How to Write an Academic Reference Letter for Yourself

Key takeaways:

• While being asked to write your own reference letter can be an added stressor, it’s also an opportunity to ensure you submit a strong recommendation with your application.

• When writing a reference letter think about your notable achievements, strengths, and skills.

• Include all of the elements of a reference letter, and use a template to get you started.

• Review your work with your recommender and ask if there is anything they would add or change.

Introduction

Many Master of Social Work (MSW) applicants are finding themselves in a position to write a reference letter on behalf of a professor or academic reference.

Ideally, reference letters should be authentic and be written by the recommender. However, many applicants are finding themselves in positions where their academic reference requests that they write their own reference letter. Professors often cite being busy, having many letters to write, and not having a strong enough relationship with an applicant as reasons why they request that applicants write a reference letter on their behalf.

We are not taking a stance on writing your own reference letters nor are we condoning recommenders for taking this approach. Instead, we have created this guide to support applicants who find themselves in this position.

Tips For Writing Your Own Reference Letter

Consider that this is an opportunity to put your best foot forward.

Writing your own reference letter can be disappointing or overwhelming for some applicants, but it also means applicants can control the narrative and ensure that your reference is thorough and demonstrates all of your skills. Use this as an opportunity to write yourself the best reference letter possible.

Think about notable projects, lessons, and academic achievements.

Did you receive a good grade in that particular class? Was there a specific assignment or project that you are proud of? What were your main takeaways from the class? Discuss notable features of your experience in the class and point to concrete examples.

Use strong, positive language.

One of the biggest challenges in writing your own reference letter is identifying and owning your own strengths. It can be vulnerable to write nice things about yourself on paper and then hope that your recommender agrees. That said, if they don’t want to put in the effort for your application they should also expect that you aren’t going to short-sell yourself in your application.  

Include all of the elements of a reference letter.

A reference letter should include: a header, salutation, introduction, body, conclusion, and a formal sign-off. Check out our post on how to write a reference letter to ensure that you have included all of the essential elements of a reference letter.

Review the letter with your recommender.

Before sending your recommender a final draft ask if they have any feedback or if there is anything else you should add or adjust. This gives the recommender a push to add their own thoughts and ideas to the reference letter.

Sample reference letter:

[Professor’s Name]
[Title]
[Department]
[University Name]
[University Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]

Admissions Committee
[University Name]
[Graduate Program Name]
[University Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am writing to offer my strongest recommendation for [Student's Full Name] in support of [their] application to the Master of Social Work (MSW) program. I have had the pleasure of teaching and mentoring [Student] for the past [number of semesters/years] in [specific courses] at [University Name]. During this time, [Student] has demonstrated exceptional academic ability, an eagerness to engage with challenging material, and a deep commitment to the principles of social justice and community service.

[Student] stood out for [their] intellectual curiosity and critical thinking skills. [They] not only excelled in mastering course content but also approached complex social issues with thoughtful analysis and creative solutions. In a research project on [specific topic], [Student] conducted thorough and insightful research, showcasing [their] ability to synthesize theoretical knowledge with practical, real-world applications. This skill will be invaluable in a graduate program that emphasizes both academic rigor and practical fieldwork.

What impresses me most about [Student] is [their] ability to combine empathy, professionalism, and resilience in both academic settings. Whether working on a team project or engaging in course work, [Student] remains calm under pressure, shows deep concern for others, and is unwavering in [their] pursuit of justice and equality. These qualities, coupled with [their] academic excellence, make [Student] an ideal candidate for your MSW program.

In conclusion, I have no doubt that [Student's Full Name] will excel in your graduate program and go on to become an outstanding social worker. [Their] intelligence, dedication, and passion for the field make [them] well-suited to succeed both academically and professionally. I highly recommend [Student] without reservation and am confident that [they] will contribute positively to your academic community and the profession of social work.

Please feel free to contact me at [email address] or [phone number] if you require any further information or have any questions.

Sincerely,
[Professor’s Full Name]
[Title]
[University Name]
[Department]

Tips on How to Get a Good Reference

Hopefully, this gives you some ideas about how to write you’re a reference letter for yourself on behalf of your academic reference.

Ideally, you should encourage your recommender to put the time and effort into writing an authentic reference letter, and the best way to do that is by building a strong relationship with your potential academic reference. See our post on how to secure strong references for your future graduate school application.  

This post is part of our MSW Application Guide.