Did you know that universities like Harvard, University of Toronto, and ETH Zurich ask for at least two Letters of Recommendation (LORs) when you apply? These letters help them understand more about you beyond your grades and test scores. That’s why having strong LOR samples helps you understand what works and how to structure yours.
An academic LOR comes from a professor or teacher who has seen your work up close. Schools like Oxford and MIT prefer letters that talk about real projects, research, or leadership roles instead of just good grades. If your professor can share a strong example—like a research paper you worked on—it adds weight to your application.
A professional LOR is needed for programs like MBA or master’s degrees in business and engineering. Schools like INSEAD and London Business School look for letters from employers who can talk about your problem-solving skills, teamwork, and leadership at work.
This blog has LOR samples for different situations, so you can see how to write one that feels real and personal.
If you’re looking for LOR templates and structure details, check out this LOR format guide.
A Letter of Recommendation from a professor or teacher helps universities understand your academic strengths beyond grades. It gives them a real picture of how you perform in class, handle projects, and contribute outside academics.
Who Should Write an Academic LOR?
Who Can Write It?
Best For
Professor
Master’s and PhD applications, research-based programs
School Principal
Undergraduate applications, especially for competitive universities
Subject Teacher
Bachelor’s and non-research-based master’s programs
What Should Be Included?
Your academic strengths – Subjects where you performed well, top scores, class rank. Research & Projects – Any work related to your chosen field of study. Extracurricular Activities – Leadership in clubs, competitions, volunteer work.
Example: If you're applying for a Master’s in Data Science at Carnegie Mellon, a letter from your Computer Science professor discussing your AI research project will be more valuable than a generic recommendation.
Academic LOR Sample for a Master’s Program
“To, The Admissions Committee, [University Name] [Date]
I am pleased to recommend [Student Name] for admission to the Master’s in Computer Science program at your university. As a Professor at [University Name], I have taught [Student Name] for two years in [Course Name].
[Student Name] consistently ranked among the top 5% of the class, showing strong analytical skills in data structures and machine learning. His/her undergraduate thesis on “Optimizing Neural Networks for Image Recognition” demonstrated an ability to apply concepts to real-world problems.
Beyond academics, [Student Name] actively contributed to college hackathons and helped tutor juniors, showing leadership and teamwork. I strongly recommend him/her for your program.
A Professional LOR is important for MBA and skill-based programs where work experience matters. Universities like Harvard, INSEAD, and London Business School look for recommendations that describe your leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills at work.
Work contributions – Projects you led, major achievements, problem-solving skills. Leadership & teamwork – Managing teams, mentoring colleagues. Industry skills – Specific expertise related to your field.
Example: If applying for an MBA at Harvard Business School, a letter from your manager at Deloitte discussing your role in a high-stakes consulting project will be valuable.
Professional LOR Sample for an MBA Program
“To, The Admissions Committee, [University Name] [Date]
I am pleased to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for the MBA program at [University Name]. As a Senior Manager at [Company Name], I have worked with [Applicant] for the past three years and have seen exceptional growth.
[Applicant] led a $10 million digital transformation project, improving operational efficiency by 20%. His/her ability to manage cross-functional teams and deliver results under tight deadlines makes him/her a strong MBA candidate.
Beyond project execution, [Applicant] took initiative in mentoring junior associates, showing leadership potential. I believe [he/she] will contribute significantly to your program.
A Letter of Recommendation for a PhD application is different from those for undergraduate or master’s programs. Universities like Stanford, ETH Zurich, and Cambridge focus on research potential, publications, and independent thinking when evaluating PhD applicants.
What Makes a PhD LOR Different?
Aspect
What Universities Look For
Research Abilities
Publications, lab work, analytical thinking
Independent Thinking
Ability to design and execute research projects
Academic Rigor
Performance in specialized courses, thesis work
Collaboration & Leadership
Teamwork in research, conference presentations
Who Should Write a PhD LOR?
Research Supervisor – Ideal if you worked on a research project or published a paper. Professor (PhD Guide) – Best for applicants who completed a thesis under their supervision. Project Mentor – If you worked on funded research or industry-academic collaborations.
Example: If applying for a PhD in Artificial Intelligence at MIT, a letter from your research advisor discussing your work on deep learning models will add credibility.
