How to Write a Letter of Recommendation for Graduate School – With Writing Guide 2024

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    Anjit.V.S founder of Infig Content Hub is a writer and an academic documentation expert. Over the years, he has written documents for thousands of students and hundreds of businesses and individuals worldwide.

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    Are you looking for ways to help an aspiring graduate student advance in their admission process to their desired graduate program? One of the most important things in a graduate program admission process is a compelling recommendation letter. But Where do you begin, and how can you make your recommendation letter for your desired graduate program stand out from the rest? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through all the essential steps of crafting an impactful letter of recommendation for internship. So Let’s get Started!

    What is a Letter of Recommendation for Graduate School? Why is it Important?

    A letter of recommendation for graduate school is an important document that can help applicants to obtain admission into graduate programs. A good recommendation letter demonstrates high regard from a respected academic or professional figure and is typically used as one factor in the admissions process.

    Questions You Should Answer Before Writing a Letter of Recommendation for Graduate School

    Few key questions you should answer before writing a letter of recommendation for a graduate program:

    What is the relationship status between the recommender and the applicant?

    Explain the relationship you have with the applicant you’re writing the letter for in the Introduction section

    What qualities or accomplishments make the applicant stand out? Why do you believe they would succeed in their desired graduate program?

    Explore the applicant’s qualifications, aptitude, personality traits, and how they fit into a desired graduate program.

    Define any instances which portray that the applicant is passionate about their desired field?

    Provide detailed examples demonstrating the applicant’s passion for their desired field in your statement.

    Answering these questions will help you write a strong letter of recommendation that highlights the student’s strengths and sets them up for success in their future studies.

    What Do Admission Officers Look for in Recommendation Letter for Graduate Studies?

    Admission officers generally look for the following things in a letter of recommendation:

    – The letter should discuss what the recommender knows about the student and how well they work together. It would be helpful if the letter discusses any research or writing projects that the student has been involved in.

    – The letter should be well-written and objective. Admission officers want to read a letter that inspires confidence about the potential of the student without being biased.

    – The recommender should make sure to quantify why they think the student is worthy of admission and what type of program would be best matched for their skills and interests.

    How Long Your LOR for Graduate School Should Be?

    Word Limit

    300 - 500 words

    Font Size

    10 - 13 is recommended

    Font color

    Black

    Font Family

    Use standard fonts like Calibri, Ariel, Times New Roman, Georgia, etc.

    Graduate School Recommendation Letter Sample

    To whom it may concern,

     

    It is with pride and satisfaction that I am recommending Mr. Ravi Shankar for admission to the Master’s program in Information Technology at your esteemed university. Having interacted with him in consecutive semesters, I have gotten to know him quite well as the Professor  of the Computer Science Department at ABC University. I’ve taught him the following, __________, ________________ and ___________ courses during his tenure as an undergraduate student at ABC University and I am happy to hear that he has decided to continue his education.

     

    Mr. Ravi was an active member of the student body and had been awarded numerous awards for his academic prowess, including being selected as one of the top students in a National Level Competition on XXX. His passion for his studies was extraordinary and I am confident that he will continue to excel in the Master’s program at your esteemed university. -XYZ- has a keen eye for detail and has exceptional interpersonal skills which are integral to success in any graduate program.  His knowledge base in the areas of _______, _____________ and _________ is quite outstanding as he has made impressive grades in all his courses during his tenure at our university.

     

    In addition to his excellent academic record, Mr. Ravi is also highly involved in extracurricular activities at our university. He was part of several organizations such as organization 1, organization 2 and organization 3 where he made significant contributions through his participation and leadership skills. His exemplary conduct reflects a great deal of professionalism and commitment towards any task assigned to him as well as promoting teamwork within each organization. He was also awarded with the prestigious ‘Best Student’ award at our university which speaks volumes about his dedication towards achieving success academically.

     

    To conclude, I am confident that Mr. Ravi will be a great addition to your program and I wholeheartedly recommend him for admission into it. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me in case of any questions. Thank you for taking into consideration my recommendation and giving this exceptional student this opportunity!

     

    Sincerely,

    Arjun Mehra

    Assistant Professor 

    Department of Computer Science

    Guidelines for Using Graduate School Recommendation Letter Sample

    When you read a sample LOR for graduate admission, make sure you pay attention to these things:

    Write your LOR for Graduate School in 6 steps?

    The following six steps will help you write a powerful character letter for court:

    recommendation letter for graduate school

    Step 1: Research on the Graduate Program

    Try to gather as much information about the graduate program in which the applicant is interested in.

    Step 2: Plan your letter

    Begin by establishing the recommender’s relationship with the applicant. How this program will benefit the applicant as a student as well as a professional and why are they worthy enough to pursue the graduate program. 

    Step 3: Write with credibility

    Use personal pronouns and examples to illustrate your points. Speak from experience and make sure to place the applicant in a positive light. 

    Step 4: Conclusion

    Summarize all the points made in the letter so far by supporting the applicant and giving them the recommender’s approval for the applicant’s enrollment in the course.

    Step 5: Proofread and re-read It!

    Once you have finished writing your letter, go through it again stylistically to make sure it flows smoothly and looks professional. Lastly, check for spelling mistakes and ensure that all information is properly cited.

    Step 6

    Submit the letter of recommendation along with the rest of the applicant’s application materials.

    Who Is Eligible to Write an LOR for Graduate School?

    Professors, Employers and people who are associated with the applicant in academia or a work environment are mainly eligible to write a graduate program recommendation letter.

    Final Checklist

    Here’s a final checklist to make sure your letter of recommendation is as strong as it can be:

    Do's and Don't in Your LOR

    Do:

    – Give specific reasons why they are a good fit for the position.

    – Include personal references if possible.

    – Try to be Personal and Honest in the statement.

    Don’t:

    – Use excessively formal language.

    – Sentimentalize or over-extend your praise.

    Tips for Writing a Letter of Recommendation for Graduate School

    Some tips for writing a recommendation letter for graduate students:

    – Carefully consider the person you are recommending and what makes them a great match for the graduate program that you are recommending

    – Start by describing why you think the graduate student should be admitted to the program they are applying to

    – State your reasons in clear, concise language

    – Be honest and provide feedback that would help the graduate student improve their application

    – Make sure to finish the letter with a personal message from you recommending the graduate student.

    Conclusion

    Writing an impressive Graduate Program Recommendation Letter can be a daunting task but it doesn’t have to be. By following our guide and incorporating the tips we provided, you will be well on your way to crafting the ultimate Letter of Recommendation for a Graduate Program – one that will make your candidate stand out from other applicants. Good luck!