HKUGraduate Admissions' Letter of Recommendation Guidelines
Applyingfor graduate admission at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) requiressubmitting a letter of recommendation along with other requireddocuments. The letter of recommendation is an important part of theapplication that provides additional information about theapplicant’s academic and personal achievements. In this article, wewill guide you through the HKU Graduate Admissions' Letter ofRecommendation Guidelines.
Whatis the purpose of a letter of recommendation?
Aletter of recommendation serves as a testament of an applicant’sacademic abilities, personal qualities and accomplishments. In agraduate application, the letter of recommendation helps theadmission committee to assess the applicant’s suitability for theprogram they have applied for. A good letter of recommendation shouldhighlight the applicant’s academic merit, personal qualities, workethic, career goals and achievements.
Whoshould write the letter of recommendation?
Theletter of recommendation should be written by a faculty member or anemployer who has observed the applicant’s work or academicperformance. If the applicant has had experience in both academic andprofessional settings, it would be best to submit letters from bothemployers and academic referees. The referees should be able toprovide an insight into the applicant’s strengths and weaknesses,potential and performance.
Howto structure the letter of recommendation?
TheHKU Graduate Admissions' Letter of Recommendation Guidelines does notspecify any particular format that the letter of recommendationshould follow. However, a well-structured letter of recommendationshould have the following components:
1.An introduction that identifies the referee and their relationship tothe applicant.
2.A brief overview of the applicant’s academic or professionalachievements and their suitability for a graduate program.
3.A detailed description of the applicant’s key strengths, skills,work ethics and personality. The referee should provide specificexamples to illustrate these qualities.
4.An assessment of the applicant’s performance and potential forsuccess in the program.
5.A conclusion that summarises the referee’s overall evaluation ofthe applicant’s candidacy and gives a recommendation for admission.
Whatlanguage should the letter of recommendation be written in?
Theletter of recommendation can be written in English or the referee’snative language. If it is written in a language other than English,an English translation must be provided with the recommendation.
Whatare the other requirements for the letter of recommendation?
TheHKU Graduate Admissions' Letter of Recommendation Guidelines requiresthe letter to be signed, dated and printed on an official letterheadof the referee’s institution or company. The letterhead shouldcontain the referee’s name, position, address, phone number andemail address.
Conclusion
Theletter of recommendation is an essential part of the applicationpackage for admission to a graduate program at HKU. It providesadditional insight into the applicant’s academic, professional andpersonal qualities. Make sure to follow the HKU Graduate Admissions'Letter of Recommendation Guidelines and provide referees withsufficient time to write an insightful letter of recommendation.