PhD LOR Sample for University Admission
“To, The Admissions Committee, [University Name] [Date]
I am pleased to recommend [Student Name] for admission to the PhD program in [Field] at [University Name]. As a Professor at [University Name], I have worked with [Student Name] for over three years during [his/her] research on [Research Topic].
[Student Name] demonstrated strong analytical skills and independent thinking, particularly during [his/her] work on [specific project or publication], which was later published in [Journal Name]. [He/She] is skilled at formulating hypotheses, designing experiments, and interpreting complex data.
Beyond research, [Student Name] actively contributed to academic conferences, peer mentorship, and lab discussions, showing leadership and collaboration. I strongly recommend [him/her] for your program.
Scholarship committees focus on academic merit, leadership, community work, and financial need. A scholarship LOR should clearly explain why the applicant deserves funding.
How is a Scholarship LOR Different?
Focus Area
What Scholarship Committees Look For
Academic Excellence
Consistent performance, achievements, awards
Leadership & Impact
Social initiatives, student clubs, mentoring
Financial Need
Justification of need (if applicable)
Commitment to Field
Long-term vision, dedication to chosen career
Who Should Write a Scholarship LOR?
Professor – Best for merit-based academic scholarships. Mentor or Community Leader – Strong for leadership-based or social impact scholarships. Employer (for career-based scholarships) – If applying for a work-related scholarship, a letter from an employer helps.
Example: If applying for the Rhodes Scholarship at Oxford, a professor’s letter discussing your academic performance and leadership in student-led initiatives will strengthen your case.
LOR Sample for a Scholarship Application
“To, The Scholarship Committee, [Scholarship Name], [Institution Name] [Date]
I am honored to recommend [Student Name] for the [Scholarship Name]. As [his/her] professor at [University Name], I have witnessed [his/her] dedication to both academic excellence and social impact.
[Student Name] has maintained a top 5% ranking in [Degree Program] while actively leading student mentoring programs. [His/Her] research on [Topic] was presented at [Conference Name], reflecting deep commitment to the field.
Beyond academics, [Student Name] played a crucial role in [Community Project/Leadership Initiative], helping improve education for underprivileged students. Given [his/her] academic strength, leadership qualities, and financial background, I strongly support [his/her] application for this scholarship.
A Letter of Recommendation for undergraduate admissions gives universities a better understanding of your academic strengths, leadership, and overall personality beyond just grades. Schools like Harvard, Stanford, and the University of Toronto often require at least one academic LOR, especially for competitive programs.
Who Should Write an Undergraduate LOR?
Who Can Write It?
Best For
High School Teacher
Academic LOR for subject-specific strengths (e.g., Math teacher for Engineering applications)
School Counselor
Well-rounded view of the student’s academic, extracurricular, and personal growth
Principal
Strong choice for top universities or leadership-focused programs
Example: If applying for a Computer Science degree at MIT, a Math or Physics teacher’s recommendation discussing problem-solving skills and coding projects will add value.
What Should Be Included in an Undergraduate LOR?
Academic Performance – Subject strengths, class ranking, improvement over time. Extracurricular Activities – Clubs, sports, competitions, leadership roles. Personal Qualities – Work ethic, teamwork, contributions to the school community.
Example: If you are applying to the University of British Columbia, a teacher can highlight how you led a robotics club or won a national coding competition.
Undergraduate LOR Sample for University Admission
“To, The Admissions Committee, [University Name] [Date]
I am honored to recommend [Student Name] for admission to the [Program Name] at [University Name]. As [his/her] [Subject] teacher at [School Name], I have taught [Student Name] for the past two years and have seen remarkable academic and personal growth.
Academically, [Student Name] consistently performed among the top 5% in class, excelling in [mention subject], where [he/she] demonstrated an exceptional ability to grasp complex concepts. Beyond academics, [Student Name] served as the president of the Science Club, organizing school-wide workshops and securing first place in the National Science Olympiad 2023.
[His/Her] curiosity, leadership, and teamwork make [him/her] an ideal candidate for your program. I strongly believe [he/she] will contribute meaningfully to your university’s academic and extracurricular environment.
