Guidelines for Writing a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) by Shiksha Study Abroad
Talk to Expert
You may have come across various LOR formats in your online search for a decent format for a Letter of Recommendation (LOR). Now, the question arises which LOR format can help in strengthening your application and improve the chances of selection? You have come to the right place as Shiksha Study Abroad guidelines for writing LOR can save you from any confusion or chances of using an incorrect or haphazard format. Shiksha Study Abroad has a set of guidelines for all application-related documents that students can use without any confusion and without affecting their overall application.
Guidelines for Writing LOR
Following are the guidelines for a generic LOR which students can follow to draft their LORs for any course (UG, MS, MBA or PhD). To help you understand it better, we have divided the LOR into sections for your convenience. Check them out now:
First Paragraph of LOR: Introduction
The introduction of an LOR consists of a brief description of the recommender’s credentials, such as the name, title, college/company name, city, and relationship with the student. Also, include details of how long and in what capacity the recommender has known the student. Highlight the student’s stand. In this case, the recommender can compare the client’s status as against any other persons (in the student’s batch), whom he has supervised or taught. The recommender should identify responsibilities including several people supervised/ class strength. End this paragraph with the client’s outstanding qualities that motivate the recommender to recommend the client. This line should give an overview of the qualities and attributes that the recommender is going to discuss in the following paragraphs.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
Check: Sample LOR
Second Paragraph of LOR: Discuss one Quality
Start the paragraph stating one key quality/ skill or achievement of the student, such as academic prowess, research aptitude, ability to think out of the box, leadership skills, organizational ability, team skills, ability to take initiatives, work ethic and/or maturity. You can choose any one of these or some other quality that relates to the student, and then provide a substantial and impressive example/instance, where the recommender observed this particular quality in the student. This is an important aspect of the LOR as it showcases that the student indeed possesses that quality. Thus, in an LOR the examples are the most important aspect where the skills or qualities mentioned, are demonstrated/proved. The idea is to ‘show’, rather than ‘tell’.
Third Paragraph: Discuss a Second Quality
This should be different from the one mentioned above. Ideally, there should be three-four different qualities discussed in each LOR. Here also, you need to state an instance that supports the quality mentioned. With the help of such instances, the Admissions Committee (Ad Com) is able to estimate/identify the potential of the applicant and is able to make its decisions. It also makes the recommender’s claims more believable.
Fourth Paragraph of LOR: Discuss a Third Quality
Include a third quality of the student and explain/justify it with the help of an example, where the recommender witnessed that quality. Try and make each body paragraph unique by discussing different skills/qualities, through different examples. Similarly, try and make each LOR different from the other LORs. Please do not repeat either qualities or examples. The examples, of course, should be unique to that particular recommender.
Fifth Paragraph of LOR: The Conclusion
As evident, this is the closing paragraph of the LOR. In the end, you need to summarise the student’s strengths, and provide a strong and positive endorsement of the candidate. Also, remember not to introduce any new ideas or qualities in the conclusion.
NOTE: Each LOR draft (considering there are two-three LORs for one student) should be highlighting different qualities so that they do not look written by the same person. Overall you have to discuss 3-4 qualities, per LOR, each supported by a relevant example to highlight/ prove that quality. Check How To Choose The Right Recommender to know which person to approach for an LOR.
Points to be Kept in Mind while Writing an LOR
- Discuss with the candidate before you begin writing an LOR. This will help you understand the details he/she wants to include in the recommendation. Having a candid chat with the candidate can help you remember his/her experiences and qualities.
- Follow the guidelines for writing LOR so that crucial and relevant details can be added.
- Use formal language only; an LOR is a formal document which can help in the selection process.
- Provide examples to justify the traits mentioned in the LOR.
- Include a true and honest evaluation about the candidate’s skills and qualities.
- Use simple words and sentences; proofread for errors in grammar and sentence structure.
- Keep the LOR concise and focused; avoid long stories and detailed instances.
Qualities to be Highlighted in Different LOR Types
While following the guidelines for writing LOR, you must choose the traits which can be included in an LOR. Here are some examples of the qualities one can discuss in an academic LOR, without repeating any of them in the successive LORS:
Qualities to be highlighted in an Academic LOR
- Academic Prowess
- Research ability and previous research experience/s
- Passion for the subject and in-depth engagement with it
- Fit for the target research programme
- Original and innovative thinking, conceptual experimentation, imagination, creativity
- Perseverance and motivation for the field
- Ability to take initiatives
- Achievements
- Leadership skills
- Team skills
- Good communication skills - written and oral
- Comprehension abilities
- Work Ethic - disciplined work habits
- Maturity: How you have handled situations, taken responsibilities, solved problems, reacted
- Integrity: Values, sincere intentions, honest approaches, not compromising on your principles or quality of work.
