PI says write my own rec letter

[FireMedic556]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Finally got in contact with my MS Biomedical Research thesis PI and he says he'll be glad to recommend me but he's not too familiar with the process, so he asked that I send a draft letter that he will edit suitably.

Any suggestions how to write my own rec letter? I'm applying to at least 18 MD-PhD programs so I expect they will want reassurance that I can do research.

Some background: I'm as non-traditional as you can think of. BS Philosophy NCSU 1989, JD U of Miami 1997, MS Tax U of Miami 2001, BS Biology summa cum laude Fayetteville State U 2019, MS Biomedical Research Wake Forest U 2024, EMT-P and firefighter cert 2023. Summer research in virology at UNC Med 2018, undergrad work in O-chem, one minor publication, two poster presentations, total research hours 2,590. Been working as a paramedic for three years and occasional volunteer firefighter, over 6,000 clinical hours. Did law for 18 years, could go back if I wanted, don't want to. BCPM/overall cumulative undergrad 2.88/3.10, postbac 3.56/3.55, grad 3.44/3.14, but about 3.9 postbac since 2013, LONG story. MCAT June 2025 128 CPFSBS + 128 CARS + 127 BBFLS + 131 PSBFB = 514, up from 508 in Sep 2024. So far the schools who have my primary and said "we'll decide later on a secondary" have mostly sent me a secondary.

 

[tr]

This is a good article. See checklist at bottom.

E

Thread 'SDN Article: Writing an Effective Letter of Recommendation in the Post-GenAI World'

Aug 21, 2026

Check out this article or other psychology articles at Student Doctor Network.

---

Abstract: This article provides advice on writing effective letters of recommendation for a scholarship awardee, a research assistant, a prospective employee/volunteer, or an entering graduate/professional student. The author suggests a process for establishing meaningful rapport with the candidate to glean useful insights for reference or evaluation letters.

Do you remember the first time a student asked you to write a strong letter of recommendation? I...

• Emil Chuck, PhD
• Replies: 0
• Forum: Psychology [Psy.D. / Ph.D.]

Mainly, it should be highly personalized and include specific examples/anecdotes from your interactions with this PI that illustrate your overall acumen and potential as a scientist.

Roughly,
1) I am prof/scientist bla bla
2) I have known this applicant since year X and have taught/mentored them in the following contexts
3) two to three specific examples of applicant's shining moments
4) reiterate highlights from list of other relevant achievements/honors/accolades from applicant's CV
5) Applicant has my strongest possible recommendation, is in top 1% of students I have mentored, I have no doubt they are destined for a brilliant career and will make lasting and important contributions to science bla bla bla

 

[SurfingDoctor]

You probably could take your post and have ChatGPT write a draft for you.