In the last few weeks, several medical school applicants have contacted me saying that potential letter of recommendation writers are asking the candidates to write their own letters.
If you have this opportunity for medical school, dental school, residency, or fellowship, first, realize that it is not unethical to write your own letter if you’re asked to do so. If you’d like to explore the scruples of this issue, take a look at this New York Times Ethicist column about the topic.
The mistake I see candidates make in this situation is that applicants don’t write strong enough letters for themselves because they feel awkward about showcasing their accomplishments fully. If you have the opportunity to write your own letter, craft a glowing one. Be effusive and full-throated in your remarks about yourself. Remember that the letter-writer can choose to tone down the recommendation if s/he doesn’t agree. But if s/he does, you’ve utilized an opportunity fully and bolstered your candidacy tremendously.
