What are the guidelines for letters of recommendation?
Format:
Letters of recommendation should be written according to the following guidelines:
- must be written in English
- on official letterhead of the writer’s organization or institution whenever possible
- include the writer’s signature/name and organization
- range from 500 to 1,500 words
Content:
Letters should reference the Penn Engineering Online program you are applying to and should not be reused from a different program.
Your letters of recommendation should be written by people know the applicant well and who have evaluated the applicant in some capacity and can write objectively about their aptitudes and capabilities in an academic or work setting. Examples of recommenders are current or former supervisors or managers, instructors, professors, clients, etc. Please note – recommenders should not be friends or family members. If choosing professional recommenders, they should be individuals who are above the applicant on the organizational chart, such as a supervisor, manager, director etc. They should not be work colleagues that are on the same organizational level as the applicant.
Due Date:
All letters of recommendation are due by the application deadline. Late letters of recommendation will not be considered and may disqualify the applicant from the admissions process. Please be mindful of the application deadlines.