A letter of Recommendation (LOR) for graduate school is a crucial component of your application. It provides an external perspective on your academic and professional capabilities, offering valuable insights that bolster your candidacy. Crafting a compelling LOR requires careful consideration of design elements that convey professionalism and build trust with the admissions committee.
Font Choice
Selecting an appropriate font is paramount. Opt for a classic and easily readable font like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. Avoid overly decorative or difficult-to-read fonts that can distract the reader and diminish the letter’s impact. Maintaining consistency in font size and style throughout the document ensures a polished and professional appearance.
Letterhead
If available, utilize official letterhead from the institution or department where the recommender is affiliated. This adds credibility and reinforces the letter’s legitimacy. If letterhead is not available, create a simple header with the recommender’s full name, title, department, institution, and contact information. Center this information for a clean and balanced presentation.
Professional Salutation
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Address the letter to the specific admissions committee or individual responsible for reviewing applications. If possible, obtain the name of the relevant person and use a formal salutation such as “Dear [Committee Chair Name]” or “Dear [Admissions Officer Name].” If the specific recipient is unknown, use a general salutation like “Dear Admissions Committee.”
Clear and Concise Language
Employ clear, concise, and formal language throughout the letter. Avoid jargon, slang, or overly casual phrasing. Focus on using specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate the applicant’s strengths and achievements. Strong verbs and active voice will enhance the letter’s impact and make it more engaging to read.
Structure and Flow
Maintain a logical and well-structured format. Begin with a brief opening paragraph that establishes the recommender’s relationship with the applicant and their qualifications to provide a strong recommendation.
Applicant’s Strengths
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In subsequent paragraphs, dedicate specific sections to highlighting the applicant’s key strengths. These may include:
Academic Excellence: Discuss the applicant’s intellectual curiosity, research skills, critical thinking abilities, and academic achievements. Provide specific examples such as high grades, successful research projects, or presentations at academic conferences.
Specific Examples and Anecdotes
Throughout the letter, incorporate specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate the applicant’s strengths and achievements. For example, instead of stating that the applicant is a “hard worker,” provide a specific instance where the applicant demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to a challenging project.
Personal Observations
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Share your personal observations and insights about the applicant’s potential for success in graduate school. Based on your interactions with them, discuss their potential for growth, their ability to thrive in a demanding academic environment, and their suitability for the specific program they are applying to.
Concluding Paragraph
Conclude the letter with a strong and confident recommendation. Reiterate your belief in the applicant’s potential for success and encourage the admissions committee to consider their application favorably.
Professional Closing
Use a professional closing such as “Sincerely,” “Regards,” or “Best Regards.”
Signature
The recommender should sign the letter in blue or black ink.
Contact Information
Include the recommender’s full name, title, department, institution, email address, and phone number below the signature.
Overall Presentation
Maintain a professional and polished overall presentation. Ensure the letter is free of any typos or grammatical errors. Use a clean and professional font and spacing. Consider using a professional letterhead or creating a simple header with the recommender’s contact information.
Confidentiality
Maintain the confidentiality of the letter and the applicant’s personal information.
By carefully considering these design elements and crafting a well-written and insightful letter, recommenders can effectively support their students’ applications to graduate school and increase their chances of admission.
This guide provides a framework for creating a professional and impactful Letter of Recommendation for Graduate School. By adhering to these guidelines and tailoring the letter to each individual applicant, recommenders can play a vital role in helping aspiring graduate students achieve their academic goals.
