Letter of Recommendation (LOR) Sample for Study Abroad

LOR Samples: A Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is one of the most important documents in your application process for study abroad. Irrespective of the programme, course, university, and country, the LOR plays a crucial role in deciding the admission of a candidate. We'll discuss letter of recommendation format in this article along with LOR examples for students planning to submit one for studying abroad. 

A Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is one of the requirements while applying for universities abroad. These letters are provided by your professors, supervisors or any other person who can vouch for your academic or professional abilities. Almost every university need these LORs while evaluating your application for admission process. Therefore, it is important to draft your Letter of Recommendation (LOR) in a precise and appropriate manner that oozes strong recommendations to support your whole profile. An effective LOR verifies your professional experience, builds credibility, boosts confidence and ensures your competency in the eyes of the Admission Committee. In this article, we have covered details about the format of an LOR, along with an LOR sample and do’s and don’ts for an LOR.

Format of an LOR Sample

While the letter of recommendation format varies, but not to a great extent. To guide you through the drafting of an LOR example, here is the format of a generic LOR sample that can be used for any course:

Introduction

In the first paragraph itself, the recommender should introduce himself by stating his designation and workplace (company/ college/ institution, city). The lor starting lines should contain the details of where and how the recommender comes in contact with the aspirant. It should also be mentioned for how long the recommender has been acquainted with the student, be it in year or months. The significant point to be noted here is that the recommender should at a senior level so that he can rightly judge the student’s work and behaviour. Therefore, the recommender can be a professor/faculty, direct supervisor, Principal of a school, Dean of the college, manager, vice-president, deputy manager, and so on. No colleague, friends, or family member issue an LOR.

Body of the LOR stating qualities with instances

The rest of the LOR will be divided into three body paragraphs which should contain at least three distinct qualities or attribute of the student. Ideally, any university asks for three separate LORs from your college/firm. Therefore, you need to make sure that all the three LORs have three distinct qualities mentioned in them. No attributes can be repeated; however, you can include an instance twice and highlight different skills/ qualities in it. For instance, if you are mentioning the instance of a group project. Then in this case, one recommender can elaborate on your research skills regarding the project and another recommender can highlight your teamwork skills or leadership skills if you lead the project. Hence, each LOR should have three different attributes mentioned and highlighted through an instance that can act as a proof.

Qualities that can be included in LOR

Each LOR is drafted differently depending on the course. Here are some examples of attributes that you can mention in an LOR depending on the program/ course.

For a professional LOR:

• Decision-making skills
• Leadership ability
• Teamwork skills
• Strengths and skills regarding management
• Time management and multitasking
• Summary of job responsibilities and diligence
• Initiative and dedication
• Creative and innovative ideas
• Integrity and reliability
• Hard work and ability to work independently

For an academic LOR:

• Leadership ability
• Teamwork skills
• Academic performance
• Passion
• Highlight awards and recognition
• Hardworking and initiative
• Research skills

Conclusion

In the last paragraph, conclude the LOR confirming the student’s recommendation. You also can add a line or two about how you feel about the student personally. End with strong support for the student’s application and wish him/ her all the best in their future endeavours.

The Closing

For the closing of the LOR, end with ‘Yours sincerely’, or ‘Yours faithfully’ in the bottom left corner. This should be followed by the name of the recommender, designation, department, firm/institution name, city, contact number and E-mail ID. Make sure the letters are duly signed at the bottom and the LOR is printed on the college’s or company’s letterhead.

LOR Sample

In my capacity as XX, at XXX University, I am writing this recommendation in support of ABC. I have known him from the time I taught him XX subject during his XX semester. ABC has a spark in him which made him outshine other students of his class. His interest in XX subject was immense and the way he used to comprehend various scientific theories and principles was profound. I was always surprised by the sharpness with which he understood the technicality of any concept.

ABC’s proficiency in science and expertise in handling technical aspect made him the obvious choice for the “XXX Project”, for which I was the in-charge. From the very outset, ABC displayed a remarkable zest towards the project. He, along with his team members, designed a ……….. While working on the project, he handled complexities of project with great ease, as he gave quick solutions to the problems like, ………...

Apart from this, ABC worked on the literary aspect of the project which comprised of writing poems and articles. He also gave his significant contribution in the artistic section by making posters based on the project. Moreover, his coordination with his team members was incredible. His diligence with the combined efforts of his team made him receive appreciation from me and other teachers.

ABC is truly a special student for me and I will always hold him in highest esteem for his incessant efforts, dedication and distinctive abilities. I believe he possess outstanding potential to rise to limitless heights. His constant urge to learn more will not only tread him towards the glorious path of success but will also help him to contribute significantly to the program. Therefore, I strongly recommend ABC for the XX degree of your reputed university. I can assure you that he will prove to be a tremendous asset to your university.

Yours sincerely,

Full Name of Recommender

Designation, Department

Institution’s Name, City

Contact No:

Email ID:”

Please note that the LOR sample given above is just for reference; you are advised to copy the content as the LOR must reflect your unique traits and abilities. Moreover, copying content can cause plagiarism issues.

Do’s and Don’ts for an LOR

For writing a convincing LOR, please follow the following Do’s and Don’ts:

Do’s

• Mention all important details like designation of recommender, your relationship with him/her, years of association.
• Mention only those traits for which you can provide suitable examples.
• Focus should be on the strengths which are related to the program you are applying for.
• Choose your recommenders wisely. Try to get recommendations from the people who have closely observed your work and can vouch for it.
• Use formal language and tone.
• Ensure to get the LOR printed on a formal letterhead of the concerned recommender.
• Provide comparison with the peer group to support the claim

Don’ts

• Avoid repeating same traits in LORs by different recommenders
• Do not mention traits for which you have no supporting evidence
• Plagiarism is a big ‘NO’. Do not copy content as it will impact your application
• Avoid using informal sentences or references
• Do not select a recommender who is not aware of your work. He/she will not be able to provide convincing reasons in your support.
• Do not mention grades or scores of competitive examinations in the LOR
• Avoid mentioning about weaknesses, unless asked specifically by the university.

Candidates looking for assistance with university recommendations can connect with our Shiksha Counselling Services on our website. Candidates can get in touch with us with their queries in the comments section below.