Random Letter Question

[army2021]

Hello,

I apologize as this probably isn't the correct location for this however it is for West Point in the end so figured I'd put it here. This will perhaps come off as a dumb question but I just want to make sure I know what it means. So, I requested a letter from this pretty important person and he happily agreed to do so, however he asked me to provide him with "a first draft of whatever letter of recommendation letter you’d like." Does this mean he wants me to write out a draft of a letter for myself for him to fix up/sign off on for me? Meeting him for coffee too if that's an important detail. Also if so, any advice on writing it because while I've gotten a lot of great letters from great people, I don't want to write something where I'm coming off wrong, putting words in his mouth, etc. Thanks!

 

[Ice64]

I would resist the temptation to write your own letters of recommendation. Give the "pretty important person" a detailed list of your accomplishments and let that person fill in any personal touches he/she wants add. I think a mention of your character would be great if they will write that into the letter.

 

[army2021]

I would resist the temptation to write your own letters of recommendation. Give the "pretty important person" a detailed list of your accomplishments and let that person fill in any personal touches he/she wants add. I think a mention of your character would be great if they will write that into the letter.

Thank you very much. I appreciate the feedback

 

[brovol]

I respectfully disagree. If the person asked for a draft, I would give him one, which provides an address and some general comments which are consistent with the things you would hope to be reflected upon. Some people are either not used to writing letters of recommendation, or they don't have the time, and would rather you made it easy for them. Suggest that they add their own comments, but offer working draft. If you are asked to do so, I don't think there is wrong in that.

 

[army2021]

I respectfully disagree. If the person asked for a draft, I would give him one, which provides an address and some general comments which are consistent with the things you would hope to be reflected upon. Some people are either not used to writing letters of recommendation, or they don't have the time, and would rather you made it easy for them. Suggest that they add their own comments, but offer working draft. If you are asked to do so, I don't think there is wrong in that.

Thanks. And I do believe that is why as he does have a busy schedule so that'd make a lot of sense. I appreciate the response

 

[brovol]

Thanks. And I do believe that is why as he does have a busy schedule so that'd make a lot of sense. I appreciate the response

...also add a self addressed stamped envelope. Then offer to take it to the post office.

 

[jebdad]

Recommendation letters to WP do not impact your WCS. That is why they are not required by WP.

 

[time2]

Regardless of how WP does/does not use them (SA's vary on how their use of LOR's), I would never suggest you 'draft' a recommendation letter for someone to use. Makes more sense to provide him a resume if he is looking for specific accomplishments you might have had. For the recommendation to be meaningful, the person should already have direct knowledge of you, your accomplishments and your character. A LOR from an 'important person' who really doesn't know you won't be considered very useful even if admissions does look at it. Your 'important person' should know that and not expect you to draft him a letter. It sounds like you only casually know this person if 'meeting him for coffee' is a big deal to you.

 

[Casey]

I don't know if I'd totally agree with that. Sometimes people don't know how to frame their letter to best demonstrate how you exemplify the criteria for whatever they are recommending you for and don't have the time to do so on their own. A good example of this would be graduate scholarship applications (i.e. Rhodes, Marshall) that have very specific qualities that they are looking in their candidates that a good leader with touch on directly. You draft the letter to best fit and they modify to what they agree or can further add. If they don't agree with what you wrote, they will take it out themselves.

 

[wyeast]

Although the recommendation will not help with the WP app if may be useful in your MOC application.

 

[MemberLG]

Write a draft letter. If you become an Army officer, you might end up writing your own awards and evaluations to be edited by your supervisors. Who knows you the best? Just keep in mind, if this important person hasn't spent any time with you, there is a good chance his recommendation will have little influence.

So what are you going to write - your grades, your leadership activities, what a wonderful person you are, what a great Army officer you will make? Probably all true, but how does this "important person" know that? When I read letters of recommendation, what I look for first is - connection. I could see teacher, coach, employer, and etc spending significant time with an applicant to make good observations.

I was asked by one of subordinates to help him write a letter of recommendation for a kid from his church for ROTC scholarship. I asked some questions and what we came up was something like

I am SFC XXX. I spent last 20 years in the Army serving all over the world. I have observed many good leaders. I have known Jane for last several years from attending XCY church together. I am the youth group mentor and Jane is active in the youth group. From my observation during youth group activities, I can say that Jane has all the characteristics to be a great Army officer. Some examples.
. . . .