Writing a recommendation letter for myself?

Hey guys, my teacher asked me to write a draft of my own recommendation letter and they'll tweak it before submission, but I've never done this before! Any solid tips on how? I'm afraid of either selling myself short or coming off as self-centered.

Taking on the task of writing a draft of your own recommendation letter can definitely seem strange and intimidating, but it's a valuable chance to present yourself in the best light possible. Here's a few tips to help you through the process:

1. Start with Formalities: Begin and end the letter with the appropriate salutations. Start with "Dear Admissions Committee," and end with a signature block for the teacher, like "Sincerely, [Teacher's First and Last Name], [Teacher's Position]."

2. Highlight Your Strengths and Achievements: Mention your accomplishments, capabilities, and strengths, but maintain a tone of objectivity. You need to tread the line between advocacy and boasting. It's okay to mention your achievements as long as they are factual and can be backed up.

3. Draw on Concrete Examples: Include instances from class where you exemplified the qualities you are highlighting. Did you take initiative on a group project? Were you always ready to participate in class discussions? These examples provide evidence for your qualities.

4. Mention Growth and Potential: Teachers often see students grow throughout a course. This is a good place to discuss how you’ve grown and what potential future growth the teacher anticipates for you.

5. Discuss Extracurriculars as Relevant: If your teacher has overseen or seen the effects of your extracurricular activities, include those as well. Maybe you manage the school basketball team and this has grown your leadership skills. This can add another interesting layer to your profile.

6. Avoid Generic Phrases: A recommendation letter should give the reader a picture of you as an individual so avoid generic terms like "hardworking" and "resilient." Use specifics that illustrate these traits instead.

Keep in mind that your teacher will revise this draft so it's okay if it's not perfect at first. The important thing is providing them with a thorough and accurate depiction of your achievements and personality. Good luck with your application!