My LOR writer has asked me to write my own letter and send it to them. How do I do that?

[779663]

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This physician basically said he will sign off on whatever I write provided it is true. I've never written a letter of recommendation before and don't really know what the length typically is, what the contents are etc...

What should I include and discuss? I feel like I have been gifted a fantastic opportunity and want to get the most out of this. It's not every day that the surgeon you shadow for a couple months allows you to write whatever you want on his behalf.

Also, is there anything I should include because i'm applying to D.O schools specifically?

 

[Labrat07]

It's a good opportunity but I think it's kinda unethical. IMO, for me it's not worth it for my integrity. Maybe it's just me. I had couple of my writers asking me that as well but I said firmly no. Sure you earn a lot from doing that but you also lose something that is really important. Just my honest opinion.

To answer OP question, @HopefulPilot give out good solution.

 

[oOKawaiiOo]

Life is already hard -- dont make it harder on yourself. Take this opportunity and run with it. Since the surgeon doesnt know you personally, shed the path towards a well-written LOR.

1. Go off of your resume: Are you participating in any volunteering/school activities that really exemplified a qualit(ies) med schools are looking for? (Motivated to help others, selfless, altruism, ability to work well with others, compassionate, able to remain calm under pressure, able to take criticism etc)

2. Talk about your work/personal ethics -- having integrity, being honest, eager to learn and improve.

3. Remember, this is a competitive process. The whole application process is unpredictable. Your strong LOR may be the capital factor to getting an interview and/or acceptance.

cheers.

 

[DrMikeP]

I always make people write their own rec letter first. It helps me to not miss things or mix up what student did what. It also means students are taking time to self reflect on what they learned and how that experience helped them grow and become a better future dr. Also realize many drs are extremely busy and are potentially writing a dozen letters for other people, which is time consuming.

Sometimes I delete things I don't agree with and often add much more and then paste it into my form letter. It's not unethical unless you write and submit it under the drs name without the dr even reading it or making any changes.

So sell yourself but don't say dumb stuff like absolutely the best student ever and was already able to perform most medical tasks just from shadowing.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

 

[JoeUSA]

This physician basically said he will sign off on whatever I write provided it is true. I've never written a letter of recommendation before and don't really know what the length typically is, what the contents are etc...

What should I include and discuss? I feel like I have been gifted a fantastic opportunity and want to get the most out of this. It's not every day that the surgeon you shadow for a couple months allows you to write whatever you want on his behalf.

Also, is there anything I should include because i'm applying to D.O schools specifically?

LOR should include a statement about the applicants knowledge, understanding and commitment to osteopathic medicine. The applicant should be able to demonstrate the same during an interview.

 

[bbbcccppp]

Completely ethical and very generous of them. They will be signing the letter. Do a gooogle for good letters. Don't be shy. Don't be humble here.

 

[Coltuna]

Completely ethical and very generous of them. They will be signing the letter. Do a gooogle for good letters. Don't be shy. Don't be humble here.

OP probably would've appreciated this advice last year.