What mistakes should my recommender avoid when writing my LOR for a master's abroad?
Recommenders should avoid empty praise, reusing one letter for every application, extra pages, exaggerated claims, personal email addresses and ignoring university instructions. They should also not let the student fully write the letter. Choose someone who knows you well and ask for real examples.
A recommender weakens a letter by using general statements instead of specifics. For a master's application abroad, the letter should be honest, tailored to the course and based on real examples of your work.
What to Avoid and What to Do Instead
| Avoid | Do instead |
|---|---|
| Empty praise such as smart or hardworking | Use real examples that show your skills |
| Copying the same LOR for every application | Write it for the specific course, job or scholarship |
| Choosing someone who barely knows you | Choose someone who knows you well |
| Adding extra pages or unnecessary details | Keep it clear and around one page unless told otherwise |
| Letting the student fully write it | Keep the letter confidential when possible |
| Huge or unbelievable claims | Keep a positive and honest tone |
| Personal email IDs unless necessary | Add the official email and contact details |
| Ignoring word limits, formats or instructions | Follow the university's submission rules |
How You Can Help Your Recommender
- Tell them which course and university each letter is for
- Share your achievements, projects and goals so they can pick real examples
- Pass on the submission rules and deadline for each university
My Advice
Choose recommenders for how well they know you, not for their title. A specific, honest letter from a professor who supervised your project is far more useful than a generic one from a senior name.
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