Its not quite time for me to be applying to graduate school. I'm not going to start sending out applications until the end of next Fall semester. However, I have been working for some time to line up some professors who know my academic abilities best to write a letter of recommendation. I have two professors and an ex-manager at my current company (the current VP of Technology) agreeing to write my letters. However, one of the professors asked me to write the letter for them and then they would edit, place on appropriate stationary and return to me or send on as necessary. Their reasoning was that I knew my abilities and accomplishments best so it was better that I write it. Something doesn't feel quite right about this. Is this common practice? Should I be worried about taking them up on their offer?
Two years ago, when I was applying, several people that I used also asked. their reasoning being that I knew better what the schools were looking for and what I wanted to stress, which was very different from a job letter of rec. I did, and they tehn edited to put it into their words. One even asked me to review it before he sent it off (I toned it down a little). Trying to get enough letters was difficult (probalby the hardest part of applying) as some schools wanted five. As I indicated above, more than likely they will take what ever you write and puff it up some.
I have not gone that far, but after reviewing the "points" that the school wanted to be covered in the letter, I meet with the student and ask for additional aspects I may not know. For example, "What other activities is this student involved in". If I know they are in a club, but do not know of other areas, I ask them. When I was a student, I had about half ask me to give them a start (quick e-mail), they usually go off that, and fill in the blanks. I do not think it is unethical, they will remove the information you provide that they don't agree with. Since schools do require so many, many professors can not provide all the time behind getting it together, and if it was unethical, the only solution would be to stop giving so many letters of recommentation. Who knows, maybe this is a test for you, he/she may want to see how you put a letter together, acticulate your points, and sell yourself. Belive me, they will remove anything they disagree with. Go for it!
JoAnn, Do not be shy, it is up to the professor/manager to change anything you write. I have been asked upon occasion to write my own appraisal. While personally, this type of hand off bothers me I use the situation to evaluate my strengths and weaknesses. It takes a substantial person to objectively evaluate him(her)self. If you would like a happy medium perhaps you could establish an outline and make it less tedious for the evaluater. As for common practice, in my experience the better and more concerned the professor/manager the more apt they are to take the time to write the recommendation themselves. However, make sure they aren't in a time crunch. my 2 cents....
