Letter of Recommendation for Masters
Dr. Karan Gupta is a Harvard Business School alumnus and career counsellor with 27+ years of experience and 160,000+ students guided. His insights on postgraduate come from decades of hands-on experience helping students achieve their goals.
What is a Letter of Recommendation for a Master’s?
A Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is a document written by a professor, employer, or mentor who can vouch for a student’s academic or professional abilities. It provides insight into the applicant's skills, achievements, and suitability for a Master’s program, helping admission committees assess their potential.
How to Write LOR for MS?
- Choose the Right Recommender: Select a professor or employer familiar with your work and achievements.
- Understand the Program Requirements: Tailor the LOR based on the specific Master’s program.
- Highlight Key Strengths: Mention technical skills, leadership qualities, research experience, and academic achievements.
- Provide Specific Examples: Use real-life instances to support claims about the candidate’s skills.
- Maintain a Professional Tone: Ensure the language is formal and well-structured.
- Keep it Concise: Ideally, the letter should be one page (500-600 words) long.
- Proofread and Edit: Avoid grammatical errors and ensure clarity.
What is the Structure/Format of LOR for a Master’s?
1. Introduction
- Recommender's name, designation, and relationship with the candidate.
- Statement of recommendation for the applicant.
2. Body Paragraphs
- First Paragraph: Candidate’s academic/professional background and key strengths.
- Second Paragraph: Specific examples of the candidate’s achievements, skills, and work ethics.
- Third Paragraph: Candidate’s suitability for the Master’s program and potential contributions.
3. Conclusion
- A strong statement of recommendation.
- Contact details of the recommender.
- Signature and designation.
Difference between a letter of recommendation and a reference letter?
| Aspect | Letter of Recommendation (LOR) | Reference Letter |
| Purpose | Used for academic applications | Used for job applications |
| Format | Formal, structured | Less formal, often a short note |
| Focus | Candidate's academic/professional skills & achievements | General character reference |
| Requester | Required by universities | Requested by employers |
| Level of Detail | Highly detailed with specific examples | More general and brief |
Tips for Writing a Letter of Recommendation for MS
| What to Include in the LOR | What to Avoid |
| Relationship with the candidate | Generic and vague statements |
| Specific skills and achievements | Over-exaggeration or false claims |
| Real-life examples | Repetitive information |
| Candidate’s suitability for the program | Casual or informal tone |
| Contact details for verification | Too much personal information |
Tips for Indian Students
- Choose a Professor or Employer Who Knows You Well: Avoid generic LORs from high-ranking officials who lack familiarity with your work.
- Follow University Guidelines: Check specific requirements regarding format, word count, and submission methods.
- Emphasize Research & Technical Skills: Many international universities value research-oriented profiles.
- Avoid Plagiarism: Universities may cross-check LORs for authenticity.
- Provide Supporting Information to Recommenders: Share your resume, SOP, and key achievements to help them write a strong LOR.
How to Submit a Letter of Recommendation (LOR)?
- Online Submission: Most universities require recommenders to submit LORs directly through an online portal.
- Email Submission: Some universities accept LORs via email from official institutional accounts.
- Hard Copy Submission: A few universities may request a signed and sealed physical copy.
- Verify Submission Deadlines: Ensure your recommender submits the LOR before the deadline.
- Check for Confirmation: Some universities send a confirmation email once the LOR is submitted.
FAQs
How is a letter of recommendation different from a reference letter?
A LOR is detailed and used for academic applications, while a reference letter is typically shorter and used for job applications.
Do universities verify recommendation letters for Master’s?
Yes, many universities verify LORs by cross-checking recommender details and may contact them for confirmation.
How do I write a letter of recommendation for a master's degree?
Follow the structured format, include specific examples, and ensure a professional tone. If you are a recommender, tailor the LOR to the candidate's skills and program.
How to get a letter of recommendation for a Master's in India?
Request LORs from professors or employers familiar with your work. Provide them with necessary details like your resume, achievements, and program requirements.
What happens if my recommender submits the letter after the deadline?
Some universities offer a grace period, while others may disqualify late submissions. Contact the admissions office for clarification.
Can I use the same letter of recommendation for multiple programs?
Yes, but it is recommended to tailor each LOR to the specific program by highlighting relevant skills and experiences.
Why Choose Karan Gupta Consulting?
- 27+ years of expertise in overseas education consulting
- 160,000+ students successfully counselled
- Personal guidance from Dr. Karan Gupta, Harvard Business School alumnus
- Licensed MBTI® and Strong® career assessment practitioner
- End-to-end support from career clarity to visa approval
Dr. Karan Gupta
Harvard Alumnus | Career Counsellor
With 27+ years of experience, Dr. Karan Gupta has helped 160,000+ students achieve their study abroad dreams at top universities worldwide.
