Letter of Recommendation (LOR) for MS in Computer Science abroad

Why do you need an LOR for your MS in CS application?

You need to submit an LOR to highlight your traits and skills that cannot be conveyed to the university otherwise. Some of the characteristics that foreign universities or faculties look for in their prospective students for the MS in CS courses include:

• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Communication skills
• Ability to function well as part of a team
• Programming skills
• Dedication to the subject and interest in keeping themselves updated about the latest developments
• Desire to advance their knowledge

These are aspects of you that cannot be conveyed through your CV, academic transcripts or certificates. What better way to portray these than through a recommendation letter from a professor or an office superior? An effective LOR that highlights these characteristics will have the potential to influence the fate of your application.

What are the points to include in an LOR for MS in CS?

An effective Letter of Recommendation or LOR should give a well-rounded picture of the candidate. It should convince the admission committee that the candidate is one of the best among the applicants. Here are some points to include in the LOR:

• Outstanding academic performances or achievements
• Experience or expertise in any specific developer tools or programming languages
• Relevant projects carried out by the candidate
• The candidate’s performance in class and their potential for success in the chosen programme
• Their character traits such as their analytical skills, communication skills, inquisitive mind, dedication etc.
• A note on how the referee believes the candidate can contribute to society can also go a long way.

LOR sample for MS in CS

Here is a sample LOR for MS in CS. Please note that this is just a sample to be used for reference and should not be copied verbatim for your LOR.

Dear [Admission Committee],

I am a professor of [subject] at [college name]. I have had the privilege of teaching [subject] to BSc Computer Science students for the past [number of years] years. I am writing to recommend one of my brilliant students [Student’s full name] for the Master of Science in Computer Science program offered at your esteemed institution. In the last 3 years that I taught him/her, I have seen [student’s first name]’s dedication to the programme and his/her enthusiasm for advancing his/her knowledge in the subject.

I have been consistently impressed by [student’s first name] aptitude for computer science. He/she is one among the top 1% of students at our university. His/her thorough understanding of the basics makes it very easy for him/her to master challenging topics too. [Name] is a creative problem-solver and is not afraid to take on challenging projects. [Talk about the undergraduate project work].

He/she also demonstrates team management and communication skills during the 3 months of project work undertaken by him/her along with 3 others in the class. He/she brings impressive and innovative ideas to the table during brainstorming sessions in class. [add an instance during which the candidate demonstrated his/her skills]. When it comes to extracurricular activities, he/she gives tough competition in athletics. I do not doubt that she will thrive in the challenging and exciting atmosphere of an MS in CS programme at [the university name].

I strongly recommend him/her for the Master of Science in Computer Science programme and I look forward to witnessing him/her contribution to society.

Sincerely,

[Referee name]

[Referee signature]

[Referee phone number]

Downloadable sample LOR for MS in CS

1. Sample LOR written by a professor for a student looking to study MS in Computer Science abroad. [PDF, 78KB]

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Tips to choose your recommender or referee

An LOR should be given by someone who knows about your character traits and skillset and whose credentials carry weight. He/she should be a well-wisher who will be willing to set aside time to write a Letter of Recommendation for you.

Did you think of somebody as you read the last sentence? Why don’t you reach out to them and check whether they are ready to write a recommendation letter for your MS in CS programme?

Learn more about whom to approach for an LOR and how.

Tips for writing an LOR

• Once you decide on the referee, give them adequate time to draft the letter and make it easier for them by offering input.
• If you would like the LOR to be in a particular way and include certain specific points, it is best to give them a couple of samples for reference.
• Add evidence for the achievements and skillset mentioned in the recommendation letter. You can provide them to the referee or remind them of specific instances which you think might add value to the LOR.
• The letter should not be weak. The referee’s recommendation should be clear and powerful.
• Get help from international education experts who have experience sending thousands of students abroad. They will have a better idea of what will work and what will not.

You can simply fill out the form on this page and our experts will get in touch with you.

Check out our article on how IDP-owned Hotcourses India can help you realise your study-abroad dreams.

How to format an LOR correctly

It is best to follow the formal/professional styles for an LOR. Here are some points to keep in mind. Use:

• Black font colour
• Formal fonts like Arial or Calibri
• Standard font size of 10 – 11
• Adequate line spacing for ease of reading

The LOR should also have a proper introduction, body and conclusion.

FAQs on writing an LOR for MS in Computer Science abroad

What should an LOR for Computer Science contain?

LOR for Computer Science courses should mention the candidate’s interest in coding, app development, analytical skills, expertise in programming languages and projects undertaken by them. Read through the article for more details.

Who should write my LOR for Computer Science Bachelor’s programme?

Check whether the university has specified who should provide the LOR. If there are no specifications, you can get an LOR from your higher secondary teachers.

How many LORs are required for MS in CS?

Most institutions abroad require that candidates submit a minimum of 2 LORs. Some institutions might ask for more. Keep this in mind as you work on your application and hunt for referees who are willing to write recommendation letters for you.

How long should the LOR be for MS in CS applications?

The LOR must strike a balance as a very long letter may not be well-received and a very short letter may not provide a complete picture of the candidate. An LOR that fits on a single page is ideal. However, ensure that it covers the candidate's relevant skills, accomplishments, contributions, and motivations.