Recommendation Letter for University Admission: Sample, Template & Guidelines

What is LOR?

The full form of LOR is Letter of Recommendation. It is a document that highlights the skills and experiences of the applicant. LORs are written by recommenders who have worked with the applicant closely. The recommenders can be teachers, professors, employers, managers, mentors, etc. Universities abroad generally require two to three LORs with the application.

Types of LOR

There are two types of LORs. All universities have different requirements for the type of LOR. Usually, applications of the undergraduate courses require academic LORs and masters degrees require professional LORs. It is advisable to check the university’s admission requirements before asking for an LOR. The two types of LOR are:

1. Academic LOR: The academic LOR is a letter that is required from an academic institution. This LOR is generally created by teachers, professors, mentors, or research supervisors to showcase a student’s academic achievements, research abilities, and contributions in the classroom. It is often a requirement for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

2. Professional LOR: The professional LOR is a letter required from an organisation where the applicant has worked. This LOR is created by employers, managers, or supervisors. It highlights the applicant's skills in the workplace, their accomplishments, leadership qualities, and professional development. It is often a requirement for masters programs abroad.

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Sample LOR

For those preparing their LOR, it is recommended that they refer to a sample LOR for university admission to better understand the format and structure of an LOR. Given below are samples of academic and professional LOR.

Sample Academic LOR

To Whom It May Concern,

It is my privilege to recommend Rohit Dahiya for admission into your esteemed program at the University of Manchester. I have known Rohit for the past two years as his professor in Marketing Management. During this period, I have been impressed by his academic dedication, focus, and grasp of the subject.

Rohit has consistently demonstrated exceptional ability during projects and classroom assignments. For example, while working on a team project, he showcased great leadership skills. He faced a challenge amongst the team members, and Rohit solved the issue and produced a great marketing project. This is a great quality as he managed to not only resolve the team’s issues but also deliver the assignment as per the expectations.

Beyond academics, Rohit is an active participant in the Sports Club, reflecting strong leadership and teamwork skills. He possesses remarkable communication skills, humility, and a genuine eagerness to learn. I am sure these qualities will help them thrive in a diverse academic environment.

I am confident that Rohit will make meaningful contributions to the Masters of Management program at the University of Manchester. I strongly recommend him for admission to your esteemed university

Sincerely,
[Recommender’s Full Name]
[Designation]
[Institution/Organization]
[Email & Contact Number]

Sample Professional LOR

To Whom It May Concern,

It is my pleasure to recommend Ishani Gupta for admission into the Master’s in Computer Science Engineering program at the University of Lancaster. I have had the privilege of supervising Ishani during her tenure as a Software Engineer Trainee at XYZ Ltd, where she reported directly to me for over one year.

From the very beginning, Ishani distinguished herself by asking smart questions which showcased her eagerness to learn. She contributed significantly to (Project Name), where she designed and implemented modules using specific tools. Her contribution to this project helped optimize the system. I was happy with her performance and her analytical skills.

Ishani also possesses great team spirit. This was showcased during her tenure at XYZ Lit. She used to initiate mentoring her colleagues and step in whenever help was required by the team. Her strong communication skills and her curiosity to learn new things make her valuable in both academic and professional settings.

With Ishani’s solid foundation in computer science, passion for research, and proven professional accomplishments, I am confident she will be a good fit for your esteemed university. I strongly recommend her for the Masters in Computer Science program and believe that she will contribute greatly to the cohort.

Sincerely,
[Recommender’s Full Name]
[Designation]
[Company Name]
[Email & Contact Number]

6 Perfect LOR Samples for University Admissions

• Perfect academic LOR samples

• Strong professional LOR samples

Who Writes an LOR?

An LOR is an essential document in the study abroad application of the applicant. However, this document is prepared by the recommender. The recommender is a person who has closely worked with the applicant in an academic or professional setting. It depends on the required type of LOR. The applicant must request the recommender to write an LOR for them and provide all the necessary details for the same.

• Recommender for Academic LOR: Teachers, mentors, supervisor, professors

• Recommender for Professional LOR: Managers, employers, supervisor, project head

Note: Ensure that the recommender has worked with you personally and can assess your contributions.
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