What is LOR? Understanding the Letter of Recommendation

Many students come across this question What is LOR? as they begin their university application process. It takes more than good grades to gain admittance to your dream university abroad. The admissions committee is interested in learning about the ‘you’ beyond your scores, achievements, and test results. 

That’s where a letter of recommendation LOR really comes into its own. An LOR is a formal document produced by professors, employers, or mentors. It involves voicing all your strengths, character, achievements, and eligibility for a particular program.

Reasons Why LOR is Important?

LORs check credibility and assess real-life performance in the perception of a person who has worked closely with you, and what you have the potential to achieve.

What This Post Will discusses

• What the LOR is
• Its importance in study-abroad applications
• Types of LORs
• Format, structure, templates, and tips
• How to make an LOR request
• Common mistakes to avoid
• FAQs to clear all your doubts

What Exactly Is a Letter of Recommendation (LOR)

A letter of recommendation (LOR) is an official document written by someone who has taught you, supervised you, or worked with you professionally. It is an account of your skills and how they are used, performance, academic strengths, achievements, work ethics, and value systems.

Is LOR Necessary For You?

Yes, it is if you want strength to your sentiments and hard work manifested while pursuing your dream. It talks volumes about your success and the hard work you put into the journey. From then on, the admissions committee can use it to assess your abilities besides the transcripts and the resume.

What Is the Difference Between a LOR & a Resume or Transcripts?

A resume is a factual summary of your academic qualifications, work experience, internships, certifications, and achievements. It focuses on what you have done and lists your accomplishments in a structured, bullet-point format without interpretation or personal opinion.

An academic transcript, on the other hand, is an official record issued by your school or university. It reflects your academic performance through grades, subjects studied, credit scores, and overall academic consistency. Transcripts show how you performed academically, but they do not explain your learning attitude, strengths, or growth.

A Letter of Recommendation (LOR) adds a completely different and critical dimension to your profile. Unlike a resume or transcript, an LOR provides a third-party evaluation of your abilities, character, work ethic, and potential. It highlights how others perceive your performance in real academic or professional environments. Through specific examples and observations, an LOR brings depth, credibility, and a personal perspective that cannot be captured through grades or achievements alone.

Why LOR Is Important for a Study Abroad Application?

A strong Letter of Recommendation (LOR) plays a vital role in your study abroad application because it goes beyond grades and test scores to provide a personalized perspective of your skills and potential. Unlike transcripts and resumes, a good LOR highlights your achievements in a real-world academic or professional context, giving admissions committees insight into how you approach challenges and contribute to teams.

A well-written LOR should:

• Provide concrete evidence of your accomplishments: It should describe specific projects, initiatives, or results that demonstrate your abilities and dedication.

• Showcase your practical performance: Explain how you applied your skills in academic or professional settings, emphasizing problem-solving, initiative, and adaptability.

• Highlight key soft skills: Leadership, effective communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and collaboration are all essential traits that LORs can emphasize.

• Demonstrate readiness for international study: Admissions officers want to know that you are not only academically capable but also prepared for the challenges and expectations of a foreign university environment.

When many applicants have similar academic scores, typically in the 85–95% range – a strong LOR can differentiate you from the competition. It gives a credible, third-party endorsement of your potential and character, helping you stand out and gain an edge in the selection process.

What Are The Types of LOR?

1. Academic LOR

An academic LOR is written by faculty or heads of departments or faculty mentors who supervised the project work. They are needed for:

• Bachelor’s
• Master’s (MS, MA, MEng, MTech)
• PhD program

2. Professional LOR

Letters of recommendation can be written by anyone, team leads, managers, CEOs, and even internship supervisors—and are asked in terms of:

• MBA
• Executive Management Program
• Professionals with all experiences overflowing abroad

How Should You Structure a Perfect LOR? (Format & Template)

• Letterhead (if applicable)
• Date
• Salutation (To Whom It May Concern) 

Introduction

Aside from the recommender’s name, add his or her position, their duration of association with you, and their credibility.

Body Paragraphs

• Scholarship/Career Outcome
• Skill Strength, and Achievements
• Specific Project(s) or Responsibilities
• Attitude, Conduct, Team Spirit, Leadership

Conclusion

• Strong Endorsements
• Admission Recommendation

Signature of the Recommender

• Complete Name
• Designation of the Person
• Institution/Company
• Official e-mail ID

What Should Be Present in a Strong LOR: Essential Points

• The credentials of the Recommender 
• Duration and Nature of the Relationship
• Real Examples and Evidence-Based Achievements
• Quantifiable Result if Possible
• Key Strengths in Line with Your Course
• Academic or Professional Skills
• Personal Qualities
• Honest, Positive, and Confident Tone

Real University Expectations from LORs (Based on Official Guidelines)

Many leading institutions specify what they look for in a recommendation letter:

University	Official LOR Expectation
MIT	Focus on intellectual curiosity, research capability, and initiative
Stanford	Highlights authenticity, personality traits, and real impact
University of Toronto	Specific examples showing measurable outcomes
University of Sydney	Balance between academic and personal strengths

