- Most graduate schools, including Duke and Princeton, ask for three letters of recommendation, though some programs accept two
- Academic references from your major field are preferred
- Submitting more letters than requested is discouraged and can weaken your file
- Address each letter to a named person on official letterhead wherever possible.
What Is a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) for MS?
A letter of recommendation for MS is a formal reference from a professor or supervisor that vouches for your academic ability, skills and character. Admissions committees use it to understand achievements a transcript cannot show, so a specific, well-structured LOR can strongly influence whether you are accepted to study abroad.
A LOR is a significant part of the application cycle when you apply to study abroad. Regardless of the country, college or programme you apply for, your recommendation letter can be a deciding factor in whether you are accepted. Samples help students structure the letter with their mentors so it is relevant, error-free and complete.
How to Write a Statement of Purpose for MBARead →What Is the Correct LOR Format?
A LOR follows a formal letter format: a salutation, an opening that states the recommender's position and relationship to the applicant, body paragraphs describing skills and experience with specific examples, and a closing paragraph with a strong endorsement, contact details and a genuine signature on official letterhead.
The format includes the points required for a professional recommendation and reflects the thoughts of the applicant. A good letter shows the recommender how to present the student clearly and without error, which is what makes the format so important.
- Write the salutation, then the name of the student or employer, with the recommender's name at the end.
- The opening paragraph should state the applicant's position and personality.
- The body of the letter should cover skills, experience and the recommender's assessment of the applicant.
- Describe your relationship with the applicant and how long you have known them.
- The concluding paragraph should give a strong, promising endorsement.
How Do You Write a LOR for MS?
To write a LOR for MS, open by stating why you are writing, explain how you know the applicant, then provide a personal assessment of their skills and achievements with concrete examples. Close by thanking the committee and adding your title and signature. A strong letter often runs to a second page.
- Paragraph 1: State why you are writing the letter.
- Paragraph 2: Explain how you know the applicant.
- Paragraph 3: Provide a personal assessment with specific examples.
- Paragraph 4: Thank the committee, then add your contact details and signature.
The length of the letter is often read as a measure of how strong your recommendation is, so if your recommendation is strong the letter can extend to a second page. Include any position titles, such as faculty appointments, in your signature. Real signatures are preferred over digital ones.
Letter of Recommendation Guide with TemplatesRead →What Does a Strong LOR Sample Look Like?
A strong LOR sample names the specific class or project shared with the applicant, gives evidence of their standout qualities, and ends with an unqualified recommendation. The example below, written by an English teacher for a former student, shows how concrete anecdotes make a recommendation far more persuasive than generic praise.
To whom it may concern, I had the pleasure of teaching ABC in her 11th-grade honors English class at Mark Twain High School. From the first day of class, ABC impressed me with her ability to articulate difficult concepts and texts, her sensitivity to the nuances within the literature, and her ideas for reading, writing and creative expression, both in and out of the classroom. She is a talented literary critic and poet, and she has my highest recommendation as a student and writer. ABC produced an extraordinary year-long thesis paper on creative identity development, comparing works from three different periods and synthesising cultural and historical perspectives to inform her analysis. When called upon to give her thesis defense in front of her peers, she spoke clearly and responded to questions thoughtfully. Throughout the year she was an active participant in discussions and always supported her peers. I am certain ABC will continue to do great and creative things, and I highly recommend her for admission to your program. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Sincerely, XYZ, English Teacher, Mark Twain High School.
What Is a Good LOR Sample for MS in Computer Science?
A good LOR for MS in Computer Science highlights the applicant's grasp of core subjects like data structures, algorithms and networks, plus project or coding-competition achievements. The sample below, from a professor who taught the student for four semesters, shows how technical detail and real examples build a convincing case for admission.
To Whom It May Concern, I am pleased to recommend ABC for an MS in Computer Science at your esteemed university. ABC has been my student for four continuous semesters, during which I taught him Data Structures, Computer Networks and Computer Graphics. He is a fine student in terms of aptitude, hard work and motivation. Intelligent, sincere and conscientious, he has maintained a good academic record in my courses, with clear concepts and strong fundamentals that let him grasp new topics with relative ease. Data Structures, Sorting and Searching form the foundation of programming, and he handled these concepts well, applying them in innovative ways during a third-year project on Distributed Computing. He was also active in the college technology scene, helping build software to solve linear equations using C++ and placing second in a coding competition at the annual technical festival. Although he fell seriously ill in his second year, he worked hard and cleared all examinations. An independent thinker who keeps himself updated on the latest developments, ABC has my strong recommendation for admission to graduate studies. Regards, XYZ, Professor, College.
