30 Days, 30 Hacks: Mastering Your US Master's Journey

Letters of recommendation (LORs) are an important component of the application process when applying to universities in the United States. They provide admissions committees with valuable insights into your character, abilities, and potential as a student.

TL;DR - The process of LORs has changed over time, most universities prefer to send your recommenders a mail asking them to submit a LOR for you, this means that the people you choose as your recommenders must be accommodating this request. Also always make sure that the recommenders you choose are people who recommend selectively, because if one person recommends more than 10-15 people for one cohort to the same university, the admissions committees tend to loose confidence on the recommender. Everybody likes to approach the person who is easily accessible but it is important to find people who are recognized for their work and have a selective attitude.

Academic Letters of Recommendation:

1. Source of Recommendation:

   • If you are a student follow 1:2 approach where 1 LOR is supposed to come from your internship Mentor/Manager and 2 from your Undergrad University Professor’s preferably the Head of the Department and a Professor you worked alongside with on any project/research paper.

2. Content Focus:

   • Academic LORs focus on evaluating an applicant's performance and potential in an academic setting. They may discuss the applicant's classroom participation, academic achievements, research abilities, critical thinking skills, and intellectual curiosity.

3. Relevance to Educational Goals:

   • These letters are especially valuable when applying for educational programs, such as undergraduate or graduate admissions, scholarships, or research opportunities.

4. Examples:

   • An academic LOR for graduate school might discuss the applicant's performance in coursework, research projects, and their potential to excel in a specific academic field.

Professional Letters of Recommendation:

1. Source of Recommendation:

   • If you are a working Professional follow 2:1 approach where 2 LORs are supposed to come from your seniors, including but not limited to Manager’s and Mentor’s and 1 from your Undergrad University Professor, this makes your profile holistic.

2. Content Focus:

   • Professional LORs evaluate an applicant's performance in the workplace. They may discuss skills, work ethic, teamwork, leadership abilities, problem-solving skills, adaptability, and overall professionalism.

3. Relevance to Career Goals:

   • These letters are typically used when applying for jobs, internships, fellowships, or professional development opportunities.

4. Examples:

   • A professional LOR for a job application might discuss the applicant's contributions to the company, their ability to meet deadlines, their leadership in projects, and how they interacted with colleagues and clients.

Here's why and how you should prepare for LORs:

Why are LORs important?

1. Objective Evaluation: LORs offer an objective perspective on your abilities and qualifications, as they are provided by individuals who have interacted with you academically or professionally. Consider this similar to the recommendations people showcase on LinkedIn, the bigger the tag the better it looks on your profile.

2. Different Perspectives: Admissions committees can gain a more holistic view of your qualities, as LORs typically come from teachers, professors, employers, or mentors who can speak to different aspects of your character and abilities. Try to reduce the overlap between a SOP, Resume and LOR, the more mutually exclusive these are the better the admissions committee understands you.

3. Credibility: Strong LORs can add credibility to your application and help you stand out from other applicants with similar academic records or test scores. HOD/Manager add quality to your application because they are at a much higher position.

How to Prepare for LORs:

1. Choose the Right Recommenders:

- Select individuals who know you well and can speak to your strengths, character, and potential.

- For graduate programs, choose recommenders who are experts in your field of study or professionals who can speak to your relevant skills and experience.

Example: If you're applying for a Master's in Computer Science, consider asking a professor who taught advanced computer science courses you excelled in or supervised a research project in computer science. They should be able to speak to your technical abilities and your potential to succeed in the program.

2. Cultivate Relationships:

- Build strong relationships with your potential recommenders by actively participating in class, asking questions, and seeking their guidance outside of regular coursework.

Example: Attend computer science-related workshops, seminars, or conferences and actively participate in class discussions related to computer science topics. Seek guidance from Professors on research projects or additional coursework to deepen your knowledge. Always follow a ‘T’ based approach.

3. Provide Necessary Information:

- Give your recommenders ample time and information to write a compelling LOR. Provide a resume or CV, transcripts, and a list of your accomplishments, goals, and the programs you are applying to.

Example: When requesting a letter of recommendation from a professor, provide them with your updated resume, a copy of your transcripts highlighting relevant computer science courses, and a statement of purpose explaining your specific interests within computer science and your career goals.

4. Communicate Clearly:

- Politely and formally ask for a letter of recommendation in advance, ideally several months before the application deadline. You should always have a LOR handy on university/company letter head, it adds a trust factor.

- If they agree, follow up with a reminder closer to the deadline and provide any necessary submission instructions or forms. Refer to TL;DR.

Example: Send a well-structured email to your potential recommender explaining your decision to pursue a Master's in Computer Science, your research interests, and your long-term career aspirations. Politely request their support in writing a compelling letter and provide them with application deadlines and submission instructions.

5. Thank and Follow Up:

- Express your gratitude to your recommenders for taking the time to write on your behalf.

- After submitting your applications, keep your recommenders informed about your progress and the outcome of your admissions.

Example: After being admitted to a Master's in Computer Science program, send a thank-you email to the professor who wrote your recommendation letter. Express your appreciation for their help in achieving your academic and career goals.

6. Waive Your Right to Read the LOR: (Critical)

- In most cases, it's advisable to waive your right to read the recommendation letter. This shows trust in your recommenders' evaluations and maintains the confidentiality of the letters.

7. Follow Submission Guidelines:

- Ensure your recommenders submit their letters by the specified deadline and follow the submission method required by each university.

- Ensure that your recommenders are aware of the submission process for each Master's program. Some programs may require online submission through their application portal, while others may request letters to be sent directly to the admissions office.

Remember that the quality of your LORs can significantly impact your chances of admission. Therefore, it's crucial to choose recommenders who can write compelling, detailed letters that highlight your qualifications and potential as a student.