When it comes to applying for graduate school, a strong Letter of Recommendation (LoR) can be a deciding factor in a candidate’s admission. An effective LoR should come from individuals who can genuinely attest to the applicant’s academic abilities, professional skills, and personal strengths. Here’s how to craft a powerful LoR that highlights the applicant’s potential for success in graduate studies.
Who Should Write the LoR?
- Project Supervisors
A great LoR should ideally be written by project supervisors who have observed the applicant closely during their research projects. These supervisors can provide detailed insights into how the applicant managed the conceptualization, design, and execution of their research. They can also speak to the applicant’s ability to handle data collection and analysis and how well they communicated their findings during project defences. - Employers and Mentors
Employers and mentors who have overseen the applicant’s work in a professional setting are also excellent choices for writing a LoR. They can attest to the applicant’s ability to complete tasks within deadlines, their enthusiasm, and their positive attitude towards goal setting and accomplishment. - Teachers and Lecturers
Teachers and lecturers who have taught the applicant can provide valuable perspectives on their academic performance, learning abilities, and character. These educators can highlight how the applicant performed in the classroom and their potential for advanced studies. - Professional Colleagues
In some cases, professional colleagues who have worked closely with the applicant can also write an LoR. These colleagues can offer insights into the applicant’s teamwork, communication skills, and how they handle stakeholder relationships.
What Should the LoR Include?
When selecting a referee to write the LoR, ensure they can:
- Vouch for Long-Term Acquaintance: The referee should have known the applicant for a significant period, allowing them to provide credible and verifiable claims about the applicant’s academic and professional journey.
- Highlight Academic Performance: The LoR should detail the applicant’s academic achievements and their ability to excel in challenging environments.
- Attest to Personal Strengths: The referee should be able to speak confidently about the applicant’s personal strengths, competencies, and ability to set and achieve goals.
- Detail Project Management Skills: The LoR should include examples of the applicant’s project management and completion skills, showcasing their readiness for graduate-level research.
- Comment on Interpersonal Abilities: It’s important that the referee can attest to the applicant’s interpersonal skills, particularly their ability to engage with stakeholders and work within a team.
Specifics to Include in the LoR
To make the LoR stand out, the referee should:
- Provide Specific Examples: Include concrete examples of the applicant’s accomplishments, such as published papers, completed projects, or grants won.
- State Relationship and Duration: Clearly mention how the referee knows the applicant and the length of time they have known each other.
- Discuss Suitability for the Program: The referee should explain why the applicant is well-suited for the specific graduate program they are applying to, emphasizing the traits that make them a good fit.
- Keep it Concise: The LoR should be well-balanced—not too long, but detailed enough to provide a comprehensive picture of the applicant’s capabilities.
- Use Official Letterhead: Ensure the LoR is dated, printed on appropriate letterhead, and properly addressed to the relevant committee chair.
- Sign and Close Properly: The letter should be signed and closed with the referee’s title and contact information.
Final Thoughts
A thoughtfully written LoR can significantly strengthen a graduate school application by providing a credible, in-depth look at an applicant’s qualifications and potential. When written by the right individuals and with specific, detailed content, it can make a lasting impact on the admissions committee.