Every university has its own Letter of Recommendation requirements, and the number depends on the degree level, country, and program. Some schools ask for only one, while others, like Harvard, Oxford, and the University of Toronto, require at least two or three. The key is knowing who should write them and what they should highlight.
A strong LOR comes from someone who knows you well—not just a professor or manager with an impressive title. It should give real insights into your academic work, leadership, or professional skills, not just repeat what’s already in your resume.
LOR Requirements for Undergraduate Applications
Most universities require two or three academic LORs from teachers or school counselors. Since high school students don’t have much work experience, universities look for letters highlighting academic strengths, leadership, and extracurricular involvement.
Who Should Provide Undergraduate LORs?
Who Can Write It?
When to Use
Subject Teacher
Best for subject-related strengths (e.g., Math teacher for Engineering)
School Counselor
Good for giving a broad picture of academics and extracurriculars
Principal
Works well for highly competitive universities and leadership-based applications
Example: If you're applying for a Computer Science program at NYU, an LOR from your Math teacher discussing your coding skills and success in math competitions will be far more useful than a generic letter from your school principal.
LOR Requirements for Master’s Applications
Master’s programs usually require two LORs, but some universities prefer three. These recommendations should be a balance between academic and professional experience, depending on whether the degree is research-focused or industry-oriented.
Academic vs. Professional LORs for Master’s
Type of LOR
Who Should Write It?
Best For
Academic LOR
Professor, research guide
Research-based master’s (MSc, MPhil)
Professional LOR
Employer, direct manager
Applied master’s (MBA, MEng, MFin)
LOR Requirements by Country (Master’s Programs)
Country
LOR Requirement
Common Recommenders
USA
2–3 LORs
Professors, employers, research mentors
Canada
2 LORs
Professors, direct managers
UK
1–2 LORs
Professors, research advisors
Australia
2 LORs
Academic or professional, depending on the course
Germany
1–2 LORs
Academic preferred, professional for applied degrees
Example: If applying for a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence at ETH Zurich, two LORs from professors discussing your research on deep learning will hold more weight than one from a workplace.
LOR Requirements for PhD Applications
PhD applications are different. Universities look for students who can contribute meaningfully to research, so they expect LORs that focus on analytical thinking, independent research, and subject expertise.
Why Do PhD Applications Need More LORs?
Reason
Why It’s Important?
Multiple Perspectives on Research Skills
Universities want to hear from different faculty members who have evaluated your academic work.
Strong Research Endorsement
Helps admissions committees assess your research depth and contributions.
Independent Thinking
Letters should show your ability to design and execute research, not just follow instructions.
Example: If applying for a PhD in Theoretical Physics at MIT, an LOR from your thesis advisor discussing your published work in quantum mechanics will be far stronger than one from a professor who only taught you a class.
LOR Requirements for MBA & Professional Courses
MBA programs prefer LORs from employers rather than academic references. Schools like Harvard Business School and INSEAD want to see leadership qualities, problem-solving ability, and industry impact.
Employer vs. Academic LOR for MBA
Type of LOR
When to Use
Best for
Employer LOR
If you have 2+ years of work experience
Traditional MBA, Executive MBA, MFin
Academic LOR
If you’re applying soon after undergrad
Early career MBA programs
Example: If applying to London Business School’s MBA, a letter from your manager discussing how you led a major business expansion project will hold more weight than one from a professor.
LOR Requirements by Program Type
Program Type
Number of LORs Required
Recommended Recommenders
Undergraduate (Bachelors)
2–3
Teachers, school counselors, principals
Master’s (MSc, MA, MEng)
2
Professors, employers (if relevant)
PhD
3
Research advisors, thesis mentors, professors
MBA/Executive MBA
2–3
Employers, supervisors, academic mentors (if applying soon after college)
Example: If applying for a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering at RWTH Aachen, a mix of one academic and one professional LOR (from a professor and an employer in an automotive firm) would be the ideal combination.
Country-Specific LOR Requirements & Differences
LOR requirements vary depending on the country. While US universities typically require 2–3 letters, some UK and German universities may only ask for one. The format also changes—some schools prefer formal academic letters, while others accept employer recommendations for industry-focused programs.
LOR Requirements by Country
Country
Number of LORs Required
Who Should Write It?
