How to write a letter of recommendation for Nepalese students
For Nepalese students applying to universities abroad, a letter of recommendation (LOR) can be the golden ticket that sets them apart from thousands of applicants. But writing one can often feel overwhelming, for both the student requesting it and the recommender preparing it.
Universities in countries like the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Australia highly value recommendations as they provide a third-person perspective on a student’s strengths, achievements and potential.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about LORs, from what they are and why they matter, to the exact steps of writing one, mistakes to avoid and even a sample for Nepalese students.
What is a letter of recommendation (LOR)?
A letter of recommendation is always written by somebody acquainted with the student’s academic or working history, who can adequately guarantee the student’s competencies and accomplishments, as well as their personality. It’s usually requested as part of a graduate school, master’s program or scholarship application to study in another country.
Typically, a LOR can be written by:
- Professors or teachers who evaluate the student’s academic performance and intellectual potential
- Employers or supervisors who highlight the student’s professional experience and work ethic
- Mentors or advisors who can detail the student’s personal qualities, leadership abilities or social contributions
Why are LORs important for Nepalese students?
Universities are flooded with thousands of applications every year, and a well-written LOR can distinguish an applicant from others by providing both personal and professional insight. Quite often, this letter is a deciding factor among equally meritorious candidates.
Here’s an LOR is important for Nepalese students:
- Strengthens university applications: A strong letter of recommendation provides an external perspective that adds depth to a student’s application and makes it more trustworthy to admissions officers.
- Highlights academic and professional achievements: An LOR adds context to grades by describing how a student excelled in research, internships or professional contributions.
- Demonstrates personal qualities: A LOR highlights personal qualities such as leadership, teamwork and adaptability, which show readiness to succeed in diverse environments.
- Increases chances for scholarships: A strong endorsement from a professor or employer in an LOR can significantly increase a student’s chances of securing scholarships.
- Builds credibility and trust: A recommendation letter validates a student’s abilities and character, building credibility and reassuring universities of their potential.
What are the types of letters of recommendation?
Not all LORs are the same. Depending on the program or university, students may be requested to provide one or both of the following types.
1. Academic letter of recommendation
A scholarly LOR is provided by teachers, professors or academic coordinators and is written about the student’s intellectual abilities and knowledge in the field, as well as future academic prospects. An LOR for master’s admission in computer science can explain the student’s research abilities and project contribution, as well as classroom performance.
2. Professional letter of recommendation
A professional letter of recommendation is provided by managers or employers and presents a student’s working achievements, leadership qualities and technical or managerial skills. For instance, a student hoping to pursue an MBA may have their supervisor detail the student’s ability to manage projects or to team.
Common mistakes to avoid when writing a LOR
When writing a letter of recommendation (LOR), it’s important to avoid mistakes that can weaken the strength of the letter as well as undermine the effect. Steer clear of these to write a letter that’s professional, legitimate and in support of the student’s application.
- Being too generic: Writing vague statements without specific examples makes the letter less convincing and fails to highlight the student’s unique strengths.
- Overloading with excessive details: Including too much information can overwhelm the reader and make the letter unfocused instead of impactful.
- Focusing only on academics: A good LOR should also emphasize personal qualities, leadership and extracurricular involvement, not just academic achievements.
- Poor structure or organization: A disorganized letter with no clear flow can confuse the reader and diminish the strength of your recommendation.
- Grammatical or spelling errors: Errors look unprofessional and can hurt the credibility of the recommender.
- Missing contact information: Failing to include your email or phone number prevents the admissions team from reaching out for further clarification if needed.
Sample of LOR for Nepalese students
Here’s an example:
Letter of recommendation for Ramesh Shrestha
My name is Sushma Adhikari, and I am the director of the Department of Life Sciences at Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal. It gives me immense pleasure to write this letter of recommendation for Ramesh Shrestha, an exceptional undergraduate student who pursued a B.Sc. in life sciences at our university. I had the privilege of teaching and supervising Ramesh for four years during his undergraduate studies, and I consistently found him to be an exceptionally dedicated and hardworking student.
