Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
Specific, credible, and story-driven recommendations that amplify your application.
Why LORs matter
Letters of Recommendation offer a trusted, third-party view of your character, impact, and potential. Strong letters are:
- Specific — anchored in concrete examples and outcomes.
- Contextual — show how you compare to peers and why it matters.
- Relevant — aligned with the program’s expectations and your goals.
- Credible — written by recommenders who know your work well.
How to set recommenders up for success
- Ask early, confirm willingness, and share your resume + brief bullet points (projects, results, leadership).
- Provide deadlines, submission links, and any prompts or criteria.
- Politely remind 10–14 days before the due date; thank them and share outcomes.
Example of a Strong LOR
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN,
I am delighted to recommend Gaurv for admission to your Computer Science program. I have taught him in two courses—Introduction to Programming and Artificial Intelligence—and have been consistently impressed by his diligence, curiosity, and technical acuity.
Beyond top marks, Gaurv pursued professional certificates (IBM, Google) and led a capstone that combined model-based planning with practical deployment. His documentation and code reviews raised the bar for the entire cohort, and his mentorship of juniors demonstrated maturity and empathy.
In my 12 years of teaching, I would rank Gaurv among the top 5% of students for problem-solving and initiative. He seeks feedback proactively, iterates thoughtfully, and communicates complex ideas with clarity.
Accordingly, I offer my strongest recommendation for his admission. Please contact me for any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Title / Department]
[Institution]
[Email • Phone]
What this letter does well
- Quantifies strength (top 5%) and gives course context.
- Highlights impact on peers and learning environment.
- Connects behaviors (initiative, communication) to future success.