What points should I keep in mind if I must draft my own LOR for a PG Diploma?
If your recommender asks you to draft your own LOR for a PG Diploma, cover how they know you, your relevant achievements with real examples and an objective view of your strengths. Keep it honest, and ensure the recommender reviews, finalises and signs it on official letterhead.
Some recommenders are too busy to write a full letter and ask students to prepare a draft. They then check, finalise and sign it, so your draft needs to be accurate and credible.
What the Draft Should Cover
| Element | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Who the recommender is, how they know you, and for how long and how well |
| Achievements | Academic and/or professional achievements relevant to the course |
| Evidence | Brief experiences and real-life examples supporting each attribute |
| Extras | Volunteer work, if any |
| Fresh angles | Facets of your personality not already covered in your resume or SOP |
| Strengths | An objective analysis of your strengths |
Authenticity and Format
- The recommender should be able to back up your work, efforts and achievements with verifiable proof.
- The final LOR is typically on the institution's official letterhead with a stamp or seal and the recommender's original signature.
- It should not sound like hollow praise or contain untrue claims.
My Advice
Share the draft with your recommender early so they can edit it to reflect their own view. Check the target university's official LOR guidelines before submitting.
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