What should a faculty member include and avoid when writing my LOR for studying abroad?
A faculty LOR should use official letterhead, state how long the recommender has known you, and give specific examples of your academics or research. It should avoid generic templates, exaggerated claims, grammar errors and negative comments, and end with a strong recommendation.
A strong faculty LOR explains your academic abilities, skills, achievements and potential for higher studies. Universities prefer letters that are genuine, specific and professionally written, with real examples instead of generic statements.
What to Include and What to Avoid
| Include | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Use official college or university letterhead | Do not copy generic templates without personalisation |
| Mention how long and in what capacity the writer has known you | Avoid very short or overly broad letters |
| Give specific examples of projects, academic performance or research | Do not include false achievements or exaggerated claims |
| Highlight leadership, teamwork, communication and problem-solving | Avoid grammatical mistakes and informal language |
| Keep the tone professional, positive and honest | Do not focus only on marks without discussing skills or character |
| End with a strong recommendation statement and contact details | Avoid negative comments or weak recommendations |
Other Points to Remember
- Tailor the letter to the course or university requirements.
- Include a signature, designation or official stamp if required.
- If you have three LORs, each must be unique; one anecdote should not be reused in another letter.
My Advice
Give your faculty recommender your resume, SOP draft and a few projects to mention so the letter has real examples. Check each university's official instructions for the latest LOR requirements.
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