Who writes my faculty LOR, and how long should it be?
A faculty LOR is usually written by a professor, lecturer or department head who has taught you. Most universities prefer an academic LOR of around 400 to 500 words, with proper examples and a clear recommendation for admission. Some business schools may ask for a question and answer format.
A faculty letter of recommendation highlights your academic performance, skills, behaviour and potential for higher studies. It is typically written by someone who has taught you.
Faculty LOR Format
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Writer | Professor, lecturer or department head who has taught you |
| Length | Around 400 to 500 words, as most universities prefer |
| Introduction | Recommender details, designation, department, institution and how they know you |
| Body paragraphs | Three paragraphs, each with a quality and a real example |
| Conclusion | Summary of strengths and a recommendation for the course, with recommender contact details |
Good to Know
- The format for an academic and a professional LOR is the same, but the content differs
- A question and answer LOR is rare and, if asked, is generally for MBA courses
My Advice
Choose a faculty member who knows your work well and share your projects with them. Always follow any format a university specifies on its official page.
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