Do you want to study abroad? Are you hoping to secure a significant scholarship or study grant? Studying overseas requires a lot of planning and preparation which can be a complex, time-consuming and expensive undertaking. StudyOverseasNow.com are overseas education consultants that specialize in providing expert advice throughout the consultation and application process. We help students secure the best scholarships at the highest-ranked universities. Book a FREE Consultation with an experienced education & career counsellor to find out what overseas study options are available.
Universities can request a Letter of Recommendation to be included as part of the application process. StudyOverseasNow.com recommends selecting an individual from an academic background and someone from outside your school/university in a community setting. These letters will complement one another by detailing your academic, employment and community credentials.
Did you know? A well-crafted letter of recommendation can be the difference between securing a place at university or narrowly missing out.
<<DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION TEMPLATE HERE>>
Students applying to prestigious universities face strong competition from fellow international students and the local indigenous population. It’s common for universities to face a significant Supply Vs Demand in-balance. Thus, entry into specific courses and universities can be extremely competitive. Universities assess prospective students on an individual basis; however, assessments will be based on several factors which include:
- Nationality balance
- Gender diversity
- Equality in scholarship recipients
- Academic entry requirement {lowest vs highest acceptable band}
- Socio-economic backgrounds
- Relevant work experience
- Personal Statement or Letter of Recommendation
- Age of applicants within a course
- Extracurricular Activities & Sports Achievements
- The school/university you attended prior
You have a better chance of securing admission by including a Letter of Recommendation within your application. This document provides credibility and assists universities when selecting candidates with similar grades and profiles. A Letter of Recommendation can come from a variety of sources, these include:
- Headteacher
- Employer {The letter should be from a director if possible}
- Teacher / Professor {Ideally from an academic in the field you wish to study}
The Letter of Recommendation should contain specific information which strengthens the chances of admission. This document should be 1-page or 300-450 words. The document should focus on a variety of areas from academic skills to individual achievements, see below.
- Character Assessment
- Accomplishments achieved throughout school/university
- Involvement in extra-curricular activities
- GPA and academic ranking within your school/university
- The information which makes your application unique
- Describe how the university will benefit from your future enrolment.
Follow the advice below when selecting an appropriate individual to act as your referee.
- You have known the individual for at least 6-12 months.
- Provide your academic grades so they can be referenced accurately.
- Ensure the individual is happy to be contacted by the university for additional information if required.
- Ensure the feedback provided is favorable for your application.
- Ensure they have credentials within their field of research or industry.
- Try to select a teacher or individual with close links to the course you intend to study.
- Select an alumnus of the college or university where you hope to apply {if possible}.
Structure / Layout
StudyOverseasNow.com recommends using a specific structure and format to ensure the best chance of success. Follow the outline below or download the FREE Letter of Recommendation Template.
- The Letter of Recommendation should be on the official employer, school, or university letterhead.
- The Letter of Recommendation should contain the contact details of the individual.
- Use a font and size that is familiar to overseas universities; Calibri, Times New Roman or Arial are advisable.
- Use the correct spacing, typically 1.0 – 1.5.
- The document should be signed, dated and stamped by an authorized individual.
The Letter of Recommendation is a formal document; thus, structure and detail should be evident throughout. StudyOverseasNow.com suggests adhering to the format below.
Introduction
- Describe the referee’s position/role within their job.
- Describe the relationship between the student and the referee.
- Detail how long they have known the student/individual.
Content
- Describe the students’ academic background.
- Evidence of why the student would be an ideal candidate for the university.
- Describe any personality traits which the university would benefit from.
- Describe how the candidate will “add value” to the university and wider community.
- Evidence of any extra-curricular activities or community engagement undertaken.
Conclusion
- Provide a compelling closing argument to support the candidate’s application.
- Provide your signature, job title and contact details for any future dialogue that might be required.
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I hope you found the information in our blog useful. StudyOverseasNow.com are overseas education consultants that specialize in providing expert advice throughout the consultation and application process. If you would like to study abroad and hope to secure a significant scholarship or study grant Book a FREE Consultation with an experienced education & career counsellor to find out what overseas study options are available. We look forward to helping you start your journey to a brighter future!