Are you aiming to secure a spot in a top-tier master’s program? A well-crafted Letter of Recommendation (LOR) can significantly enhance your application. Drawing from personal experience, I feel an effective LOR provides a strong endorsement of your skills and achievements.
LORs are references provided by past employers or faculty members that help shed light on the candidate’s traits, previous performance, achievements, and eligibility. Hence, they are vital for an applicant’s profile and add sizable weightage to the application.
Discover key tips and sample letters to guide you in providing powerful recommendations that will help you stand out in the competitive admissions process. Read on to learn more!
What is Letter of Recommendation for Master's Program
A Letter of Recommendation for a master's program is a document written by a qualified professional who can attest to your abilities, character, and potential. This person could be a mentor, professor, or previous employer.
From what I have noticed, a recommendation letter should be personal and based on credible facts and concrete examples. A strong Letter of Recommendation helps you stand out among other applicants and improve your chances of getting accepted.
Letter of Recommendation Format for Master’s Program
When writing a recommendation letter for a master’s program, the information and content format are crucial. The intended message should be clearly communicated while avoiding generic or overly vague descriptions.
First Section: Introduction
The Letter of Recommendation starts with a brief introduction of the recommender, including their designation and qualification. The recommender also highlights their relationship with the student, including how long they have known the student and in what capacity.
Second Section: Body Paragraph 1
The second section focuses on the student’s positive qualities related to their academic background or experience. The recommender should highlight specific skills or characteristics they found particularly impressive about the candidate.
Third Section: Body Paragraph 2
The third section should provide concrete and compelling examples of the student's talents and achievements that are most relevant to the master’s program. This ensures that the student's academic skills and capabilities are clearly demonstrated to the admissions officer.
Fourth Section: Conclusion
The final section summarizes the qualities discussed in the body of the letter. It should emphasize why the student is the perfect candidate for admission. The recommender's contact information, including phone number and/or email address, should be included in the concluding paragraph.
Sample Letter of Recommendation for Masters
Here is a template of the letter of recommendation format for master’s. This sample recommendation letter for graduate students will help you understand the tone that you should follow to write your LOR.
I have included two samples, one of a strong LOR which you should follow, and another of the weak LOR whose language & approach you should avoid.
Letter of Recommendation Sample – Strong
Dear Admissions Team,
It is my pleasure to write this Letter of Recommendation for XXX. Her relationship with ABC organization dates back 5 years, and I have professionally been associated with her for the past five years. During this time, she/he has worked with us as a Consultant and has supported the organization by leading a gamut of research studies that have informed our program and organizational strategies.
In every assignment, XXX has shown a perfect understanding of the issues that they work on. In fact, they do not follow a linear way of thinking through social issues but instead, follow an intersectional approach. Thus, in my observation, when they work on the issue of Women, Business, and Human Rights: they draw insights from comprehending the issue by looking at it from an objective point of view, such as sexuality, age, gender, caste, class, disability, and religion. As a result, the recommendations put forth emerged from – Queen Mary, University of London Blog. “Trade unions still fail to lure women leaders, study finds.” It helped the organization tweak its curriculum based on the needs of an array of communities that the organization works with. In fact, these recommendations have helped the organization to be conscious of keeping the community and individual at its core while creating strategies in tandem with programs and implementing those in the community.
XXX is driven and keeps marginalized young people at the core of every work
they have engaged with. In this world that is dominated by the narrative created by adults, XXX has helped us bring out the realities of young women and has supported ABC in creating a counter-narrative by bringing out the voices of young women.
During (name of the candidate) 5 years of engagement with ABC, they have supported us by designing a MMM, NNN, and providing M&E support to the KKK program. (Name) also carried out some scoping studies that have informed our program strategies and provided continuous documentation support to the organization.
I have personally found (name) full of zeal and diligence toward the work deliveries. They always deliver quality work and keep up with the timelines set by the organization. They strongly feel about women’s rights and ensure that their voices get captured through her work.
In case, the university wants me to elaborate on any specific information with respect to my engagement with (name), please feel free to get in touch.
Yours Sincerely,
Recommender’s Full Name
Designation-Department
College, City
Contact No-
Email ID-
Note: This letter is strong for many reasons. It elucidates how and in what capacity the letter writer knows the student. It highlights the specific examples of the student’s performance, including aspects that made him stand out in comparison to other batchmates. It also highlights an estimate of how the student ranks among all students with whom the letter writer has worked over the years.
It is my great delight to back the candidature of Kristen Stewart, who was first introduced to me when she came to Max Hospital as a third-year student in 2015.
I found Kristen Stewart to be a conscientious and hard-working individual. She meticulously took care of patients aligned with her and ensured that all the work‐up was done before the morning rounds, where she actively participated. Her responsibilities comprised – writing SOAP notes, garnering lab reports from the previous day, writing transfer and discharge summaries, noon conferences, participating in morning reports, and more. She has impeccable clinical skills and displays them with mature mannerisms.
