Submitting standardized test results, financial proofs, and a statement of purpose is usually mandatory when applying to study abroad programs. Are we overlooking something, though?
Yes, indeed. Letters of recommendation!
A sample recommendation letter is one of the requirements that foreign universities have for applicants applying to their MS in electrical engineering program. A reference letter needs to include all of the qualifications that are relevant to the course. A LOR must therefore be precise and thorough.
From how to construct an LOR to unveiling the tricks to writing an exceptional one, this blog covers everything. Whether you are a recommender or a student, begin reading!
For those who are unfamiliar with the process and require expert guidance, read this blog for starters and explore several Yocket Premium services to smooth the process of applying to international universities.
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What is a LOR
A sample letter of recommendation (LOR) for a master's degree in electrical engineering is a 500-word document that the universities seek from people who know the candidate. This document's primary goal is to demonstrate to the institution the applicant's professor's and manager's opinions.
Any essay, including a Statement of Purpose (SOP), often presents the candidate's perspective on the experience, accomplishments, and narrative. A LOR, on the other hand, provides a third-person perspective on the same journey. It is therefore essential for candidates to request LORs from individuals with whom they have closely collaborated.
However, what makes a strong LOR?
To assist you in creating a compelling LOR, we have compiled a list of simple-to-follow criteria. However, we must first investigate the kinds of LORs accepted by foreign universities.
Types of LORs Required for MS in Electrical Engineering
Primarily, two main types of LORs can be sent to foreign universities for admission purposes. Wondering what they are? Read on to find out.
1. Academic LOR
An academic letter of recommendation (LOR) is written, addressed, and sent directly to the university by instructors, project supervisors, mentors, etc. It emphasizes the applicant's academic career, including their successes, failures, and general development. If the recommender has been a project supervisor, they need to discuss the project's status and the student's involvement in it. Recall that the letter of recommendation must reflect the recommender's good opinion of the applicant.
2. Professional LOR
An academic LOR and a professional LOR are nearly identical. The drafter - the applicant's boss, employer, team head, supervisor, or senior - is the only distinction. A formal LOR must emphasize the applicant's professional and/or working abilities.
It's crucial to remember that the recommender can only mention qualities pertinent to their encounters with the applicant. For instance, the employer might highlight the candidate's punctuality and diligence, but unless the candidate was directly involved in the project, it might be difficult to sufficiently explain how the applicant contributed to and collaborated with the team on the XYZ project.
A set of three sample LOR is typically required by universities offering an MS in electrical engineering. It is advised that they consist of both professional and academic LORs. Academic LORs are usually favored by universities when it comes to MS programs in electrical engineering. That does not, however, imply that a professional LOR is insignificant.
Letter of Recommendation Guide for MS, MBA, and Others.
Now, let's dive into the details of how to write a LOR, tips to ace it, and LOR requirements by top universities!
How to Write a LOR for MS in Electrical Engineering?
Now that we have an idea of the different types of LORs, let us discuss how to draft them, the most crucial part! A LOR for MS in electrical engineering can be broken down into three sections - introduction, body, and conclusion.
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Introduction
The recommender should begin by briefly introducing and noting the purpose of the letter, which is to recommend the applicant for the program. They must cite their field experience but not give their names, yet. The referrer must also discuss their connection to the candidate as well as their general opinion of them. This validates their statements and lays the framework for the remainder of the LOR.
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Body Paragraph
Here, the recommender can discuss the applicant's strengths, accomplishments, relevant experiences, character traits, etc. that helped them stand out and make them a strong contender for the MS in Electrical Engineering program at that specific university. It is imperative to highlight the competencies and attributes pertinent to the curriculum and provide appropriate examples. These illustrations support the recommender's claims and increase the LOR samples' overall impact.
Furthermore, if the recommender was personally involved in the applicant's project, they may discuss it in detail. Explaining the applicant's contribution to the project and how it was essential to its success is key. However, keep in mind that the project must be pertinent to the course.
In addition, the recommender ought to emphasize the student's interpersonal abilities by bringing up their involvement in extracurricular activities and other similar endeavors.
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Conclusion
The recommender should highlight their thoughts on why the applicant is the most qualified for the program in this summary. Additionally, they can discuss how the program will help the candidate and vice versa. Lastly, they must sign off in the customary formal letter format at the end with the recommender's name, title, and contact information. They also need to indicate that they are available to respond to any additional questions that the admission committee may have.