- Reaction to setbacks: Personal, academic, otherwise; what have you learnt from each; how have you utilized the learning later
- Concern for others: How you have helped and supported others, understood their problems, found solutions to make life better for others.
- Flair for implementation of theory/application skills
- Self-confidence: Challenges/problems you have overcome, great responsibilities
- Critical thinking power
- Interest in faculty work
- Extracurricular activities
Qualities to be highlighted in a Professional LOR
- Leadership
- Team skills
- Diversity in education/occupation
- Career progression
- International exposure
- Extracurricular Activities/ Community work
- Professional and personal achievements
- Time management and deadline orientation
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Basic business understanding
- Decision making
- Presentation skills
- Analytical skills
- Motivation
- Maturity
- Integrity
- Reaction to setbacks
- Concern for others
Drop us a comment below to clarify any doubt or query!
Shiksha Guidelines For Writing LOR - FAQs
Q. Who should be an ideal recommender for me?
A. Before selecting your recommender and requesting for recommendation, it is important to look for guidelines provided by the specific university regarding academic and professional recommenders. Usually, academic recommenders can be your teachers, professors, school counselor, principal, and head of the department, while professional recommenders can be your immediate supervisors, managers or senior leadership. An ideal recommender is the one who has closely observed your work and can provide genuine and honest feedback about you. Your project guides, subject teachers and immediate supervisors can provide impressive recommendations, having witnessed your performance at close quarters.
Q. What should be the length of an LOR?
A. As per the guidelines for writing LOR, a one-page document comprising 4-5 paragraphs is an ideal length of an LOR. Universities expect an LOR of around 300-400 words. Some universities require LOR in the question-answer format. In that case, you must write the answers as per the prescribed word limit for each question.
Q. When should I start arranging for recommendation letters?
A. It is advised to start the application process at least 10-12 months before the course commencement date. You must contact your recommenders as early as possible. Arranging for LORs can be a time-consuming process as it may take time to choose the right recommenders, connect with them, convince them for writing LORs on your behalf, collaborating with them regarding the contents of the LOR, and finally getting LORs signed and printed on paper with an official letter head. Starting early with recommendation letters will give you enough time to get impressive LORs to help you get admitted in to your desired university.
Q. Should my recommender include my weaknesses in the LOR?
Although an LOR is an assessment of the recommender who has witnessed your work, skills, and growth, it is better to keep the letter positive. The focus must be on your positive traits, which can assure the Ad Com about your candidature for the programme. Instead of mentioning weaknesses, the recommender can include the areas which require scope of improvement. He/she can even mention about the ways you are trying to improve on those areas, demonstrating your ability to take constructive criticism.
How many traits can be included in the LOR?
The key to an effective LOR is to include the traits which are relevant to the programme you are applying for. A letter of recommendation, which is full of traits, but without detailed explanation or specific instances justifying those traits, will not create a good impression. As per the guidelines for writing LOR, a letter should focus on mainly three to four traits, which can be substantiated with examples.
Q: Â Is university of West of Scotland good for international students?
Q: Â 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: Â 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: Â 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: Â Is Hertfordshire University hard to get into?
With a 70% acceptance rate, the University of Hertfordshire is not hard to get into and follows easy selection criteria during admissions. This does not mean the university accepts all the students applying for different programs. The selection is based on academic performance, English language requirements, references, and many more. Some of the programs at Hertfordshire even demand an experience of 4-5 years. Students must fulfill the eligibility criteria to enroll in any programme at Hertfordshire University. In addition, students with average performance can showcase their relevant experience or extracurricular activities participation to increase their selection probability.
Q: Â How much IELTS score is required for Hertfordshire University?
International students coming from diverse backgrounds must prove their English language proficiency by submitting the scores of IELTS, PTE, and Duolingo at Hertfordshire University. The university demands an IELTS score of 6 from the students. Along with the IELTS scores, students can refer to the table below for all the required English proficiency score:
English language test | Minimum Score required UG | Minimum Score required PG |
|---|---|---|
6 or above | 6 or above | |
59 or above | 58 or above | |
105 or above | 120 or above |
Q: Â 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: Â What is the ranking of NTU UK in terms of employability?
According to Uni Compare rankings 2024, NTU has been placed at #1 in the UK for employability. In addition to this, as per the details available on the web, some of the top companies where NTU UK alumni work are Deloitte, Microsoft, Tesco, Turner & Townsend, The Access Group, etc. Some of the industries where the alumni work are Operations, Business Development, Arts and Design, Sales, Marketing, IT, Engineering, Finance, Media & Communication, etc.
Aishwarya is a professional Writer currently working as a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. She has over 5 years of experience and is skilled at creating Online Content with leveraged knowledge i... Read Full Bio
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae
Comments
(2)
Y
3 years ago
3 years ago
K
3 years ago
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.