How exactly is the LOR system helping the graduate / PHD applicants ?

The Letter of Recommendation (LOR) system is an integral part of the graduate and Ph.D. application process that can significantly benefit applicants in several ways:

Providing Insight into the Applicant: LORs offer an external perspective on the applicant. They allow admissions committees to learn about the applicant's qualities, abilities, and achievements from people who have worked closely with them, such as professors or supervisors. These letters can provide insights that go beyond what is apparent from transcripts and standardized test scores.

Validation of Academic and Research Abilities: Strong LORs from professors or research advisors can validate an applicant's academic and research abilities. They can vouch for the applicant's performance in coursework, research projects, and their potential to excel in graduate-level studies.

Highlighting Soft Skills and Personal Qualities: LORs often touch upon an applicant's soft skills and personal qualities, such as teamwork, leadership, problem-solving abilities, and work ethic. These qualities are crucial in academic and research settings and can be highlighted through these letters.

Contextualizing Achievements: LORs can provide context to an applicant's achievements. For instance, if an applicant faced significant challenges or demonstrated remarkable growth during their undergraduate studies or previous research, the recommender can explain these circumstances and underscore the applicant's resilience and determination.

Demonstrating Fit with the Program: LORs can emphasize an applicant's alignment with a specific graduate program or research group. If the recommender can speak to the applicant's fit with the program's goals, research interests, or teaching philosophy, it can enhance the applicant's chances of admission.

Building Credibility: When applicants have LORs from respected experts in their field, it can lend credibility to their application. Recommenders' professional reputation and standing in their respective fields can reflect positively on the applicant.

Personalizing the Application: LORs add a personal touch to the application. They introduce the applicant as an individual with unique qualities and experiences rather than just a set of numbers and documents.

It's important for applicants to choose recommenders who can speak to their strengths and qualifications effectively. Maintaining good relationships with professors, advisors, and supervisors during undergraduate or prior research experiences can be essential in securing strong LORs.

In summary, the LOR system helps graduate and Ph.D. applicants by providing a holistic view of their qualifications, validating their academic and personal qualities, and enhancing their credibility and fit with the program. Strong letters of recommendation can play a vital role in the admissions process.

Shibajyoti Banerjee

If everything is decided by a referee who has the power to turn my admission decision, what is the point of submitting so many documents for verification ?

Not everyone has 100+ referee options. It's easier for the committee to click on an application reject button than it is for the applicant to get someone to write a couple of letters for a single admission.

Nobody is so free to keep writing letters as the candidate keeps ordering. Does that mean the candidate is incapable of higher studies?

Why can't the university do it by themselves if they are not convinced enough?

Also, Why is this thing confidential if it has the power to turn my admission decision?

I am an applicant, and I have the right to know what's happening at the back. It means they write things which may or may not be true. Does this include their personal frustrations as well?

It is an utterly nonsense way of judging someone's capabilities. If I have a conflict of interest with someone, he/she can damage my career.

Again my question, why are universities afraid of implementing a pre screening test / exam for the candidates if they are s bothered about candidate capabilities?

There are several opportunities nowadays where the admissions don't ask for reference letters anymore. they are gradually becoming aware of how much biased and bent this system is.

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