As a high school student I was actually worried about writing my own letter of recommendation but I really found this video helpful thanks a lot for sharing it ❤❤
The most difficult parts when writing my own seem to be the following 1. Not being overly critical. Not necessarily humble but even reaching the humble stage. I'm very self critical and analytical, so viewing a purely positive side is . . difficult, as everything can be improved somewhere. Unlike professors I don't have the same amount of background to understand when something is realistically a strength in my chosen field, or purely my opinion of it being a strength. *this one is probably the most difficult of them all. Having examples might be a good way to make it less of a problem. Especially if I only need a few of them and can nitpick. So long as I avoid making comparisons it should end up fine. 2. knowing which topics to use. As you mentioned standard tropes like Hard Working in and of themselves are rather poor choices. They merely make a statement every other generic letter will also state. That doesn't help them stand out in a positive way, and if anything can be harmful. Since it shows a lack of understanding the person whom you're writing it about (if viewed from a teachers perspective). To the point you use generics rather than specifics. *I'd not even considered Resilience as an Option, or reliability. I'd considered using overcoming adversity as one of the options. Allowing me to pander to my own weakness of being overly critical and use that instead as a strength as a tool for growth. since in my eyes it's a very strong thing to have, especially when you're perusing a Masters program. Given the source of this particular letter I'll defiantly include reliability as it's something I've got extensive examples. It's also something the person who asked me to write it, would likely agree on. 3. The format and how to write it itself. I ended up with a list of possibilities even before divesting into details. However I had no idea of how to construct it directly. * The standard 1 page essay format, almost like a 5 paragraph essay with 2-3 points with evidence a conclusion and intro helps dramatically. As I only need to narrow it down to the 3 I'd like portrayed mostly and expand on those to a greater degree.
Amazing! Thank you so much for this detailed video. I am currently applying to a sonographer program. I feel I will get in without any hassle thanks to your video!
Hello and thank you for this video. I have been out of academia for over a decade. My school requires two academic recommendation letters, how do I navigate this? Also, if I have a former coursemate who is now a lecturer/Dean, can he write me an academic recommendation letter?
Hello! Thank you so much for your question. It is a challenge to find a reference writer when you've been out of academia for a while. However, I would strongly advise you to avoid asking your former classmate for a reference. Recommendations should come from individuals who were your superiors in college/university, i.e., instructors, professors, teaching assistants, etc. It would be wise to reach out to such individuals if you need an academic letter. Another option is to enroll in a couple of college classes, ace them and ask for reference from your instructors. Keep in mind that if you have been out of academia for a long time, most programs will take this into account. Ask admissions office at your program of choice whether you can provide letters from former or current employers, volunteer supervisors, and such. This is not uncommon. Good luck!
Hi Nadine, Thank you very much for this video, it really helped me understand how to process my prof's request. Will it be presumptuous to ask for a template for this letter as well? I had found a template of seven paragraphs, and while I try to chop it down to three tops, it does not seem to sit well. I look forward to your reply. Thank you once again.
Thank you so much for your comment. You can view samples of what your letter should look like here bemoacademicconsulting.com/blog/medical-school-recommendation-letters (scroll down to Medical School Recommendation Letter samples). Good luck!
السلام علیکم Is this relevant for the UCAS reference too? I am a private A Level candidate and when I asked my former maths teacher for a reference, he asked me to write it myself and that he will check and upload it. Is that fine?
Hello! Thank you for writing us. While there is a general structure when it comes to letters of recommendation, each letter will be unique, just like every applicant is. If you would like to get a general structure or some ideas of what usually is included in recommendation letters, check out this blog and read several recommendation samples for applicants to medical school bemoacademicconsulting.com/blog/medical-school-recommendation-letters Even if you are not applying to medical school, this blog explains what makes a good reference letter and, most importantly, helps you choose the right writers.
Hi Jon! Thanks for your question. The best way to start your letter is to address the reader who will be reading your recommendation directly. Do you know who this person is? Then you can address them directly by name, such as "Dr. Smith" or "Mrs. Rose".
