The Art of A Letter of Recommendation: Best Practices and Examples
An essential part of college and university applications in the US is a Letter of Recommendation (LOR), which offers information on a candidate’s character, intellectual aptitude, and program fit. Although each institution may have different requirements, a typical LOR usually consists of the following components:
Header:
Information for the Recommender: Put your name, title, organization, and contact information at the top.
Date:
The letter’s writing date.
Details of the Recipient:
Include the recipient’s or the admissions office’s name, title, and address if you know it. Address the letter to the relevant individual or group using a salutation like “Dear Admissions Committee” or “To Whom It May Concern.”
Introduction
Introduce yourself by outlining your role and your connection to the candidate. Indicate the length of time and role you have known the applicant.
Body:
Professional and Academic Credentials: Talk about the applicant’s intellectual prowess, capabilities, and academic accomplishments.
Personal Qualities:
Emphasize traits like integrity, leadership, work ethic, and people skills.
Particular Illustrations:
Give specific examples that highlight the applicant’s abilities and contributions.
Comparison:
To put the applicant’s skills in perspective, if appropriate, compare them to peers.
Conclusion:
Summarize your support for the candidate by expressing your great belief in them. If further information is required, offer to supply it along with your contact information.
Closing:
End with a formal phrase like “Sincerely” or “Best regards.” Put your name, position, and institution in your signature. The University of California, Berkeley offers a sample letter that successfully demonstrates these elements for a visual demonstration.
GSI Berkeley
The University of Washington Bothell also provides a form that can be used as a useful reference for organizing your letter.
Washington University in Bethell Keep in mind that a strong LOR is unique, detailed, and offers an accurate evaluation of the applicant’s skills and personality.