Hey guys, need some urgent advice for my MS applications to Germany.
So I’ve got three LORs from my professors. They’re not bad… but they’re kinda generic and bland. No standout examples or personal stories, just the usual “hardworking and sincere” stuff.
I’m worried adcoms will straight-up reject me because of this.
For context:
IELTS: 7.0
German GPA: 1.97 (converted from 8.3/10 CGPA)
How much do German universities (especially TUs) care about LORs? Are they a big deal or is it more about grades and language scores?
Should I stress this much or just focus on my SOP and move on?
Your GPA is really good (1.97 is solid!), and IELTS 7 is decent enough for most programs.
From what I’ve heard from seniors here in Germany, unis care WAY more about your GPA and course alignment than LORs. LORs are more of a formality unless you’re applying to super elite programs or have a reco from someone famous.
TUs are super grade-centric. As long as your LORs aren’t negative or suspicious, you should be fine. Just make sure your SOP is strong and clearly explains your goals and why you fit the program.
So short answer: Don’t panic. Focus on your SOP. You’re good!
German unis are very different from US unis. They prioritize academics HARD. Your grades, relevant courses, and SOP carry the most weight.
LORs are just a checkbox—they want to see that you didn’t completely disappoint your professors. A generic “good student” letter is totally acceptable as long as your grades back it up.
That said, if you have time, maybe ask one prof to add a line about a specific project or assignment you aced? But don’t lose sleep over it.
Focus on your SOP and making sure your modules match the program requirements. You got this!
hey @candy_shoppp don’t panic. German MS admissions don’t treat LORs the same way as, say, US or UK schools. Here’s the deal:
German unis (especially TUs) are pretty numbers-driven. They mostly look at your GPA, IELTS/TestDaF, and how closely your coursework matches the program requirements. Your GPA (1.97 ≈ , very good) and IELTS 7.0 are solid.
LORs in Germany = formality. They’re usually not deal-breakers unless they’re missing, fake, or extremely weak (like just 2 lines). Generic “hardworking and sincere” ones are totally normal and won’t sink your app.
The SOP/Motivation Letter carries much more weight because that’s where you show fit, motivation, and career goals.
So no, adcoms won’t reject you just because your LORs aren’t glowing with stories. At most, they’ll glance through them for consistency with your profile.
My advice: stop stressing over LORs. Use your energy to polish your SOP—make it detailed, program-specific, and show why you’re a good fit. That’s what can really tilt things in your favor.
For MS applications to German universities, especially Technical Universities (TUs), LORs are not a major deciding factor. Admissions are mostly based on your academic performance, GPA, and language scores. Your German GPA of 1.97 and IELTS score of 7.0 are both acceptable for many programs. While strong LORs can add value, generic ones won’t hurt your chances as long as they are positive. It’s better to focus on writing a strong and personalized SOP, as that’s where you can truly make your application stand out. I hope this will help.
Hi, @candy_shoppp For German universities, especially the public TUs, LORs usually don’t carry as much weight as grades, academic fit, and language/test scores. Admissions there are often more formula-driven: your GPA (1.97 is strong), IELTS (7.0 is solid), and how well your background matches the program requirements matter far more. LORs are seen more as a formality unless you’re applying to a competitive international program with holistic review (like some English-taught MSc at RWTH, TUM, or Uni Stuttgart), where a strong SOP and focused motivation can tip the scale.
Generic LORs won’t hurt you, but they won’t add value either, so don’t panic. Focus on writing a compelling SOP/motivation letter that clearly connects your academics, projects, and career goals with the program. That’s where German adcoms actually expect to see your individuality and motivation shine. In short: your profile looks solid, and bland LORs won’t cause rejection, so put your energy into polishing your SOP and making sure your application documents are clean and consistent.
