Letter of Recommendation: Tips for a Strong LOR

A strong Letter of Recommendation (LOR) can meaningfully strengthen your application — but only if you approach the process the right way. Here's how to choose the right recommenders and help them write a letter that actually supports your case.

Who to ask

Choose recommenders who know your work well enough to speak to specifics — not necessarily the most senior or famous person available. A professor or manager who worked closely with you and can describe concrete examples of your abilities is far more valuable than a well-known name who barely knows you.

• Academic programs generally want at least one, often two, academic references who taught or supervised you directly.
• Work experience or MBA programs often value a professional reference — a manager or senior colleague who can speak to your workplace performance and leadership potential.

When and how to ask

Ask well in advance — ideally 4-6 weeks before your deadline — and ask in person or over a call where possible, rather than just by email. Be direct about what you're applying for and why you're asking them specifically.

Make it easy for your recommender to write a strong letter

Most recommenders are busy, and a generic request often results in a generic letter. Provide them with:

• Your resume or CV
• The programs you're applying to and why
• Specific projects, assignments, or achievements you'd like them to consider mentioning
• Any specific prompts or questions the application asks the recommender to address
• Your application deadline, clearly stated, with a reminder a week before it's due

What makes an LOR strong

• Specific examples, not general praise. "She consistently produced the most rigorous analysis in the class" is far stronger than "she is a hardworking student."
• Direct relevance to the program or role you're applying for.
• Genuine enthusiasm — a recommender who is only mildly positive can sometimes do more harm than good, so make sure you're asking someone who will advocate for you clearly.

A few things to avoid

• Don't ask someone who barely knows you just because of their title or seniority.
• Don't wait until the last minute — rushed letters tend to be generic.
• Don't assume a recommender remembers every detail of your work together — give them material to work from.

Following up respectfully

A polite reminder a week before the deadline is normal and expected — most recommenders appreciate it. Once your letter is submitted, a short thank-you note is a good practice, both out of courtesy and because you may need their support again in the future.

Need help figuring out who to ask or how to brief them? Book a free consultation and a counselor can walk through your recommender strategy as part of your application plan.