Successful Letters of Recommendation Guidelines

What is the definition of a recommendation letter?

A recommendation letter or letter of recommendation is a letter in which the writer assesses

the qualities, characteristics, and capabilities of the person being recommended in terms of that
individuals ability to perform a particular task or function. Recommendation letters are always
specifically requested to be written about someone and are therefore addressed to a particular
requestor. Letters of recommendation are typically related to employment, admissions to
institutions of higher education or scholarship eligibility

Why does a U.S. university need a recommendation letter?

The admission committee at the U.S. University tends to rely on people who know you in academic
or professional capacity to honestly evaluate how well you meet the requirements of the program /
institution. These inputs are most critical for the admissions officials to assess whether you will be
a successful student.

Useful tips and requirements for Letter of recommendation

Research each institutions policy on recommendations and familiarize yourself with the format of
recommendation.

1. All institutions may not require a letter of recommendation.

2. Some institutions use your recommendations when considering your application for
financial aid awards.
3. Send only the exact number of recommendation letters requested (no more and no less).
4. Send the letters in the format requested. Eg. Printed letter, or online. Online
recommendations will require you to register and provide a password to your
recommenders.
5. On pre-printed forms it is best to fill in the information at the top yourself. Many pre-printed
forms have sections to rate the students abilities.
6. Letters should be on official letterhead of the recommender.
7. Make sure to choose appropriate people to write your recommendation letter
8. Make appointments with the people youd like to write your recommendations. Provide
them a copy of your resume, a list of courses youve taken with that teacher, a list of work
and research experience and publications and statement of interest so that they have the
right background to write the contents. Give them enough time: at least 2-3 weeks
 9. Explain your goals for study in the U.S. to the recommender.
10. Provide the proper forms and give detailed instructions to the recommender on how to fill
them out.
11. Make sure you recommender follow the timelines indicated by your university, you should
take the responsibility to follow up with them. You should make sure the persons full
contact information, including designation and coordinates are mentioned.
12. Understand the meaning of waiving your right to read the recommendation (By law,
enrolled students have the right to access their files, including recommendations. If you
waive the right to read the recommendation, it will remain confidential.)

Who should recommend you?

1. Think about a person who knows your abilities best - this is not always the teacher /
professor of the class you received the highest grades in.
2. For undergraduates, consider a recommendation from a science teacher if you are looking
at studying engineering, similarly for a MBA student it would be best to take a
recommendation from your manager at work or your internship supervisor
3. Consider teachers in whose classes you initially struggled, and then succeeded.
4. If you have not been the best at school / college think of people other than teachers who
know you academically and socially.
5. You may also consider taking recommendations from social organizations where you
participated in some kind of voluntary work.
6. Take recommendations from people who are familiar with different aspects of your skills
and experiences to be able to put forth your qualities to the admissions committee.
7. Try to get specific letters than general ones.
8. Hierarchy / designation of the recommender does not matter. It is much more effective to
have a reference from someone who knows you well enough to comment on your
strengths and may be mention a few potential areas of improvement as well.
9. Write a personal thank you letters to the people who took the time to help you in the
application process.

What U.S. Admission Officers look for? (Not all)

Outstanding students
Committed and motivated students
Students with diverse backgrounds
Grades
Level of difficulty of classes taken
Test scores at school level / college level
 Potential vs. achievement
Uniqueness of the student
Classroom performance
Critical thinking skills
Initiative and class participation
Self motivation
Oral and writing expression
Leadership
Teaching potential (if you apply for a TA)
Work habits (Teamwork potential)
Knowledge of the field
Adaptability to new situations
Emotional maturity
Ability to relate with others

Some considerations:

Americans do NOT write recommendations themselves and ask teachers / professors to sign
them. This is considered unethical and wrong.
If you write your own recommendations, it will be very clear to them as your writing style
cannot vary as much.
Make sure official letterhead of your recommender is used
Focus on affiliation (with the student)
LOR should give honest and factual information
Always ask your recommender to substantiate his / her comments with specific examples.
Beware of the power of words! Avoid bland words: good / nice / fairly / etc; use powerful words:
effective / mature / etc.
Intangibles qualities are as important. E.g. empathy / commonsense / commitment / abstract
thinking style are critical in decision making process of institutions.
If asked for a confidential letter, handover the letter in a sealed and signed envelope.

Good luck with your application!

Remember that your personal IDP counselor is with you every step of the way.