Letters of Recommendation (LOR)

POINTS TO NOTE BEFORE WRITING AN LOR:

≠ Each LOR should mention different things.

≠ There should be no repetition of content, language or style in the LORs – otherwise, the
AdComm will think the student has written them himself.
≠ All the examples and qualities should be those the recommender has observed directly.
He cannot comment on things he has not been a part of.
≠ The LORs should complement and extend what has been written in the SOP and resume.
≠ There should be no contradiction of facts or inferences.
≠ Do not mention financial aid and assistantship in your LORs

Structure of the LOR:

INTRO PARA:
Paragraphs 1
This para should be start with who the recommender is, how he is related to the applicant, what he taught
him in which semester (if a professor), what aspects of the applicant’s performance he monitored, and one
line about his overall impression of the applicant.

BODY PARAS:
Paragraphs 2 and 3
In this para, recommender should discuss academic qualities (if professor) and personal qualities
of the applicant, including some of the topics below:

≠ Provide a short list of objectives that describe the applicant's strengths.

≠ How does the applicant's performance compare with that of his or her peers?
≠ How has the applicant grown during his/her employment with you? Please comment on the
applicant’s maturity.
≠ Comment on the applicant's ability to work with others, including superiors, peers and
subordinates. If the tables were reversed, would you enjoy working for the applicant?
≠ In what ways could the applicant improve professionally? How does he/she accept
constructive criticism?
≠ How well has the applicant made use of available opportunities? Consider his or her
initiative, curiosity and motivation.
≠ Comment on your observations of the applicant’s ethical behavior.
≠ What do you think motivates the candidate's application to the MS/PhD program at AN
American University? Do you feel the applicant is realistic in his/her professional
ambitions?
≠ Are there any other matters that you feel we should know about the applicant?
≠ Which special assignments/projects has the applicant done under your supervision?
≠ What are the applicant’s key achievements during his association with you?
≠ Mention a few qualities that are relevant to the program the applicant is applying to.

CONCLUSION:
Summarize the qualities mentioned in the body and mention why the recommender feels the student is a
good prospect for the intended program. If the recommender knows about the student’s goals, he can also
mention why he feels the student is well suited to achieve those goals based on what the recommender has
observed of him and what he feels he will gain from the degree.
 Letter of Recommendation Envelope Image

Useful tips and requirements for Letter of recommendation

Research each institution’s policy on recommendations and familiarize yourself with the format of
recommendation.

≠ All institutions may not require a letter of recommendation.

≠ Some institutions use your recommendations when considering your application for financial
aid awards.
≠ Send only the exact number of recommendation letters requested (no more and no less).
≠ Send the letters in the format requested. e.g. Printed letter, or online. Online recommendations
will require you to register and provide a password to your recommenders.
≠ On pre-printed forms it is best to fill in the information at the top yourself. Many pre-printed
forms have sections to rate the student’s abilities.
≠ Letters should be on official letterhead of the recommender.
≠ Make sure to choose appropriate people to write your recommendation letter
≠ Make appointments with the people you’d like to write your recommendations. Provide them a
copy of your resume’, a list of courses you’ve taken with that teacher, a list of work and
research experience and publications and statement of interest so that they have the right
background to write the contents. Give them enough time: at least 2-3 weeks
≠ Explain your goals for study in the U.S. to the recommender.
≠ Provide the proper forms and give detailed instructions to the recommender on how to fill them
out.
≠ Make sure you recommender follow the timelines indicated by your university, you should take
the responsibility to follow up with them. You should make sure the person’s full contact
information, including designation and coordinates are mentioned.
≠ Understand the meaning of waiving your right to read the recommendation (By law, enrolled
students have the right to access their files, including recommendations. If you waive the right
to read the recommendation, it will remain confidential.)

Some considerations:

≠ Americans do NOT write recommendations themselves and ask teachers / professors to sign
them. This is considered unethical and wrong.
≠ If you write your own recommendations, it will be very clear to them as your writing style
cannot
vary as much.
≠ Make sure official letterhead of your recommender is used
≠ Focus on affiliation (with the student)
≠ LOR should give honest and factual information
≠ Always ask your recommender to substantiate his / her comments with specific examples.
≠ Beware of the power of words! Avoid bland words: good / nice / fairly / etc; use powerful
words: effective / mature / etc.
≠ Intangibles qualities are as important. E.g. empathy / commonsense / commitment / abstract
thinking style are critical in decision making process of institutions.
≠ If asked for a confidential letter, handover the letter in a sealed and signed envelope
 Sample LOR
In my capacity as Head of Department of Electronics and Communication, Don Bosco Institute of
Technology, Bangalore, I have known -------------------for the past four years. I have taught him Power
Electronics, Transmission Lines and Wave Guides, VLSI and Optical Fibers, in the fourth, fifth, seventh
and eighth semester respectively.
During my association with-----------, I found him to be a promising and dedicated student with an
analytical bent of mind. As Professor, I work with many students who have substantial knowledge of
their subjects. Each year, I notice that only a few outstanding students offer a unique perspective and
make an earnest effort to embrace and carry forward what they have learnt in college. -----------is,
undoubtedly, among those few. He has been among the brightest students in class and has exhibited
considerable interest in specializing in ‘Embedded Systems’ and ‘Microcontrollers’. He frequently
discussed with me the intricate details related to the same. During these interactions with------------, I was
happy to see that he had a good grasp in these subjects. I am sure that he would make a successful
researcher through his consistent hard work and determination.
------------is a student with immense academic potential. As his professor, I have come across many
instances of his academic brilliance during his under graduation course. One such instance was his
technical seminar on ‘Arm Processor’ in the one day workshop on ‘Innovative Applications on
Microcontroller’ where he delivered par excellence. His performance in laboratory work was always
good and he secured ‘A’ grades in his Power laboratory and VLSI laboratory assignments.
-----------------has a natural leaning towards academics and he keeps himself abreast with all the latest
developments in technology. This was demonstrated in his final dissertation based on Embedded Systems
called ‘M-COMMERCE’ under my guidance. It was the best one because he used ARM Processor
technology which is being used by the present technology for many such higher applications. His special
interests in Embedded Systems and Microcontrollers were reflected in his high scores in the subjects and
he has also exhibited his in-depth knowledge of these subjects, during his projects, successfully, by
getting an admirable score of 188 out of 200.
In addition to --------------- impressive academic performance, a special reference has to be made about
his excellent communication skills as well. I have been observing him during a number of seminars and
paper presentations especially the one on J-TAG and viva-voce examinations conducted by the
department from time to time and have found him communicating his ideas with great precision.
Moreover, ------------can remain calm and composed even during extremely high pressure situations.
Even when most of the other students would get nervous when the exams would approach, -------------
was rarely seen getting into a panic mode. He is a confident young man and very focused about his goals
in life.
------------is also an excellent team player, a quality that came forth during the many projects that were
required to be completed as a group activity. He has a pleasing personality and shared an excellent
rapport within his peer group, seniors and teachers. I am quite sure that he will achieve success in any
academic pursuit he undertakes.
--------------high scores in practical exams and his inquisitiveness indicate his attitude towards research
work. He can execute research work in his field with judicious planning. His perseverance during
laboratory work is noteworthy and I strongly believe that he is very capable of succeeding in any
research endeavor he undertakes. Therefore, I feel extremely happy to recommend him for the well-
recognized research programme at your university. I wish him good luck for all his future endeavors.

Name of referee
Designation
Department
Place
Email ID