applicants for class of 2015...when to start asking for LOR's?

[uclaussr]

---

Members don't see this ad.

when do you guys plan to start asking for letters of recommendation?

 

[BBender716]

I'm class of 2014, but start asking around NOW if you have specific professors already in mind. Update them on everything you're involved in currently and for the next semester and definitely get the ball rolling with pretty much everyone except someone you're currently research with (let that roll for a couple more months). Trust me. The last thing you want is ONE LOR holding you back come June.

Then again, I was pretty gung-ho about LORs 🙄

 

[sully677]

Is it necessary to give them a copy of your PS? Because I don't have that written yet...

 

[TheMightySmiter]

Is it necessary to give them a copy of your PS? Because I don't have that written yet...

I will be applying for the 2012 cycle so I haven't started asking for LORs yet, but in general (since I applied for grad school) the professor will ask for your PS if s/he wants it. One of mine asked for my grad school PS and a CV, others just asked for a CV, a couple asked for nothing. If I were you, when asking your prof for a LOR, ask them specifically if there are any supplemental materials you can send them that would help with the letter. Then they can decide whether they want it or not. I think it's nice to offer.

 

[Ag2007]

If you already know the people in mind you'd like to write a LOR, I'd recommend the first week back if you're still in school. Otherwise, those people are going to start receiving a stack of LOR requests as time marches on in the semester.

Also, I'd recommend making them a folder with your cv, personal statement (or at least your most up to date draft), as well as a cover letter with instructions.

don't be cheap with them and just casually ask them for a LOR unless you know them really well and/or they're practically your buddy. Even then, it's far more professional to go the route above. Don't spend zero time putting your request together and then expect the faculty member and/or person to spend several hours writing a letter to get you in.

 

[nickmx50]

Does your school have a premed advisory comittee? If it does, and you plan on using them, then you can have professors write LOR's at anytime and the school will put them in a file for later. My school keeps those LOR's and then the committee will pull them out when I request a recommendation, and use them to draft a composite letter. A lot of professors only write letters at certain times of the year, so I suggest you always touch base with your professors to know when they prefer to do it. You may not need a personal statement completely done, but I would have at least a summary or outline to give them to help draft the best letter possible.