Worst Letter of Recommendation I have seen in 2024 - LOR Nightmare

Summary

This video offers essential guidance on writing an effective Letter of Recommendation (LOR) for university applications. It emphasizes the importance of choosing the right recommender—someone who knows you well—rather than high-ranking figures like principals or CEOs. The video advises against generic superlatives, urging the inclusion of specific examples and anecdotes to demonstrate your strengths. Additionally, it encourages addressing any weaknesses in your profile honestly, using the recommender's credibility to explain challenges constructively. The video concludes by outlining the ideal structure for an LOR and how to ensure it highlights your fit for the program you're applying to.

Takeaways

• 😀 Don't take a letter of recommendation from someone who doesn't know you well, like a principal or CEO. Choose someone who interacts with you directly, such as an assistant professor or a direct supervisor.
• 😀 Avoid general and replaceable adjectives like 'hardworking' or 'intelligent.' Instead, provide specific examples and anecdotes that showcase the applicant's qualities and actions.
• 😀 Never use superlatives without context. Terms like 'best' or 'most hardworking' make the letter sound formulaic and not personalized.
• 😀 Be honest about the applicant’s weaknesses or areas for growth. Mention any challenges they faced, but also highlight how they worked to overcome them.
• 😀 Use concrete stories to illustrate every key quality mentioned in the letter. For example, instead of stating 'hardworking,' share a story of the applicant demonstrating this trait.
• 😀 Be transparent about the relationship between the recommender and the applicant. Clearly explain who they are and how they know the applicant.
• 😀 Ensure that the letter is specific to the applicant. A generic letter that could apply to anyone is not helpful. Personal details and examples make the letter more impactful.
• 😀 Don't rely on templates. A good letter of recommendation should not simply replace names in a generic template. It should provide a tailored, individualized perspective.
• 😀 If an applicant has weak grades or challenges in a subject, the recommender can use their credibility to explain the situation in a constructive way. For example, mentioning how the applicant improved after additional help.
• 😀 A letter of recommendation should be transparent and honest, showing the true self of the applicant. An honest and realistic letter has a better chance of resonating with the admissions committee.

Q & A

Why shouldn't you ask your principal or dean to write a letter of recommendation?

Principals and deans manage large numbers of students and may not know you well enough to write a personalized letter. It’s better to ask someone who has worked closely with you, such as an assistant professor, who can provide more specific insights into your abilities and character.

What is wrong with using general statements like 'hardworking' or 'intelligent' in a letter of recommendation?

General statements like 'hardworking' or 'intelligent' are replaceable and don't provide unique insight into the applicant. Instead, the letter should focus on specific anecdotes or examples that demonstrate these traits in action, making the letter more personalized and impactful.

How should weaknesses be handled in a letter of recommendation?

Weaknesses can be included as long as they are framed within the context of personal growth. The professor should explain how the applicant faced challenges, what steps they took to improve, and how they showed progress or overcame the difficulties. This adds credibility and shows a well-rounded view of the applicant.

Why is it important to give examples in a letter of recommendation?

Examples are crucial because they provide concrete evidence of the applicant’s skills and qualities. Instead of vague adjectives, the recommender should describe specific situations where the student demonstrated traits like leadership, problem-solving, or perseverance. This makes the letter much more compelling and believable.

What should a letter of recommendation include to highlight the relationship between the recommender and the applicant?

The letter should clearly explain how the recommender knows the applicant, such as through a specific course, research project, or professional interaction. This helps the admissions committee understand the context of the recommendation and the credibility of the recommender.

How can a letter of recommendation help an applicant overcome a low grade or a weak subject?

A recommender can use their credibility to explain a low grade or weak subject in a more favorable light. For example, if an applicant struggled in a subject but made significant effort to improve, the recommender should describe these efforts and frame the outcome as a sign of determination, which can turn a seemingly negative point into a positive.

What role do the specific goals and future plans of the applicant play in the letter of recommendation?

The recommender can discuss how the applicant's skills and experiences align with their future goals and explain why the program or university is a good fit for them. This shows that the applicant has a clear vision for their future and that the recommender understands and supports this vision.

Why is it important for the letter of recommendation to be honest and transparent?

Honesty adds credibility to the letter. Admissions committees are experienced and can tell when a letter is overly polished or insincere. By being transparent about the applicant’s strengths and areas for improvement, the recommender gives a more realistic and trustworthy account of the applicant's capabilities.

What should be included in the opening of a letter of recommendation?

The opening should include a clear introduction of the recommender, including their name, position, and relationship with the applicant. This establishes the recommender’s credibility and sets the context for the recommendation.

How can mentioning specific professors or future academic plans in the letter of recommendation enhance the applicant’s chances?

If the recommender is aware of the applicant’s future academic plans or professors at the university they are applying to, they can strengthen the letter by mentioning these connections. For example, if the recommender is familiar with the courses or professors at the university and sees a clear fit between the applicant’s interests and the program, it reinforces the applicant’s suitability and commitment to the field.