reference letter help!

[starxlit3]

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One faculty member, which I TAed for, at my undergrad institution, said I can write my own draft of the reference letter in her name, and she will edit it.

I've never written a reference letter before - I was a teaching assistant for her under one of the labs she instructed. I also took a course with her to which I had a 4.0 in. But I never went to her office hours or knew her in a very personal way.

My question is, what kinds of things should I be focusing on in this letter? What do admissions committee look for in a ref letter?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Guero]

One faculty member, which I TAed for, at my undergrad institution, said I can write my own draft of the reference letter in her name, and she will edit it.

I've never written a reference letter before - I was a teaching assistant for her under one of the labs she instructed. I also took a course with her to which I had a 4.0 in. But I never went to her office hours or knew her in a very personal way.

My question is, what kinds of things should I be focusing on in this letter? What do admissions committee look for in a ref letter?

Thanks in advance!

Motivation, consistency, independence, maturity, initiative, problem solving capability, originality, ability to interact well with others, any significant contributions to the class/students, anything original/different about you/your app, gratitude, et cetera.

Don't overly worry about content, as s/he'll edit it for you. Do avoid embellishment, though. GL!

 

[mvenus929]

If you're concerned enough, you can go to another faculty member and claim that you've been asked to write a letter of recommendation for a student (which is true), but are unsure how to write it. They may be able to offer you some pointers.

 

[Guero]

If you're concerned enough, you can go to another faculty member and claim that you've been asked to write a letter of recommendation for a student (which is true), but are unsure how to write it. They may be able to offer you some pointers.

Perhaps better advice, specifically someone in admissions or familiar with formerly matriculated applicants.