Kristen Stewart is humble and gets along well with his peers and the medical team. I recommend her to you for any residency program that she may be seeking. I am sure she will be a valuable asset to your organization. Please feel free to contact me if you need further information.
Sincerely Yours,
YYY, M.D.
(Designation)
Note: This letter is weak for a plethora of reasons. It is non-specific and vague, explaining what any medical student would do. There is no specific example of Kristen’s work provided. It reflects that the recommender does not even know about the specialization. Furthermore, the letter clearly does not reflect the applicant’s qualities and is of little value in assessing the application.
6 Tips For Writing a Stellar Recommendation Letter for Graduate Students
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When crafting a Letter of Recommendation for a master's degree, it is important that your LOR is able to cast a long-lasting impact on the admissions committee. I have listed some essential tip that you should follow to submit an impressive LOR.
Highlight Diverse Accomplishments
Ensure recommenders focus on different aspects of your achievements, personality, and academic and extracurricular accomplishments.
Provide relevant information to the recommender
Even if the recommender knows you very well, they may not remember all your achievements. Provide them with your CV, academic GPAs and achievements, volunteer/extracurricular activities, and the submission deadline.
Use Specific Examples
Recommenders should include anecdotes or instances that demonstrate your qualities. Generic statements won't suffice; specific examples of research projects or classroom discussions are more impactful.
Showcase Improvement Over Time
Admission officers have already witnessed innumerable applications. A letter that is solely praising you will sound unrealistic and unauthentic. It is, hence important that the recommender also talks about how you improved over a period and capitalized on your strengths while taking care of your weaknesses.
A letter that only praises you can seem unrealistic. Recommenders should discuss your growth, how you capitalized on strengths, and addressed weaknesses.
Avoid an Overly Dry Tone
The recommendation letter is undoubtedly a formal document. It should not be equated with a dry tone while writing. Admissions committees usually appreciate personalized yet formal recommendation letters. Hence, a strong letter will speak about the candidate while avoiding clichés. Moreover, the style and content of every LOR should be different without hindering the format.
Avoid Plagiarism
Admissions committees can easily detect copied content. Ensure each LOR is original and tailored to you, avoiding any form of plagiarism.
The content structure and format of your letter of recommendation are indispensable while drafting LOR. It should be phrased in such a way that the intended message is clearly communicated. It should be cohesively drafted and divided into 3–4 paragraphs, each addressing a unique facet backed by logic and rationale. Moreover, LOR should not have generic or overly vague descriptors.
1. First section
The first section should establish a concrete foundation with regard to the relationship between the candidate and the recommender. It should explain how the recommender knows the candidate and indicate how qualified he is to attest to the candidate’s skills and capabilities.
2. Second section
This portion should focus on your essential qualities and credentials. It should bring across how competent and proficient you are with appropriate examples backing your claims.
3. Third section
In this part, the recommender can talk about a specific incident or unique experience that features your technical and professional skills and expertise. Here, one can also talk about soft skills if relevant.
4. Fourth section
This section should analytically highlight all the points discussed above. The letter should be concluded with the recommender providing a considerable endorsement to the candidate for them to be accepted into the program they wish to enter.
How to Submit Your Letter of Recommendation?
Submitting a Letter of Recommendation largely depends on the university’s specifications about the mode they want the recommendation letter to be submitted. I have listed the three common ways you may be required to submit your Letter of Recommendation:
1. Online Form
This is the simplest mode of submitting a letter of recommendation. Universities often provide an online portal for recommenders to login and answer specific questions about the candidate.
2. Email
Some universities require recommendation letters to be submitted directly by the recommenders via email. This submission should be made using the recommender’s official email ID.
3. Post
In this traditional method, the recommender provides the student with the letter in a sealed, signed, and stamped package. The student sends the letter to the university along with their personal information and application details.
How to Ask for LOR
Requesting recommendation letters can be daunting, but it's an important part of the admissions process. Here’s how you can ask for recommendations effectively:
1. Choosing the Right Person
Asking for a Letter of Recommendation from the right person is of significant value in your admission procedure. Select individuals who know you well and can attest to your qualities and character.
2. Providing a resume
Give your recommender a resume listing your skills, achievements, and qualifications, along with your academic transcripts.
3. Asking in-person
It’s more respectful and effective to ask for a recommendation letter in-person before sending a formal request via email or post.
4. Send a Formal request
After receiving a positive response in person, follow up with a formal written request via email.
Difference Between LOR, SOP, and Letter of Reference
Let us first look at what an LOR is:
LOR is an abbreviation of “Letter of Recommendation”. It is essentially a piece of attested document that is provided by an authorized person describing the potential and capabilities of a student or aspiring candidate who wishes to join a particular university for higher education. This document notifies the admissions department of that university with regard to the candidate’s achievements, prospects, skills, and qualities. A letter of recommendation from an accredited person plays an important role in the admissions process of students, especially in international universities.
