Recommendation letter

Recommendation letter

Recommendation letter is another must do thing for study abroad. Generally at least three recommendation letter is needed for a graduate admission. Recommendation letters are letters written by professors who know you, assessing your capacity to meet the requirements of a program to which you are applying. They're supposed to help decision-makers to get a better picture of your potential. The most helpful letters come from teachers who have had considerable contact with you, especially in non-classroom setting such as research labs.

It is advised to take the recommendations from the direct teachers, adviser or supervisor instead of others. In some cases professional recommendation may be required in case of verifying the professional research experiences. I have taken recommendations from three of my direct teachers. One from my undergraduate adviser, one from my undergraduate supervisor, and another from a course teacher. In case of taking recommendation from a course teacher it's better to contact those teachers who have given the highest grade in the exam. Actually those teachers feel comfortable to write about you. Some topic should be highlighted in the recommendation letter. Those are :

Relation with the applicant ( Course teacher / Adviser / Supervisor )

Class performance

Communication skill

Interpersonal skills

Research experiences

Ability to learn and dedication 

I am leaving a link here about guidelines of preparing recommendation letter prepared by MIT admission committee [Link here ]. Hope it would be helpful. 

Sample recommendation letter : 

Date: 9 January 2014

Letter of recommendation

I am writing this letter on behalf of Jane Doe, who has been a student in my history classes for the past two years. During that time, I have found her to be both a strong student academically and a role model and leader for her peers.

Jane is the type of student who always takes the initiative to help out fellow students who may not quite grasp the material, and she does so in a way that is neither condescending nor boisterous. Though she is aware of her own intelligence, as evidenced by her willingness to challenge herself with honors courses and extra credit work, she has an air of modesty about her that makes her approachable and well-liked among her classmates.

In addition to being Jane's teacher, I also had the opportunity to serve as an advisor for the school community service organization she founded. Jane single-handedly organized group meetings to encourage student participation, and contacted local organizations to coordinate volunteer opportunities. Though I was her go-to person foradvice, I trusted her completely in managing the group on her own.

Jane would make an excellent addition to (name of university)'s Classof 2013. I recommend her without hesitation. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

(Signature)