Formatting Guidelines
USA
2–3 LORs
Professors, research advisors, employers (for MBAs)
Signed on official letterhead, direct university submission preferred
Canada
2 LORs
Professors, former employers (for applied programs)
PDF or online submission, usually via reference forms
UK
1–2 LORs
Professors, supervisors, industry mentors
Must follow UCAS format for undergrad, no strict format for master’s
Australia
2 LORs
Professors, managers for professional courses
Often submitted as part of online applications, signed by the recommender
Germany
1–2 LORs
Mostly academic LORs from professors, professional LORs for business schools
Some universities require the letter in German or English, signed and sealed
Example: If applying for an MBA at INSEAD (France), two LORs from direct managers at work are preferred over academic references, as business schools prioritize professional recommendations.
Different universities have their own submission formats for LORs. Some require PDF uploads, others use online forms where recommenders submit letters directly, and a few still accept hard copies by mail.
LOR Submission Policies by University
University
LOR Submission Format
Length Limit
Direct Submission Required?
Harvard University
Online form via Common App (UG), PDF upload (Master’s)
500–800 words
Yes, recommenders must submit directly
University of Toronto
Online form, PDF accepted for some programs
500–700 words
Yes, direct email from recommender required
Oxford University
UCAS form for undergraduates, email for postgraduates
No fixed word count but must be concise
Yes, must come from institution email
Australian National University
PDF uploads, emailed references accepted
1–2 pages
No, students can upload LORs
Technical University of Munich
Signed and stamped document, often in German
No fixed length, content-focused
Yes, must be sealed and submitted officially
Example: If applying to Harvard’s Master’s in Public Policy, your professor must submit the LOR directly via Harvard’s online application system. Self-uploaded LORs are not accepted.
Dos and Don’ts for Writing an LOR
A well-written LOR should feel personal, not robotic. A professor should be able to describe a student’s strengths with real examples, and an employer should highlight work ethic, leadership, and results. Here’s what works—and what doesn’t.
Dos for Academic LORs
An academic LOR should tell the admissions committee how the student thinks, works, and contributes in an academic setting. A strong letter should go beyond grades and discuss problem-solving ability, class participation, and project leadership.
What to Do
Why It Matters
Mention specific coursework or projects
Shows real engagement and not just grades.
Describe the student’s curiosity and learning style
Universities want students who think critically, not just memorize.
Talk about their leadership in class or extracurriculars
Adds depth beyond academic ability.
Make a comparison (e.g., “one of the top 5% students I’ve taught”)
Helps the admissions team understand how the student ranks among peers.
Example: If a student applying to MIT’s Physics program worked on a robotics competition, a great LOR would mention how they designed an AI-based system to improve navigation, instead of just saying they were a good student.
Dos for Professional LORs
An LOR from an employer should focus on career impact, problem-solving skills, and leadership. Business schools like INSEAD, Wharton, and London Business School want to see how applicants contributed to their company, not just a generic “they are hardworking” statement.
What to Do
Why It Matters
Describe a key project they worked on
Shows problem-solving and contribution.
Mention measurable achievements
“Increased sales by 20%” is more powerful than “was a good team player.”
Highlight leadership and teamwork
Business schools want to know how candidates interact in teams.
Explain why they’re ready for an MBA or career shift
Makes the recommendation relevant to their next step.
Example: If applying to Harvard Business School, a manager’s LOR should say how the candidate handled a high-pressure negotiation that saved the company $1M, rather than just saying “they have strong communication skills.”
Dos for PhD LORs
A PhD LOR is different from a master’s or MBA LOR because it should focus on research ability, independence, and academic potential. Schools like ETH Zurich, UC Berkeley, and Cambridge care most about whether students can contribute to academic research.
What to Do
Why It Matters
Talk about the student’s research contributions
PhD programs are research-intensive, so this is key.
Describe independent thinking and problem-solving
Universities look for self-driven researchers, not just top students.
Mention any papers or conferences they were involved in
Publications and presentations show serious academic potential.
Explain their future potential in the field
A PhD LOR should show they’re ready to contribute to the academic community.
Example: If applying for a PhD in AI at Stanford, a research advisor’s LOR should say how the student developed a new optimization model for deep learning, instead of just stating they are “good at AI.”
Don’ts for Any LOR
Even well-meaning LORs can weaken an application if they are too vague, exaggerated, or generic.