How to Write an SOP for a Masters in Electrical Engineering?
LOR Requirements of Top Universities for MS in Electrical Engineering
What are the top colleges' LOR requirements for the MS program?
The leading universities, alongside the LOR specifications for an MS in electrical engineering, are listed here. Although these requirements are standard, it is advised that you review the most recent information on the official university website.
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University Name |
LOR Requirements |
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3 LORs |
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3 LORs with not more than 1 professional LOR |
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University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) |
3 LORs in PDF file format |
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Minimum 2 LORs required: 1 academic and 1 professional (if the applicant left higher education 3 years ago); or 2 professional LORs (if the applicant left higher education 6 years ago) |
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Minimum 2 academic LORs |
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3 LORs with at least 1 academic |
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3 LORs required |
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2 LORs with at least 1 academic |
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3 LORs required |
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No LOR required |
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Important Tips for Writing LOR for MS in Electrical Engineering
So, is there anything to be cautious of while writing a letter of recommendation?
Although we have covered the various forms of LOR samples, their structure, and university criteria for MS in Electrical Engineering, there are still additional factors that the recommender and applicant need to be aware of.
When writing your sample letter of recommendation for your master's degree in electrical engineering, keep the following points in mind.
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Clear and Succinct:
Vague LORs are strongly discouraged. Hence, it is crucial to ensure they are straightforward.
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Proofread
Grammatical errors give the wrong impression no matter how competent you are. Try your hardest to proofread the content twice to prevent these mistakes.
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No Plagiarism
Your application will be rejected immediately if it contains any plagiarism. Thus, take care not to plagiarize other people's work.
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No Informal Tone
A LOR is a formal letter, so remember to maintain a formal tone too. However, it should not be dull. Keep it formal yet intimate.
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Must Sound Diverse:
Since a separate recommender writes each LOR, they should all sound different. LORs will immediately lose credibility if they speak in the same tone or cover the same subjects.
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Discuss the Necessary Abilities
The abilities highlighted must apply to the program for which the candidate is applying. The following are the common competencies that might be included in an MS in electrical engineering LOR:
- Mathematical Acuity
- Drive to Explore
- Technical Expertise
- Circuit Design
- Critical Reasoning
- Programming Abilities
- Research Abilities
- Positivity
- Interpersonal Skills
- Communication Skills
- Leadership Capabilities
- Problem-Solving
- Work Ethic
If you have reached here, you are sure to write an exceptional LOR. However, don't quit reading yet. Finally, we summarise and unveil the do's and don'ts of a LOR that must be followed by the recommender and the applicant. Curious to know? Read on.
Common Do’s and Don’ts
The common considerations when selecting a recommender are listed below.
- The candidate and the recommender should have had personal interactions. A recommender who does not know the candidate personally cannot provide a flawless sample letter of recommendation (LOR) for an MS in electrical engineering or other courses.
- The recommender can only offer a favorable LOR if they think well of the applicant. A candidate who refuses to deliver a positive LOR must not approach that person.
- The recommender must also be open to offering assistance, as institutions may get in touch with them directly.
- It is ideal if the reference is from someone who is connected to the program the applicant is applying to, such as a professor who has published a research paper in the same subject or a senior who was an engineering student.
- The applicant needs to provide the recommender with relevant information. There may be situations where the candidate graduated a while ago. Professors might recall an applicant's demeanor and abilities, but they might not recall the particular grades they awarded or the intricacies of the project the candidate worked on. Therefore, it is the applicant's responsibility to give recommenders pertinent facts.
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Note: The institution normally disapproves of personal emails. They also undermine the LOR's credibility. Hence, you must supply the recommender's official email address only. |
From the Desk of Yocket
We recognize that drafting a letter of recommendation might be intimidating. Given the several steps, a student or recommender may become perplexed about what information belongs in a LOR and what doesn't. But don't worry, Yocket is here to assist you in comprehending the subtleties and creating a concise sample LOR for MS in Electrical Engineering that complies with the required format and standards.
Want end-to-end coaching or a customized service plan? Our knowledgeable and experienced counselors will assist you with everything to ensure that your study abroad experience is successful.