Now, let us talk about SOPs:
SOP is an abbreviated form of “Statement of Purpose.” It is one of the most important documents supporting a student’s admission procedure to international universities. Typically, it is a document that holds a biographical essay that is to be written by the candidate about himself. The candidate is expected to describe their principles, goals, and ambitions in this essay. They can discuss their long-term plans and the passions and dreams they wish to work towards. This statement of purpose helps the admissions staff get an idea about your overall personality and nature.
Now, a letter of recommendation(LOR) and a letter of reference are terms that are often used interchangeably by people. However, they differ in some key aspects, which we will discuss. As discussed above, a letter of recommendation is an officially attested document that supports a candidate’s admission application to an international university. It can also be a supportive document for job opportunities or other professional programs. A Letter of Reference is basically a generic affirmation or approbation of the candidate’s personality and character. A Letter of Recommendation is usually sent directly to the concerned university, while a Letter of Reference is handed over to the concerned student. Finally, a Letter of Recommendation must be written by a certified person who is qualified to comment on your academic and professional skills. In contrast, a letter of reference can be written by friends or colleagues who can attest to your character and capabilities.
Aspect
LOR (Letter of Recommendation)
SOP (Statement of Purpose)
Letter of Reference
Definition
An attested document from an authorized person detailing the candidate’s potential and capabilities.
A biographical essay written by the candidate about their principles, goals, and ambitions.
A generic affirmation of the candidate’s personality and character.
Purpose
Supports admission applications by highlighting achievements, skills, and qualities.
Provides insight into the candidate’s personality, goals, and long-term plans.
Confirms the candidate's character and capabilities.
Who Writes It?
Certified individuals qualified to comment on academic and professional skills (e.g., professors, employers).
The candidates themselves.
Friends, colleagues, or acquaintances familiar with the candidate.
Format
Official, attested, and usually sent directly to the university.
Personal essay format.
Less formal, usually handed over to the candidate.
Usage
Mainly for university admissions, job opportunities, or professional programs.
For university admissions, outlining the candidate’s motivations and aspirations.
For character validation, it can be used for various applications.
Content Focus
Specific examples of achievements, skills, and growth over time.
Personal goals, principles, and long-term ambitions.
Focuses on the candidate’s character and capabilities.
Submission
Usually sent directly by the recommender to the university.
Included in the application by the candidate.
Provided to the candidate to use as needed.
Who Should You Ask for Letter of Recommendation For Your Master’s Application
As a student aspiring to pursue a master’s program at an international university, it's crucial to understand that universities value your experiences, personal character, skills, and qualities, in addition to your grades. This is where a Letter of Recommendation becomes essential. Who should you ask for a Letter of Recommendation from? In my opinion, it largely depends on the university and the program you are applying to. Some universities explicitly require letters from professors, professional mentors, or past employers. If a letter from a professor is needed, it should highlight your academic skills and accomplishments. If a letter from a past employer is required, it should focus on skills relevant to your master’s program. Choosing the right person to write your recommendation is a critical part of your application process.
To conclude, a well-crafted Letter of Recommendation plays a crucial role in showcasing your strengths and achievements for your master's application. Choose recommenders wisely to provide a comprehensive view of your abilities, enhancing your chances of standing out to admissions committees.
FAQs
How do I write a Letter of Recommendation for a master's degree?
A recommendation letter for a master's program should begin by outlining the recommender’s background and relationship with you. Next, highlight your academic achievements, and qualities that make you suitable for the program. Finally, it should include the recommender's overall positive assessment of you and recommend your application for admission.
Who should write letters of recommendation for a master's?
You need to consult someone who is familiar with you and can provide thorough and encouraging evaluation of your accomplishments, skills, and academic ability. This might be a supervisor, professor, mentor, or someone you've collaborated with professionally.
What are the 6 details that should be included in a Letter of Recommendation?
Letter of Recommendation for a master's usually includes the following six details:
Introduction about recommender
Relationship between applicant and recommender
Strengths of applicant related to the Master's course
Specific examples that demonstrate skills and ethics
Recommendation on why the applicant is the right fit
Contact information of the recommender
How to submit your Letter of Recommendation?
Submitting a Letter of Recommendation depends mainly on the University and the course you are applying to study. The most common ways to submit a LOR include the university's online portal/form, email, and post.
Do universities verify recommendation letters for master's?
Verifying the recommendation letter for a master's degree depends entirely on the university. Some may generally assume the authenticity of the letter and proceed, while others may contact the recommender using the details provided in LOR.
Can a Letter of Recommendation for a master's be written by the employer?
Letter of Recommendation from the candidate's current or former employer is required in many master's programs. However, as this varies from university to university, it is advisable to check your chosen university’s specific requirement for LOR.
Akansha Semwal is a content marketer at upGrad and has also worked as a social media marketer & sub-editor. Experienced in creating impressive Statement of Purpose, Essays, and LOR, she knows how to captivate the attention of Admissions Committee. Her research-driven;study-abroad articles helps aspirants to make the prudent decision. She holds a bachelor's & master's degree in Literature from the University of Delhi.
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