What Does a LOR Sample for MS in Mechanical Engineering Look Like?
A Mechanical Engineering LOR should cover the applicant's command of core subjects such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer, alongside practical and project work. The sample below, written by a professor who taught the student across several semesters, demonstrates how classroom performance and hands-on interest together strengthen an application.
To whom it may concern, I am pleased to recommend ABC for the Master's programme at your university. I have known him for the past three years, teaching him Applied Thermodynamics (Semester 3), Thermal Engineering (Semester 4) and Fluid Mechanics (Semester 5), and I have also supervised his laboratory work. What struck me instantly was his commitment and his desire to achieve excellence in whatever he undertakes. In all my classes, ABC has been an active participant in discussions and has excelled in the subjects I taught him, consistently securing above 65 percent. He submits his assignments and project reports well before deadlines and has a keen interest in the practical application of the subject, which has strengthened his base. He has also served as cultural secretary of the college student council and organised events and festivals exceptionally well. I believe his strong grasp of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and heat-mass transfer will hold him in good stead. He has the knowledge and skillset to excel in this course and will blend well into the new environment. Hence, I strongly recommend him for admission to your university. Regards, XYZ, Senior Professor, College.
SOP for Data Science with SamplesRead →What Is a Good LOR Sample for MBA?
A good MBA LOR comes from a manager or supervisor who can speak to leadership, teamwork and measurable business impact. It should give concrete examples of the applicant's contributions and results. The sample below, written by a direct supervisor, shows how workplace achievements translate into a strong case for a management program.
To Whom It May Concern, I would like to recommend Becky James for your MBA program. Becky has worked as my assistant for the last three years, moving steadily toward her goal of enrolling in an MBA by building her interpersonal skills, honing her leadership ability and gaining hands-on experience in operations management. As her direct supervisor, I have seen her demonstrate strong critical thinking and the leadership capabilities needed for success in the management field. She has helped our company achieve many goals through her valuable input and persistent dedication to our strategy. This year, for example, Becky analysed our production schedule and suggested an effective plan to manage bottlenecks, helping us minimise scheduled and unscheduled downtime. Though she is my assistant, she has risen to an unofficial leadership role; when colleagues are unsure what to do, they often turn to her for thoughtful advice and support. She is kind, humble and comfortable in a leadership role, and I highly recommend her for your program. Sincerely, Allen Barry, Operations Manager, Tri-State Widget Productions.
How Should a LOR for an Undergraduate Be Written?
An undergraduate LOR is usually written by a college professor who knows the student's classroom behaviour and academic potential. It should highlight motivation, analytical ability and communication skills with specific examples, and be checked and signed before submission. The sample below shows how to recommend a student for graduate studies abroad.
To whom it may concern, It gives me great pleasure to describe the potential of ABC for graduate studies at your esteemed university. She is a very sincere and diligent student with sufficient motivation to excel in her chosen field, and she has shown innovative thoughts and an ability to think from a non-conventional point of view. I have personally seen a keen urge in her to understand engineering concepts beyond the theory, which reflects her potential for research. ABC has a very amicable disposition, making her approachable and easy to communicate with. She is fluent in English and can lucidly express her ideas. I agree with her decision to pursue graduate studies and strongly recommend her for admission with suitable financial assistance at your esteemed university. Sincerely, Prof. XYZ.
What Does a LOR Sample from an Employer Look Like?
An employer LOR states the recommender's position and how long they supervised the applicant, then describes work qualities, skills and achievements with examples. It should mention reliability, teamwork and initiative. The sample below, written by a manager, shows how a workplace reference supports a job or study-abroad application.
To Whom It May Concern, This letter is my recommendation for ABC. Until recently I was her immediate supervisor for several years, and I have known her to be consistently pleasant and dedicated to every assignment. Besides being a joy to work with, ABC is a take-charge person who can present creative ideas and communicate their benefits. She developed several marketing plans for our company that increased profit. Though she was an asset to our marketing efforts, ABC was also extraordinarily helpful in other areas of the company. In addition to writing effective training modules for sales representatives, she took on a leadership role in sales meetings, inspiring and motivating other employees. She is a team player who would make a great difference to any organisation, and I highly recommend her. Sincerely, Sharon Farel, Marketing Manager, ABC Productions.