Highlighting the Right Skills in Your LOR for Graduate Students

As a graduate school applicant, you know that your letter of recommendation (LOR) can play a crucial role in your admissions success. Admissions committees often rely on LORs to gain insight into your potential as a graduate student and to evaluate your candidacy for their program. That’s why it’s important to choose recommenders who can attest to your academic and professional abilities and who can highlight the skills that are most relevant to your chosen field of study.

But what skills should you ask your recommenders to highlight in your LOR for graduate school? Here are some of the most important skills to consider:

1. Intellectual ability and academic achievement Your LOR should emphasize your intellectual ability and academic achievement, including your GPA, research experience, and coursework. Your recommender can speak to your strengths in the classroom, your aptitude for independent research, and your ability to tackle complex problems.
2. Analytical and critical thinking skills Graduate school is all about developing and applying advanced analytical and critical thinking skills. Your LOR should highlight your ability to think creatively, reason logically, and analyze complex data. If you’ve demonstrated these skills in previous coursework, research, or internships, be sure to ask your recommender to mention them.
3. Communication and interpersonal skills Effective communication and interpersonal skills are essential in graduate school and in many professional settings. Your LOR should highlight your ability to communicate clearly and persuasively, both in writing and in person. It should also showcase your ability to work collaboratively and to build strong relationships with peers and mentors.
4. Leadership and teamwork skills Many graduate programs value leadership and teamwork skills, as these are essential for success in both academic and professional contexts. If you’ve demonstrated leadership potential through extracurricular activities, internships, or work experience, be sure to ask your recommender to mention it. Additionally, if you’ve worked effectively as part of a team on group projects or research initiatives, your recommender can highlight your contributions.
5. Professionalism and work ethic Finally, your LOR should emphasize your professionalism and work ethic. Graduate school requires a high level of dedication and commitment, and your recommender should be able to attest to your ability to meet deadlines, work independently, and take initiative.

When requesting a LOR from a professor or professional reference, it’s important to provide them with a clear sense of the skills you’d like them to highlight. Be specific about the graduate program you’re applying to and the skills that are most relevant to that field. Additionally, be sure to provide them with any relevant materials, such as your resume, transcripts, or writing samples, to help them craft a more detailed and effective LOR.

In conclusion, a strong LOR for graduate school should highlight your relevant skills and potential as a graduate student. By emphasizing your academic achievements, analytical and critical thinking skills, communication and interpersonal skills, leadership and teamwork skills, and professionalism and work ethic, you can help your recommenders craft an effective and persuasive letter of recommendation that showcases your strengths and potential.