Writing an LOR and coming up with an impressive document can be a challenging task. This is a benchmark in your MS applications, and a slight mistake or casual work can ruin your entire prospect of making it into your dream college. An adequate time and thought investment should be made in a Letter of Recommendation before you submit it to the University for assessment. We often make mistakes that cost us our application to the University! We have listed them below to avoid the chances of blunder.
- Individualism is a must while writing an LOR
Let’s elaborate on what we mean to describe the individualism of a LOR. Everyone can write a piece of document, a LOR! What makes yours unique? Copying them from the internet and then pasting them on your letter is the major blunder one can make! After all, this turns your LOR into something generic! Nobody will get attracted to a piece that does not bear a sense of individualism and uniqueness.
- Choose the right professor
Sometimes, the most incredible or friendly professor is the safest option to ask for a LOR. Someone who is referring to you must know you well. More than simply teaching you for a single semester is required to get their approval! Unless they have had the scope to observe you throughout the course, getting their approval will be useless. Such a LOR can be subjected to rejection from the universities you plan to get your MS degree from. A professor should also have a doctorate or a postdoctoral degree to approve the letter.
- Never repeat the facts
Usually, you will submit an SOP with your LOR. Your credentials will be specified in your Statement of Purpose already. If you continue dragging the same topic into the LOR, no one will be interested to read it. Remember that a LOR is not your resume; it is a letter of recommendation from your teacher promoting you for higher education while certifying that you are a worthy student. The same thing will only draw their attention to the write-up if you share fresh ideas and perspectives on your LOR.
- Always maintain a proper protocol
A proper protocol and structure must be maintained as you write the LOR for applying to your dream university. A letterhead is used and sealed in an envelope before being sent abroad. Standard protocols must be followed to convey a sense of discipline and etiquette by how you portray your documents. A formal representation always leaves a positive impact on the receiver.
- Stick to the relevant information
A LOR should contain all the information you want your referee to recommend. Suppose you are getting help from a professional to pen down the LOR. In that case, you must send them your SOP and resume to include the necessary information while excluding a repetitive attribute. Ample time must be provided to the referee so that the letter is up to the mark and not a result of haste. If the former referee cannot meet the deadlines, you should always have more referees for backup.
- Spelling errors must be avoided
When writing something as professional as a LOR, spelling mistakes are unacceptable. This shall be treated as carelessness if you do not go through your letter and revise it repeatedly. Once reviewed carefully, these spelling mistakes can be rectified before submitting the final draft.
Also, the word limit for a LOR should be around 600 words. Most universities will specify their word limit, and you should follow them strictly. A LOR that is too short portrays casual or last-minute effort and runs a high chance of being rejected. It should live up to the expectations of the University abroad.
