Letter of Recommendation (LOR) for USA

The Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is a vital part of your application, offering admissions committees an opportunity to assess your qualifications and suitability through the perspective of someone who has directly worked with or supervised you. This is typically a professor, employer, or member of an administrative staff.

At least three letters of recommendation are typically required when applying to study abroad for a bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, or MBA program in the US.

Understanding what to include in a Letter of Recommendation and selecting the right person to write it are essential for crafting an application that stands out to educational institutions. Keep reading to discover how to make your LORs truly impactful.

What is LOR?

A Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is a formal letter written by someone who knows the applicant well, typically a professor, employer, mentor, or supervisor. The letter provides an assessment of the applicant’s skills, character, and qualifications, often in relation to a specific opportunity, such as applying for a job, university admission, a scholarship, or a professional program.

An admissions officer should be able to accurately assess an applicant’s skills, academic abilities, and personality based on an LOR. These details can naturally only come from a recommender who has had time to assess the student’s aptitude in an appropriate setting.

Why is LOR Important to Study in USA?

A Letter of Recommendation (LOR) plays a crucial role in the application process for studying in the USA. Here are the key reasons why an LOR is important:

1. Validate Credentials: A letter of recommendation provides an external perspective of your achievements, abilities, and character.
2. Highlight Soft Skills: It lets you highlight soft skills like teamwork, time management, and critical thinking.
3. Confirms Authenticity: It serves as a confirmation of the details in your resume, like certifications, extracurricular activities, and skills.
4. Third-Person Opinion: The opinion of an external source allows the committee to get a better picture of your personality outside of your academic achievements. It also helps the admissions committee distinguish your application from other applicants.

What Should an LOR Include?

When you ask your recommender to write your LOR, it could be helpful to let them know about some points that would be beneficial to your application. You may also often be asked to informally provide an outline for your LOR. Here’s how an LOR should be structured and what it should include when applying to study in USA:

1. It should be written like a traditional, formal letter.
2. It should include the recommender’s designation and department
3. It should be stamped with an official seal of the university/school/company
4. The recommender should be aware of the purpose of the LOR
5. The letter should touch upon course details (that the applicant is applying for) and detail why the applicant would be a good addition to the student body
6. If writing for the first time, using a template is a wise choice
7. The opening lines should briefly praise the applicant and make the intention clear
8. The letter should remain precise (not vague at any point) whilst staying positive
9. The LOR should present relevant examples and detailed anecdotes
10. The closing statement should be impactful
11. The LOR must necessarily include a signature
12. The letter should be free of grammatical errors and spelling mistakes

Lastly, it is important to leave it up to your chosen recommender to accept your request for an LOR. They should be able to say ‘No’ if they feel unconfident about speaking on your expertise.

Sample LOR to Study in USA

You can make use of the template below to direct your LORs when applying to study in the USA. Ensure you personalize it and include relevant information that boosts your application.

The following sample is written for an application to an MBA program:

(Name of Recipient)
(Mailing Address of Recipient)
(Position of Recipient)
(Today’s Date)

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am pleased to recommend (applicant’s name) for admission to (university name)‘s MBA/MS program. For the past five years, she/he has been employed at (business name) as an Associate Manager, during which I had the privilege of serving as her/his immediate supervisor from the beginning of her/his tenure. This has allowed me to closely observe her/his skills, work ethic, and professional growth.

When (applicant’s name) joined our company, she/he had recently completed her BBA. Over the years, she/he has transformed into a dedicated and highly competent professional. From the outset, she/he demonstrated the ability to work effectively in a team of fifteen marketers, inspiring and motivating her/his peers with both leadership qualities and a collaborative spirit.

Due to her/his remarkable performance during her/his first year, (applicant’s name) was promoted to the role of Associate Brand Manager. Over the past five years, she/he has successfully contributed to numerous projects, consistently delivering results that have met or exceeded expectations. Her/his resilience in challenging situations, coupled with strong business acumen, has been invaluable to our organization.

I am confident that (applicant’s name) would be an excellent addition to your prestigious MBA/MS program and diverse student body. This opportunity will enable her/him to further refine her/his exceptional marketing skills and advance her/his career aspirations.

Should you require any additional information about (applicant’s name), please feel free to contact me at your convenience.

Sincerely,
(Recommender’s Name)
(Institution/Organization Name)
Tel: +XXXX
E-mail: XXXXX@mail.com

Tips for LOR to Study in USA

1. Choose the right recommender who knows you well and can attest to your abilities. Ideal LOR writers are professors, mentors, or supervisors.
2. Highlight relevant academic, professional, and personal skills that align with the program requirements.
3. The recommender must mention their relationship to you. They should also include their contact details if the admissions committee wants more information.
4. The LOR must include unique attributes, like innovative thinking, problem-solving, or community management.
5. Adhere to the format provided by the university and follow the submission guidelines. Proofread the LOR before submission to ensure it is free from grammatical errors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I write a letter of recommendation for the US?

An LOR typically includes a statement of recommendation, reasons an applicant would be a good fit for the program, personal anecdotes and an impactful endorsement.

What is a letter of recommendation for a student in the USA?

An LOR is a formal endorsement of a student’s skills and aptitude for a program. It must be appropriate, highlight the correct strengths and bear official institution stamps and signatures.

Is LOR required for the USA?

Yes, generally all top universities in the USA require at least 2-3 LORs as essential parts of an application.

How long should a letter of recommendation be?

An LOR should be about one page long and consist of a clear introduction, body and conclusion.