Ramesh has impressed both me and other faculty members with his all-around performance. He consistently ranked among the top students in the university for four consecutive years and always supported his peers in achieving their academic goals. This demonstrates not only his intellectual ability but also his eagerness to help others. I particularly recall a lecture where I posed a challenging question, and Ramesh was the only student who confidently attempted to answer, showcasing his curiosity, courage and excellent communication skills.
What further impressed me was Ramesh’s B.Sc. life science project, which was both innovative and insightful. His research demonstrated remarkable command over scientific methodology and an ability to synthesize information effectively. Ramesh completed his project ahead of schedule, showing both discipline and respect for deadlines. Additionally, he excelled in group discussions, presenting his ideas clearly and persuasively, which reflected his collaborative spirit and leadership potential.
Ramesh has also shown strong leadership, teamwork and resilience. He captained our university cricket team and led the team to victory in a closely contested inter-university championship in Kathmandu, displaying excellent strategic thinking and team management. His performance on the field was always commendable, reflecting determination, sportsmanship and the ability to motivate others.
I am confident that Ramesh will bring the same dedication, intellectual curiosity and leadership qualities to your master’s program in life sciences as he demonstrated during his undergraduate studies. Therefore, I recommend him without reservation for admission to your prestigious university in the USA. I wish Ramesh every success in his future endeavors and am confident he will be an asset to your institution.
For any further information regarding Ramesh’s academic credentials or character, please feel free to contact me.
Yours sincerely,
Sushma Adhikari
Director, Department of Life Sciences
Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 xxxx xxxx
Email: [Professional email id]
Tips for students to secure a strong LOR
To guarantee that you obtain an effective letter of recommendation, you need to take charge and be systematic in the process. These guidelines help you support your recommender in writing a substantive and eloquent letter.
- Choose the right recommender: Select someone who knows you well and can provide specific examples of your academic, professional or personal strengths.
- Ask early: Request the letter well in advance to give your recommender enough time to write thoughtfully and avoid last-minute stress.
- Provide necessary information: Share your CV, academic records, personal statement or any relevant achievements to help your recommender write a more detailed and accurate letter.
- Highlight your strengths: Politely communicate your key accomplishments and qualities so your recommender knows what to emphasize in the letter.
- Maintain professional communication: Keep all interactions respectful and professional, and express gratitude for their time and effort in supporting your application.
- Follow up with updates: Keep your recommender informed about your application status and outcomes, as this shows appreciation and helps maintain a good relationship for future recommendations.
Final thoughts
A letter of recommendation is more than just a requirement; it’s a powerful tool that can significantly boost a student’s application. For Nepalese students aiming for top universities abroad, a well-written LOR highlights not just academic achievements but also personal strengths, making them stand out globally.
Plan early, choose the right recommender and ensure your LORs reflect your true potential. With the right approach, your LOR could be the deciding factor between acceptance and rejection.
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FAQs
What’s the ideal word count for an LOR for U.S. universities?
Most universities prefer a letter of recommendation to be between 400 and 500 words, but always check university guidelines.
How should a recommender begin a master’s LOR?
An LOR should begin with a formal greeting and a clear introduction of the relationship to the student.
How should a student ask for a letter of recommendation?
Ask politely and early, share achievements and clearly explain the need for the recommendation.
How should a writer end an LOR?
End with a professional closing, a strong endorsement and contact information.
Do universities in the USA verify recommendation letters?
Some universities verify recommendation letters by calling or emailing to confirm authenticity.
Does a letter of recommendation increase acceptance chances?
A strong letter of recommendation can significantly improve your chances of acceptance.
What are the student achievements and characteristics to include in a LOR?
A good letter of recommendation should include academic achievements, personal qualities, professional skills, specific examples and a strong closing statement.
