A Guide to Choosing Your University Letter of Recommendation Writer
Choosing who will write your Letter of Recommendation (LOR) can be tricky. It’s important to pick someone who truly knows your work and can speak confidently about your strengths. Picking the right person can really influence how your application is received.
It should be someone who has seen your work up close. This could be a teacher who has taught you directly, a supervisor from a job or internship or a mentor from extracurricular activities. These individuals can provide clear, specific examples of your strengths and contributions, making your recommendation more personal and compelling. Consider carefully who knows your work and progress well enough to write a meaningful letter.
Who to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation?
1. Professors
When requesting a recommendation, choose a professor who has taught you subjects relevant to your intended field of study. They should be able to describe your critical thinking, problem-solving skills, academic strengths, reasoning and ability to manage academic pressure. It is especially helpful if the professor has seen your progress over time and worked with you beyond exams, such as through projects or research, as this provides a fuller picture of your abilities and commitment.
For example, an engineering student applying for a master’s in data science might choose their professor in Statistics or Programming.
2. Head of the Department(HOD)
If possible, consider asking your department head or a professor closely associated with your department who knows you well, either through teaching you or supervising your academic work or projects. Choosing someone familiar with your abilities allows them to provide an honest assessment of your strengths, character and potential.
A detailed and personalised letter can highlight your academic growth, initiatives, and suitability for further study, rather than offering generic praise. A recommendation from a department head also carries added credibility with admissions committees.
3. Academic Advisors
Academic advisors can be a strong choice for a recommendation, though they are often overlooked due to limited classroom interaction or uncertainty about their relevance. When an advisor is familiar with your academic journey and you have engaged with them consistently, they can provide a credible and contextual recommendation that reflects your consistency, challenges and growth.
This is particularly effective if the advisor has mentored you or helped plan your curriculum, as they can speak to your initiative and development over time.
4. Research Guides
If you have completed a final-year project or dissertation, your research guide can be an excellent choice for a recommendation. They are well placed to assess students involved in undergraduate projects, dissertations, or research work, as they understand your discipline, commitment, independent thinking, and learning style. A strong recommendation from a research guide can highlight your analytical, writing, and research abilities in detail.
For example, if your B.Sc. thesis focused on the impact of climate change, a recommendation letter from your research supervisor would strongly support your application for an MS in a related field.
5. Internship Supervisors
For professional or industry-focused programs abroad, such as an MBA, Marketing, or Business Analytics, a recommendation from an internship supervisor can be highly effective. They can provide practical insights into your teamwork, initiative and ability to apply academic knowledge in real-world settings, adding a valuable professional perspective to your academic application.
For example, if you have completed an internship at a digital marketing agency during your BBA and are now applying for an MBA in Marketing, a recommendation from your supervisor can highlight your strategic thinking and readiness for the industry.
Who NOT to Ask for LOR
Choosing the wrong recommender can hurt your application. Avoid professors who do not know you well, as their letters are unlikely to provide meaningful insights.
Teachers from earlier semesters or school years are usually not ideal unless you have stayed in touch or worked with them on recent projects. Relatives or family members in education should also be avoided, as their recommendations may seem biased.
Finally, make sure your recommender meets the university’s requirements and teaches a subject relevant to your intended program. A letter from someone whose expertise is unrelated to your field is less likely to strengthen your application.
Tips for Asking
Ask early so your recommender has time to write a thoughtful letter.
Give them everything they need, such as your resume and a summary of your goals.
Approach them politely and professionally.
Other Common Questions
1. How important is a Letter of Recommendation for my university application?
A LOR can strengthen your application by showing what others think of your skills and potential. Admissions committees want insights beyond grades or your statement of purpose.
2. What makes a recommendation letter stand out?
Strong letters use examples to show your abilities in action. Instead of vague praise, they highlight how you handled challenges, contributed to projects or demonstrated leadership and critical thinking.
3. How many LORs should I prepare?
Most universities ask for two to three letters. For postgraduate programmes, include at least one academic and one professional reference, if possible.
4. Can I get a LOR from my internship supervisor or work mentor?
Yes. For programs like an MBA, MS in Data Science, or Public Health, these letters show how you apply knowledge in real-world settings and demonstrate teamwork, initiative, and communication skills.
5. Should I waive my right to view the LOR?
Waiving your right signals that the letter is honest and unbiased, which can make it more credible to admissions committees.
6. Is it okay if my recommender asks me to draft the LOR myself?
This is common. You can provide a draft to help highlight your achievements and experiences, but ensure the final letter reflects your recommender’s genuine perspective and voice.
7. Can I reuse the same LOR for multiple universities?
Yes, but tailor each letter to the specific programme or university. Update details like programme names and relevant strengths to keep it personalised.
8. What if I didn’t maintain close relationships with my professors?
You can still get strong letters. Reach out to professors who taught relevant subjects and provide context on your achievements. Academic advisors, research supervisors, or project mentors are also suitable.
9. What if my recommender delays submission?
Send polite reminders and share deadlines in advance. Build extra time into your application plan to avoid last-minute issues.
Selecting the right recommender and giving them clear, helpful information can make your letter stand out and strengthen your application. Preparing your materials thoughtfully and choosing someone who knows your work well helps ensure your achievements are showcased effectively.
Are you unsure how to choose the right recommender or need help reviewing your letter? Fragomen Educational Services can help you by offering complete guidance for selecting the right recommender, proofreading LORs and structuring them to meet university expectations.
