A Few Questions About LORs

[all605]

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Hi everyone. I have a few questions regarding letters of recommendation that I was hoping to clear up.

I'm currently a college freshman, but my school has an affiliation program with U of I's vet school that gives me the chance to apply this summer. If I'm accepted, then I have a spot at the vet school reserved for after either my junior or senior year of undergrad (as long as I keep a certain gpa and keep getting experience, of course).

For the application, I know I need to get a LOR from both a vet and a professor. I was just wondering how much notice I should give to them both provided that the LORs are due mid-July for this program? Also, I have a professor in mind who I want to ask, but I feel bad about asking her right now because she's getting married in june and is super busy. Do you think it's okay to still ask her?

Also, I was told that the application for this program was not available online and that my LORs had to be physically submitted (as in not sent online). The pre-vet advisor told me that my recommenders should just give the letters to me, and that I should turn them in with the application. However, I was always under the impression that you shouldn't see your LORs, so I'm a bit confused by this.

Oh, and also, when asking for a LOR, should you give the recommendors like a resume to go with it? And should you provide them with the paper/envelope?

Sorry for so many questions! I know many of you here are a lot more knowledgable on this than I am though.

Thanks!

 

[VAgirl]

For the application, I know I need to get a LOR from both a vet and a professor. I was just wondering how much notice I should give to them both provided that the LORs are due mid-July for this program?

I think that giving as much notice as possible is great. If you're really far from a due date (6 months, maybe?) I think it's better to tell someone about the program, ask they'd be willing to write you a letter, and then when they agree, tell them that you'll send them the materials and some information that will help them as the time gets closer. Then I'd give them the stuff maybe 1.5-2 months ahead of the due date (others might say that's too long, but I like long lead times). And then probably drop by or send them an email reminding them maybe 2 weeks out just to check in and see if they need anything else, etc.

Also, I have a professor in mind who I want to ask, but I feel bad about asking her right now because she's getting married in june and is super busy. Do you think it's okay to still ask her?

I don't think it's a problem to ask her with one caveat. You should tell her very clearly the timeline of your application and tell her that you understand if she'll be too busy because of the wedding. If she says yes, she obviously thinks she can handle the timing of it.

On the flip side, though, I think you should think carefully before asking her. I've had someone promise to write me a reference and then totally leave me high and dry (still have never heard back from him). So if you think there's a chance she might flake on you and you might have a hard time reminding her of the impending due date (this is hard to do...you'll feel like a pest, but it's your right to do so), then I would consider asking someone else to write your letter. Just things to think about.

The pre-vet advisor told me that my recommenders should just give the letters to me, and that I should turn them in with the application. However, I was always under the impression that you shouldn't see your LORs, so I'm a bit confused by this.

They can write it, put it in a sealed envelop and sign across the seal. That's the standard way to include a hard copy LOR.

Oh, and also, when asking for a LOR, should you give the recommendors like a resume to go with it? And should you provide them with the paper/envelope?

You don't need to provide them with the paper, envelope, etc. unless there is a form they're supposed to fill out. Otherwise, they'll provide their own paper (it might even be school letter head, etc.) However you definitely should include a packet that will help them know more about you, what you're applying for, and why you feel you're a good candidate for the program. I like to include a resume, a description of the program (include the program brochure if there is one), a letter telling them why I think I'm a good match for the program, and a document where I remind them of the most relevant experiences that I had with them. For example, if it's someone whose lab you worked in, I might include a document describing what duties I had, especially the ones that show qualities I want them to highlight in their letter. Or if it's a professor whose class you've taken, you might include a copy of a paper you wrote for their class that you were really proud of (especially if it's relevant).

These are just some ideas. The overall point is to include anything that you think might help them write a better, stronger, more specific letter of recommendation for you. They'll be very thankful for the resources to pull upon. It makes their job that much easier! Best of luck to you!

 

[all605]

ah, thank you so much! You answered all my questions and I don't feel so confused about the process anymore. I'll definitely follow your advice. I really appreciate it 🙂