A well-crafted letter of Recommendation (LOR) can significantly enhance your graduate school application. It provides an external perspective on your academic abilities, research potential, and personal qualities. To create a professional and persuasive LOR, consider the following design elements:
1. Header
Sender’s Information:
Full Name
Job Title
Institutional Affiliation
Contact Information (Email, Phone Number)
Date:
Clearly formatted date (e.g., January 1, 2024)
Letter of Recommendation for Graduate School Template CocoSign
Image Source: cocosign.com
2. Recipient’s Information
Recipient’s Name
Full Name of the Admissions Committee Chair or Specific Program Director
Institution Name
Full Name of the University or Graduate Program
Address
Complete Address of the Institution
3. Salutation
Formal Salutation:
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
Dear [Committee Chair’s Name],
4. Opening Paragraph
Clear Introduction:
Directly state your relationship to the applicant (e.g., professor, research advisor, supervisor).
Briefly mention the applicant’s full name and the specific program they are applying to.
Strong Thesis Statement:
Highlight the applicant’s most outstanding quality or achievement relevant to the program.
This will set the tone for the rest of the letter.
5. Body Paragraphs
Academic Abilities:
Discuss the applicant’s academic performance, coursework, and research experience.
Highlight specific examples of their intellectual curiosity, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking abilities.
Quantify their achievements whenever possible (e.g., GPA, class rank, awards, honors).
Research Potential:
Describe the applicant’s research experience, including their contributions to projects, publications, or presentations.
Emphasize their ability to conduct independent research, collaborate with others, and think creatively.
Highlight any specific research interests or skills that align with the program’s focus.
Personal Qualities:
Discuss the applicant’s character traits, such as their work ethic, dedication, and perseverance.
Highlight their ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Mention any leadership experience or community involvement that demonstrates their commitment to others.
6. Closing Paragraph
Reiterate Key Points:
Summarize the applicant’s strongest qualities and achievements.
Reemphasize their potential to succeed in the program.
Endorsement:
Clearly state your strong endorsement of the applicant.
Offer to provide additional information or answer any questions.
Closing Salutation:
Sincerely,
Best Regards,
Cordially,
7. Signature
Handwritten Signature:
Sign your name in blue or black ink.
Typed Signature:
Type your full name.
8. Formatting and Design
Font:
Use a professional and easy-to-read font like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri.
Font Size:
Use a standard font size of 12 points.
Line Spacing:
Use single-spaced lines.
Margins:
Use standard margins of 1 inch on all sides.
Page Layout:
Use a clean and professional page layout.
Letterhead:
If available, use your institutional letterhead.
Additional Tips for a Strong LOR:
Be Specific and Concrete:
Provide specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate the applicant’s abilities and qualities.
Use Strong Action Verbs:
Use vivid and descriptive language to engage the reader.
Proofread Carefully:
Ensure the letter is free of errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
Submit on Time:
Adhere to the application deadline.
Consider the Program’s Specific Requirements:
Tailor your letter to the specific program and its requirements.
Seek Feedback:
Ask a colleague or mentor to review your letter for feedback.
By following these guidelines and incorporating these design elements, you can create a compelling LOR that will help your student stand out in the competitive graduate school application process.