Avoid This
Why?
Vague statements like “hardworking” without proof
Anyone can say this; universities need real evidence.
Copy-pasting the same LOR for multiple students
Admissions officers notice when a letter is not personalized.
Overly short or overly long letters
A strong LOR should be detailed but not rambling—500–800 words is ideal.
Exaggerating or making false claims
Universities sometimes verify LORs, and dishonesty can hurt the applicant.
Using AI-generated or online templates word-for-word
Admissions teams can recognize copied templates; an LOR should feel personal.
Example of a Weak LOR Statement: "[Student Name] is a hardworking student. He/She was always punctual and completed assignments on time."
Better Version: "[Student Name] consistently ranked in the top 5% of the class. In our Advanced Machine Learning course, they developed a predictive model that outperformed existing solutions by 15%, demonstrating both technical skill and innovative thinking."
Need a strong Letter of Recommendation for your university application? upGrad Abroad makes the process simple with:
Templates for academic, professional, and PhD LORs. Guidelines to meet admission requirements. One-on-one counseling to help your recommender highlight your strengths. LOR samples to ensure your write-up stands out.
A well-written LOR can make all the difference in a competitive application. Don’t leave it to chance. Get expert guidance from upGrad Abroad today and submit a LOR that truly represents you!
If you're looking for LOR samples for different study fields, explore:
Can I write my own LOR and get it signed by a professor/employer?
Some professors or employers may allow you to draft the letter, but they must review, edit, and personalize it before signing. Universities prefer LORs written by the recommender to ensure authenticity.
How long should an LOR be for university applications?
Most universities expect an LOR to be 300–500 words (one page). It should be clear, structured, and provide specific examples of your skills and achievements.
What should I do if my professor/employer refuses to write an LOR?
If they decline, ask another professor, supervisor, or mentor who knows you well. Some institutions allow LORs from senior colleagues or research guides if professors are unavailable.
Can a family member write an LOR for me?
No, LORs should come from academic or professional sources. A family member’s recommendation is not considered credible unless they were your official employer or academic mentor.
Are handwritten LORs accepted by universities?
No, universities expect typed and properly formatted LORs, usually on official letterhead. Handwritten letters may not be accepted unless specifically mentioned in the application guidelines.
Can I submit the same LOR to multiple universities?
Yes, but it’s better to personalize LORs for each university, especially if the program requirements differ. Some universities provide specific questions or formats that must be followed.
Do all universities require a letterhead for LORs?
Most prefer LORs on an official letterhead, especially for professional or academic references. If a recommender doesn’t have one, they can use their institutional or company email for validation.
Is there a difference between an LOR for undergraduate vs. postgraduate applications?
Yes. Undergraduate LORs focus more on personality, academic potential, and extracurriculars, while postgraduate LORs emphasize research skills, professional experience, and technical abilities.
Can I submit an LOR in a language other than English?
Only if the university allows it. In most cases, non-English LORs must be translated and certified before submission.
How recent should my LOR be?
Most universities prefer LORs written within the last 6–12 months. Older LORs may not reflect your current abilities and achievements.
Can I send an LOR directly, or does it have to come from the recommender?
Most universities require LORs to be submitted directly by the recommender via an official email or portal. Some allow students to upload them, but verification may be required.
Do all LORs need to be notarized?
Not usually. Most universities don’t ask for notarized LORs, but some official bodies or visa processes may require them. Always check specific requirements.
Can a former professor write an LOR if I’ve been out of college for years?
Yes, if they remember your work and can vouch for your academic abilities. If it has been too long, consider getting an LOR from an employer or a mentor instead.
Should I include my grades and scores in the LOR?
No, an LOR should focus on skills, achievements, and character. Your grades and scores are already part of your application.
What should I do if my employer refuses to write an LOR for professional programs?
If your employer declines, ask another senior colleague or past supervisor. Some universities accept LORs from project leads or clients if they can provide meaningful insights about your work.
Kanika has 5+ years of experience as a writer and content developer. She has written for a wide range of industry verticals, including hospitality, restaurants, non-profits, finance, IT, HR, technology, payroll, and education. She has worked as a creator for a few leading companies and has also helped brands grow through her creative writing.
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