LOR

The ideal length of an LOR is a single A4 sized page. An LOR includes four to five paragraphs; at least three paragraphs must cover distinctive abilities of the candidate. It is essential to back every trait with appropriate instances or examples. This will help you to create a 400-500 word LOR, which will be an apt word count for most universities. Do not forget to check university guidelines regarding recommendation letters as they may sometimes require a question-answer format LOR. In that case, answers must follow the specified questions and word limit.

As per the LOR format for students, you must begin your LOR by mentioning the recommender's designation, relation with the candidate, and years of association. The introductory paragraph must include a brief about the candidate's personality, and comparison with the peer group. Keeping the tone of the LOR formal and positive from the beginning would be a great start for an LOR.

While writing recommendation letter for students, the recommender must provide evidence-based evaluation. It is important to provide examples with each trait to support the claims. Instead of including many qualities, the recommender must focus on three to four qualities, which are more related to the intended course. You must follow the LOR format for students to create a one-page recommendation letter.

An MS in CS LOR should discuss the various projects and internships taken up by the candidate in the field of computers. Basically, his suitability to pursue an MS in CS should be highlighted by stating if he has knowledge and skills in various domains such as programming, website development, coding, Artificial Intelligence, and others.

In an LOR for MS Engineering, the suitability of the candidate for the intended programme should be highlighted. This can be done by discussing qualities such as academic prowess, innovation, good analytical skills and critical thinking, the ability to research, an eye for detail, technical skills, and such like.

Yes, one can use the same LOR for multiple universities but one should personalize each LORs to reflect the target program's strengths and values.

Only your LORs need to be attested by your college or company. An SOP need not be attested/ self-attested until and unless specified by the university. If you take a LOR from your Professor/ Principal/ Dean, then it needs to be signed by the recommender along with the college/ school stamp and letterhead. Similarly, professional LORs need to be signed by their respective recommenders on the company's letterhead and company stamps.

Applicants applying for admissions abroad and requiring an LOR can request them from their school or college principal, teachers or counsellors (unless specifically mentioned). Those applying for an MBA and hold some work experience can request LORs from their previous employers, managers and people in senior positions. 

An LOR forms an important part of the admission application. LOR are beneficial and can do lots for an applicant in terms of:

• Validate their achievements
• Help admission committee understand about the applicant's strenghts and personality type
• How they can be beneficial for fostering community growth at university of admission
• If the applicant has potential to take up the course abroad and do justice to it
• Also, how their achievements have shaped them as an individual based on their academics and activities at school/college