Hello Rajanala! Thanks for your question! Do you mean if you can send a draft to your writer? You should be able to send it to them for approval. If you mean to ask whether you can send a draft to us, please contact us: bemoacademicconsulting.com/Contact-Us.php
Hello! Thanks for your question. Please find the text version in this blog bemoacademicconsulting.com/blog/how-to-write-a-letter-of-recommendation-for-yourself
Thank you for your comment! It's a great opportunity to take charge of your application and write a letter that truly reflects who you are as an applicant. If you would like some more tips, check out our blogs bemoacademicconsulting.com/blog/how-to-write-a-letter-of-recommendation-for-yourself and bemoacademicconsulting.com/blog/medical-school-recommendation-letters
Hello Now! Thanks for you comment. No need to despair! We can help! Please reach out to us for a free initial consultation bemoacademicconsulting.com/Contact-Us.php
professors that say to students to write their own recommendation letters are horrible. I hate this kind of person... they do have the time to write, they just don't want to help
@@BeMoAcademicConsulting I wrote my own recommendation letter after 2 years of unpaid research for this guy. There's no way he is that busy that he couldn't have added 1 word on his own. He just signed it. Maybe he was too busy to get me a good letter.... Still doesn't make it ok.
As a high school student I was actually worried about writing my own letter of recommendation but I really found this video helpful thanks a lot for sharing it ❤❤
OMG this is exactly what happened ! I thought it was just me, thank you for this! :)
You're welcome!
Me too 😭😂
Feel free to share your experience with us, Hussein! How did it go?
I️ didn't know it was this common :0
Me too
I was stressed and overwhelmed but thanks to you!
I don't worry about it anymore, instead I start writing one
Hellow Proud Merchant! Thanks for your comment. We are glad you find this helpful!
The most difficult parts when writing my own seem to be the following
1. Not being overly critical. Not necessarily humble but even reaching the humble stage. I'm very self critical and analytical, so viewing a purely positive side is . . difficult, as everything can be improved somewhere. Unlike professors I don't have the same amount of background to understand when something is realistically a strength in my chosen field, or purely my opinion of it being a strength.
*this one is probably the most difficult of them all. Having examples might be a good way to make it less of a problem. Especially if I only need a few of them and can nitpick. So long as I avoid making comparisons it should end up fine.
2. knowing which topics to use. As you mentioned standard tropes like Hard Working in and of themselves are rather poor choices. They merely make a statement every other generic letter will also state. That doesn't help them stand out in a positive way, and if anything can be harmful. Since it shows a lack of understanding the person whom you're writing it about (if viewed from a teachers perspective). To the point you use generics rather than specifics.
*I'd not even considered Resilience as an Option, or reliability. I'd considered using overcoming adversity as one of the options. Allowing me to pander to my own weakness of being overly critical and use that instead as a strength as a tool for growth. since in my eyes it's a very strong thing to have, especially when you're perusing a Masters program. Given the source of this particular letter I'll defiantly include reliability as it's something I've got extensive examples. It's also something the person who asked me to write it, would likely agree on.
3. The format and how to write it itself. I ended up with a list of possibilities even before divesting into details. However I had no idea of how to construct it directly.
* The standard 1 page essay format, almost like a 5 paragraph essay with 2-3 points with evidence a conclusion and intro helps dramatically. As I only need to narrow it down to the 3 I'd like portrayed mostly and expand on those to a greater degree.
It was very clear and informative. Thank you!
Thank you for your comment. Glad it was helpful.
Amazing! Thank you so much for this detailed video. I am currently applying to a sonographer program. I feel I will get in without any hassle thanks to your video!
Good luck, Nikki! Let us know how it goes!
Good to see it's not just me who had to do this! :)
Hi Miss Supriya! Thanks for your comment. Yes, it's quite common! Share your experience with us!
Fantastic video. Thank you
Hello and thank you for this video. I have been out of academia for over a decade. My school requires two academic recommendation letters, how do I navigate this? Also, if I have a former coursemate who is now a lecturer/Dean, can he write me an academic recommendation letter?
