LOR:What Kind of Information Is Included?
The content of a recommendation depends on the type of program to which you are applying, and the format used. The type of degree program to which you are applying will make a difference in what your reference is asked to say about you. Your references may be asked to comment generally on your academic ability or specifically on your performance in coursework in a particular field. They may be asked to comment on your participation in class as well as your performance on exams or papers. A highly research-oriented program will want to know primarily about your skills as a researcher. If you are applying for graduate study in an helping profession like counseling, your references may be asked to comment on your interpersonal skills. If you are applying for graduate training in a profession, e.g. Business, Education or Nursing, your references may be asked to comment on your work in the field. Some programs have a form which they ask your references to fill out, answering short answer type questions, or asking your references to rank you among the students they have taught. Other programs ask for the same information in an actual letter format. Some programs combine the two they ask your reference to fill out a form, and invite them to make general comments in letter form.
