LOR & SOP
What is LOR & SOP?
LOR and SOP are two of the most important documents required while applying for admission in Universities and Colleges. Nearly all Universities and Colleges require a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) and Statement of Purpose (SOP) from previous academic institutions.
SOP is basically an essay required by Universities and Colleges while taking admissions, that states about the student's life, his reason and motivation behind choosing the course, and his goals towards life and success. SOP mainly is of two types – one is a question-based essay and the other is simply to state your statement of purpose.
A well-written SOP is extremely important for your admission. SOP is a part of your admission packet over which you have full control. Your SOP informs the admission committee about the real you as it consists of everything related to you. It tells about who you are, what is the motivational factor behind choosing your career path, your professional interests, and your future goals towards success and life. A well-written SOP is a golden ticket to your dream University or College. Some of the other factors where SOP works in your favor are
- Works as a tie-breaker with a fellow competitor.
- Having low marks in any subject.
- Prove yourself in favor of your choice of course.
- Explain the reason for any gap or weak area.
Writing a good SOP is not an impossible task rather with little care, concentration, and time, you can write a good one. By keeping the following points in view, one can write them easily
- Plan in advance to write your SOP and give it enough time.
- Once you are done with an initial draft then let your parents or friends read it.
- Collect their views to polish your essay to write a better version.
- Avoid any last-minute updates.
- Keep it simple and short.
- Be honest and logical.
Letter Of Recommendation (LOR)
A letter of Recommendation is a document or essay recommended by a previously attended academic institution in which the writer assesses the qualities, capabilities, and characteristics of the student. In simple language, it’s a document written in support of the candidate preferably by an academician. This letter is required by every University or College in which students seek admission. The person who writes your LOR should:
- Know you for a significant amount of time (at least one year)
- Have a good opinion of you, both personally and professionally
- Describe your work and character positively
- Know your educational and career goals
- Have the ability to write a well-written letter
A letter of recommendation (LOR) should reveal sufficient details and information that can help the admission committee in making its decision. It should always address the purpose for which it is written i.e. to discuss both the scholarly capabilities and personal characteristics of the candidate. It should give an overall picture of the candidate's personal characteristics, performance, experience, strengths, capabilities, and professional promise. If appropriate and after consulting the student, you might wish to mention a financial hardship or another factor.
How to Write a Good LOR?
Now if you are clear about LOR, we can continue with the steps to tell you how you can write a good LOR. The steps to writing a good LOR are given below in steps:
- Inform about how you know the candidate.
- Introduce yourself.
- Describe the candidate in terms that reflect their individual strength.
- Describe the individual’s qualities relevant to the course applied for.
- Keep it simple and short limited to page content.
- In case of insufficient information, tell only what you are in a position to tell.
- Present the person positively and truthfully.
- Give a professional opinion.
- Conclude with a brief summary with emphasis on your recommendation for the candidate.
Other Links
1. Requirement of LOR & SOP
2. LOR & SOP FAQs
3. Mistakes you should avoid while writing your LOR
4. Mistakes you should avoid while writing your SOP
5. Tips to write LOR for college admission
6. Tips to write SOP for college admission
7. LOR & SOP Requirements