Hello! Thank you so much for your question. It is a challenge to find a reference writer when you've been out of academia for a while. However, I would strongly advise you to avoid asking your former classmate for a reference. Recommendations should come from individuals who were your superiors in college/university, i.e., instructors, professors, teaching assistants, etc. It would be wise to reach out to such individuals if you need an academic letter. Another option is to enroll in a couple of college classes, ace them and ask for reference from your instructors.
Keep in mind that if you have been out of academia for a long time, most programs will take this into account. Ask admissions office at your program of choice whether you can provide letters from former or current employers, volunteer supervisors, and such. This is not uncommon. Good luck!
Hi Nadine,
Thank you very much for this video, it really helped me understand how to process my prof's request.
Will it be presumptuous to ask for a template for this letter as well?
I had found a template of seven paragraphs, and while I try to chop it down to three tops, it does not seem to sit well.
I look forward to your reply.
Thank you once again.
Thank you so much for your comment. You can view samples of what your letter should look like here bemoacademicconsulting.com/blog/medical-school-recommendation-letters (scroll down to Medical School Recommendation Letter samples). Good luck!
السلام علیکم
Is this relevant for the UCAS reference too? I am a private A Level candidate and when I asked my former maths teacher for a reference, he asked me to write it myself and that he will check and upload it. Is that fine?
Hi Ashehal! Thanks for your comment. Yes, this can certainly apply to UCAS.
Thank you
Hello, thank you for video, do you know where I can get the best temples for my recommendation letter?
Hello! Thank you for writing us. While there is a general structure when it comes to letters of recommendation, each letter will be unique, just like every applicant is. If you would like to get a general structure or some ideas of what usually is included in recommendation letters, check out this blog and read several recommendation samples for applicants to medical school bemoacademicconsulting.com/blog/medical-school-recommendation-letters Even if you are not applying to medical school, this blog explains what makes a good reference letter and, most importantly, helps you choose the right writers.
Is there some better way to begin the letter other than "To whom it may concern"?
Hi Jon! Thanks for your question. The best way to start your letter is to address the reader who will be reading your recommendation directly. Do you know who this person is? Then you can address them directly by name, such as "Dr. Smith" or "Mrs. Rose".
can we sent a draft so that we get a rough idea ?
Hello Rajanala! Thanks for your question! Do you mean if you can send a draft to your writer? You should be able to send it to them for approval. If you mean to ask whether you can send a draft to us, please contact us: bemoacademicconsulting.com/Contact-Us.php
Is there a text version for this video?
Hello! Thanks for your question. Please find the text version in this blog bemoacademicconsulting.com/blog/how-to-write-a-letter-of-recommendation-for-yourself
Great tips, they were very helpful
So glad you found this helpful!
thank you soooo much that was very helpful
This happened with me!
Thank you for your comment! It's a great opportunity to take charge of your application and write a letter that truly reflects who you are as an applicant. If you would like some more tips, check out our blogs bemoacademicconsulting.com/blog/how-to-write-a-letter-of-recommendation-for-yourself and bemoacademicconsulting.com/blog/medical-school-recommendation-letters
Dam I really need help 😔😔
Hello Now! Thanks for you comment. No need to despair! We can help! Please reach out to us for a free initial consultation bemoacademicconsulting.com/Contact-Us.php
professors that say to students to write their own recommendation letters are horrible. I hate this kind of person... they do have the time to write, they just don't want to help
Hi Gabi, thanks for your comment. Some professors are very busy, so they just need a little bit of help in deciding what you would like highlighted :)
@@BeMoAcademicConsulting I wrote my own recommendation letter after 2 years of unpaid research for this guy. There's no way he is that busy that he couldn't have added 1 word on his own. He just signed it. Maybe he was too busy to get me a good letter.... Still doesn't make it ok.
So many hours wasted on this research for FREE and not even a recommendation letter at the end. He is so busy and my time must mean nothing