A well-crafted Letter of Recommendation is not just a formality—it is a powerful testimonial that validates your academic ability, character, and potential. While your CV and personal statement give your perspective, LoRs serve as an external voice of credibility, helping committees understand how others perceive you in professional or academic settings.
🔹 What Exactly Is a Letter of Recommendation?
It is a written document provided by someone who has worked closely with you (professor, academic advisor, employer, or mentor) and can vouch for your skills, achievements, and suitability for the program or scholarship.
🔹 Who Should Write Your Letter of Recommendation?
Choosing the right referee is just as important as what is written in the letter.
✅ Ideal Recommenders:
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Professors who taught you relevant subjects.
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Academic supervisors from research projects or theses.
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Employers (if work experience is significant for the program).
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Mentors who have guided you in academic or professional development.
❌ Not Recommended:
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Family members or relatives.
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Friends or colleagues at the same level.
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Influential people (politicians, high-ranking officials) who don’t know you well personally.
🔹 Structure of a Strong Letter of Recommendation (LoR)
A professional LoR usually follows this structure:
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Header & Greeting
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Recommender’s name, position, institution/company, contact details.
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Date.
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Proper salutation: “To the Scholarship Selection Committee” or “To Whom It May Concern”.
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Introduction
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State the relationship with the candidate.
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Mention how long and in what capacity the recommender has known the applicant.
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Body (Core Evaluation)
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Highlight academic strengths, professional qualities, and personal traits.
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Provide specific examples (project handled, research skills, leadership instances).
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Compare the student with peers (if appropriate).
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Closing Endorsement
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Strong recommendation statement.
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Willingness to provide further details.
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Signature and official designation.
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🔹 Common Mistakes Applicants Make
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Asking the wrong person – A “big name” recommender who barely knows you is worse than a lecturer who has taught you well.
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Generic letters – Avoid vague, template-like letters without a personal touch.
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Last-minute requests – Giving your recommender little time leads to rushed, weak letters.
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Overloading recommenders – Handing them too many points to cover makes letters unstructured.
🔹 How to Secure a Winning Letter of Recommendation
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Ask early (at least 1–2 months before the deadline).
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Provide guidance: Share your CV, SOP, and achievements to help them write.
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Highlight key points you’d like them to focus on.
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Follow up politely and always show gratitude.
🔹 Example Snippet from a Strong Letter of Recommendation
“I have taught Sarah Johnson in three advanced-level courses during her undergraduate studies at XYZ University. Sarah stands out among the top 5% of students I have taught in my 15 years of experience. Her critical thinking, leadership in research projects, and collaborative spirit make her exceptionally suited for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Programme. I am confident she will excel and contribute significantly to the academic community.”
📌 Remember: A well-written LoR adds credibility to your story. It is your recommender’s voice aligning with yours to convince the selection committee.
