples authenticates the claims made in the LOR, and provides the reader a glimpse of your performance and achievements, while also highlighting your strong suits.
Q: Â What GPA is required for the University of South Dakota?
Q: Â What GPA is needed to go to Ohio State?
There is no minimum GPA score for UG admission at Ohio State. However, International students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale or equivalent) for graduate admission. Applicants may submit a standardized test score (GRE or GMAT) if their cumulative GPA is below 3.0 for the last degree.
Q: Â Is MIT costly for Indians?
MIT is not costly for Indian students. Applicants can study BTech program at affordable tuition fees as compared to other BTech colleges in the USA. The MIT BTech fees is around INR 50 L to INR 52 L.
Q: Â Can I get into Oregon State with a 3.5 GPA?
International students must have at least a GPA between 2.5 and 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 for UG and PG admission at Oregon State. Therefore, candidates are eligible to get admission to the university with a 3.5 GPA in their academics. Oregon State University GPA requirements are different for undergraduate and graduate admission. Mentioned below is the range of GPA required for Oregon State University admissions:
| Program | Minimum GPA Required (on a scale of 4.0) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 2.5 - 3.0 |
| Graduate | 2.5 - 3.0 |
Read about the Grading System in the USA
Q: Â What is the decent score required on the ACT test to get a good university in the USA?
The definition of a good ACT score varies from university to country. However, to get into the top 100 universities, you must aim for a score higher than 31 on the ACT.
Q: Â Why choose Snead State Community College for B.Tech in USA rather than University of Toledo?
Snead State Community College is a better option for acquiring your B.Tech than the University of Toledo because here you can find a better selection of engineering, computer science, and information technology degrees and courses, along with a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and practical skills. Furthermore, Snead State Community College has lower tuition costs than the University of Toledo, with an average annual cost of living of $7,877 or 7,00,000 INR, while the University of Toledo's tuition and living costs are much higher.
Q: Â What is the maximum and minimum score in GRE to get admission for MS in USA?
GRE is a popular standardised test for getting admission in MS program in the world. However, there are many universities in the USA that offer admission to MS courses without GRE scores. There is fixed minimum or maximum GRE score for admission. However, even if your GRE score is below the average for a particular program, you may still be considered for admission if you have strong qualifications in other areas. It is adviseble to check university website for the exact information.
Q: Â Is it hard to get into the UTSA in San Antonio Texas?
According to various sources, University of Texas San Antonio has an overall acceptance rate of around 87% which makes it somewhat selective for international student admissions. Some of the general requirements to be considered for admission are given as follows:
- SAT/ACT scores
- Overall Student's GPA
- Letters of Recommendation
- High School Class Rank
- Additional Academic Records
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The University of South Dakota expects a GPA score of 2.5 from undergraduates and 3 from postgraduates on the 4-pointer scale. Along with the GPA scores, undergraduates must meet the basic eligibility and submit an ACT score of 21 or higher and an SAT score of 1070 or higher. In addition, they must submit the required documents, such as academic history, transcripts, letters of recommendation, English language scores, and more.