LOR vs SOP vs Resume: Understanding the Differences

Aspect	LOR vs SOP	Resume
Purpose	LOR validates skills through others; SOP explains motivation and goals.	Gives summary of skills, education, and experience.
Who Writes It?	LOR by professors/employers; SOP by applicant.	Written by applicant.
Tone & Style	Formal & evaluative (LOR); personal & goal-oriented (SOP).	Concise bullet-point format.
Length	LOR: 1 page, SOP: 800–1,000 words.	1–2 pages.
Content Focus	LOR: achievements & strengths; SOP: goals & program fit.	Skills, education, projects & work.
Impact	Builds credibility & strengthens application.	Snapshot of entire profile.

Acceptable documents

Most universities require 2-3 letters:

• Generally, 2 academic + 1 professional for Master’s;
• 2 professional recommendations for doing an MBA course;
• 2 academic for undergraduate courses. 

Common LOR Mistakes You Must Avoid

• Too generic and vague
• No concrete examples.
• Written and asked to sign.
• Spelling and grammatical errors.
• Overly laudatory without any proof.
• Using an informal or personal ID.
• Lack of recommender details or signature. 

Best Practices for Writing a Strong LOR (For Recommenders)

Writing an effective Letter of Recommendation (LOR) requires care, honesty, and professionalism. A well-crafted LOR can significantly strengthen a student’s application, providing admissions committees with a clear understanding of the applicant’s capabilities, character, and potential. Here are the best practices recommenders should follow:

1. Be Honest, Specific, and Professional
   Always provide an authentic assessment of the student’s abilities. Avoid exaggeration or generic praise. Specific observations and real examples are far more credible and valuable than vague statements. Maintain a professional tone throughout the letter.

2. Highlight Attributes Relevant to the Program
   Focus on qualities and skills that align with the applicant’s intended program. For example, if recommending a student for a research-focused master’s, emphasize analytical skills, critical thinking, and academic curiosity. If it’s a professional program, highlight leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.

3. Include Real-Life Examples with Measurable Accomplishments
   Back up statements with concrete examples. Mention projects, assignments, internships, or initiatives the student has completed successfully. Wherever possible, include measurable outcomes such as improved processes, research results, or team achievements to add credibility.

4. Use a Positive yet Realistic Tone
   Focus on the student’s strengths and achievements, but avoid overly laudatory or unrealistic statements. A balanced, positive tone that reflects genuine performance makes the recommendation more trustworthy and impactful.

5. Maintain a Clear Structure and Proper Formatting
   Organize the LOR logically, typically with an introduction, body paragraphs highlighting specific skills and accomplishments, and a conclusion with a strong endorsement. Use proper formatting, including letterhead (if applicable), date, salutation, and signature, to ensure a professional appearance.

FAQs: Your Most Common Questions Answered

• What does LOR stand for?

LOR stand for Letter of Recommendation.

• What does a letter of recommendation mean?

It is a formal document in which a recommender assesses your skills and eligibility for something.

• Why is a LOR important?

LOR is important because it endorses your abilities with the validation of a credible third party.

• How many types of LORs are there?

There are 2 types of LOR: Academic LOR and Professional LOR.

• What is an Academic LOR?

An academic LOR is a recommendation written by either a professor or academic mentor.

• What is a Professional LOR?

A Professional LOR is a recommendation written by any supervisor or employer.

• What are the differences between an Academic and a Professional LOR?

Academics emphasise academic performance; professionals emphasise work experience.

• Who may write a letter of recommendation?

Professors, managers, supervisors, and mentors may write a letter of recommendation

• How do I decide on a good recommender?

Choose somebody who knows you well and can give some specific examples.

• Can I ask my principal or CEO for a recommendation?

Absolutely, you may ask the principal or the CEO  if they really know your work.

• Can my family members write a LOR for me?

No, this is not permitted. 

• What is the ideal length for an LOR?

The Ideal length of LOR is 350–500 words.

• How many pages should a LOR be?

LOR can be for 1 page.

• What Font and formatting should be used?

Times New Roman or Arial, 11-12 pts, single or 1.15.

• Should a LOR contain specific examples?

Yes, examples really back up the credibility of the letter.

• Should a LOR mention weaknesses?

Not strictly necessary; rather, maintain a more positive approach.

• What are the common mistakes in writing LORs?

Common mistakes include Generic content, lack of examples, and grammatical blunders.

• How many LORs are required?

Typically, 2–3 LORs are required.

• Should the recommender use an official email ID?

Yes, official emails will add credibility.

• Can I submit the same LOR to several universities?

Yes, provided it is allowed, but tailor-made LORs are generally preferred.

• Can I draft my LOR and have someone sign it?

It is not recommended. It is unethical and poses a high risk.

• What if my reference does not have an official email?

They may use a personal ID, but will have to include details and credentials.

 

Author Name: Ankita Thakker

Designation: Founder & CEO of  Education Street