1. Choosing the Wrong Recommenders
One common mistake students make when writing their LORs is selecting the wrong recommenders. Often, they struggle to differentiate each LOR, leading to repetitive content.
To avoid this, ensure each LOR highlights different aspects of your skills and experiences.
Example 1: Get an LOR from a professor who supervised your research project, focusing on your research skills.
Example 2: Another LOR could come from a professor who observed both your academic performance and extracurricular involvement. This LOR can highlight your classroom qualities (seriousness, punctuality, knowledge) and skills such as communication, leadership, and teamwork.
Example 3: A third LOR could come from an employer during your internship, emphasizing your abilities in a corporate setting.
By choosing recommenders who can speak to different areas of your strengths, your LORs will collectively present a well-rounded profile of your capabilities.
2. Choosing Reputation Over Personal Insight
Another frequent error is selecting recommenders solely based on their rank or reputation, such as a Head of Department or a Senior Manager. While these individuals may hold esteemed positions, they might not know you well enough to provide a detailed and personal recommendation.
Instead, choose recommenders who have worked closely with you and can offer specific examples of your strengths. A detailed LOR from someone who knows you well is far more valuable than a generic one from a well-known figure.
For more detailed information on this, check out the video below:
3. Overloading with Adjectives
Many students fill their LORs with adjectives like “passionate,” “punctual,” or “amiable,” which can quickly make the recommendation sound overly flattering and insincere. Admissions committees can often tell when a student has written their own LOR because of the exaggerated praise.
The key is to show, don’t tell. Instead of listing qualities, back them up with concrete examples. For instance, rather than simply saying you’re a great leader, describe a time when you successfully led a team project. Evidence and examples make the recommendation more credible and memorable.
4. Writing LORs that Are Too Long or Too Short
The length of an LOR matters. An LOR that is too short (around 200-300 words) can give the impression that your recommender doesn’t have much to say about you. On the other hand, a lengthy LOR (over 600 words) may feel more like an SOP and lose the reader’s interest.
The sweet spot is an LOR between 375-475 words. This provides enough room to share meaningful insights while maintaining a concise and impactful recommendation that will hold the committee’s attention.
To learn how to write an LOR, check out the video below (bonus sample explaination is included!):
5. Using an Unprofessional Opening
One of the simplest yet most common mistakes is addressing the LOR to “Whomsoever It May Concern.” This comes across as impersonal and unprofessional. Instead, start your LOR on the right foot by addressing it directly to the admissions committee.
Use phrases like: “To the Admissions Committee”, “To the Admissions Office”, “To the Admissions Officer”
This small change creates a positive first impression and shows that you’ve put thought into the letter.
If you’re looking for more guidance on writing LORs, along with other admission documents like SOPs, personal statements, and scholarship essays, check out my course Write Your Way to Study Abroad.
For students who already have drafts of their LORs, I also offer a comprehensive LOR Review Program that includes two rounds of feedback to ensure your LORs are polished and ready for submission.
Wishing you all the best on your study abroad journey! For any queries, feel free to comment below and we will get back to you at the earliest!
