Approaching Profs for Reference Letters

[DrScrub]

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Hey guys,

I was planning on dropping by a few of my professors' offices soon to ask them for letters of recommendations, but I was wondering how to do this. Would I just go to their office, and ask them for the letter? Or should I do something else?

I was planning on going to their office, ask them how they were doing, tell them I was applying for medical school, and ask them if they would feel comfortable writing a letter for me.

Should I also tell them why I wanted them to write the letter for me?

Thanks

 

[medicalhope]

I would probably email them first to request a meeting. In the email, very briefly, you could specify that you are applying to medical school and that you are interested in getting a LOR from them.

Then, when you meet with them, be sure to bring your CV, Personal Statement (its ok if it is just a draft) and a cover letter explaining why you feel they would be a good advocate for you, what your goals/qualities are, and any specifics of how to submit the letter.

In the meeting, be ready to talk about all these things, and make sure you clearly ask them if they feel they could write you a strong letter (key word strong, lukewarm letters will hurt you). Don't be afraid to let them know what qualities you think you've demonstrated in your work with them and that you would appreciate it if they could emphasize these.

Finally, make sure you give them all logistics (including a deadline that is ~2 weeks before when you actually want the letter).

 

[Pacna]

I would probably email them first to request a meeting.

I couldn't disagree more. I find that people are much more likely to ignore/reject your request if you submit it via email.

"Hey could you help me achieve my dreams?" "No." is harder to do to the person's face versus via email.

 

[Tappinfool66]

I couldn't disagree more. I find that people are much more likely to ignore/reject your request if you submit it via email.

"Hey could you help me achieve my dreams?" "No." is harder to do to the person's face versus via email.

If it's someone who's willing to reject your request via email off the bat without speaking to you in person, I feel like they may not be the kind of person you want writing you a letter.

That being said, I think it's best not to mention your intention to ask for a LOR in the email and simply email them asking to meet.

 

[knv2u]

"No." is harder to do to the person's face versus via email.

All the more reason to do it by email. If there is any hesitation, I would rather it be ignored than have a mediocre or intentionally poor letter of recommendation.

Edited: But in fairness, seeing the person's reaction might also be useful.

 

[fuzzytoad]

Pretend like you're asking a girl out to a date.

 

[amad01]

I couldn't disagree more. I find that people are much more likely to ignore/reject your request if you submit it via email.

"Hey could you help me achieve my dreams?" "No." is harder to do to the person's face versus via email.

The goal isn't to get a "yes." The goal is to get a strong letter. An ignored or rejected email is much better than a poor letter.

 

[Pacna]

The goal isn't to get a "yes." The goal is to get a strong letter. An ignored or rejected email is much better than a poor letter.

I don't buy it. Profs use templates. They rarely put anything in you don't tell them to.

If you're not sure and are desperate, use the Rik method.

If you're sure you'll get a letter, it doesn't matter what method you use.

 

[GasAllDay]

OP, I disagree about having your personal statement with you. Take that piece of advice, along with the bit about the cover letter, with a grain of salt. Hopefully you're picking someone who already knows you have those qualities you would be putting in your cover letter. If you are not (and it's just a professor you only interacted with during office hours), then it is more important to bring it along with you. If it is a professor that also served as an advisor and/or has worked with you closely on a few projects, then definitely first offer to email the stuff - don't shove it in their face. That person's letter will be better without your soundbites because it will be personal.

In addition, sending them the cover letter and personal statement draft after the meeting gives you an excuse to contact them afterwards and gently remind them about the letter. And it lets them store it electronically and access it anytime, rather than needing that physical copy to draft your letter.

Having your CV with you at that initial meeting (and email it as well) definitely goes without saying.
Asking for a STRONG LOR definitely goes without saying.
After you inform them of your decision to apply to medical school, try to carry on a discussion about that to get a feel for their reaction. Do this before dropping the LOR question. Positive sign if they're enthusiastic and supportive. Some might even offer to write a letter at that point. Negative sign if they're negative/bland. You don't want a lukewarm letter.

 

[Goro]

This is a very common question. Go see the person, and ask "Do you know me well enough to write a good LOR for medical school?"

Hey guys,

I was planning on dropping by a few of my professors' offices soon to ask them for letters of recommendations, but I was wondering how to do this. Would I just go to their office, and ask them for the letter? Or should I do something else?

I was planning on going to their office, ask them how they were doing, tell them I was applying for medical school, and ask them if they would feel comfortable writing a letter for me.

Should I also tell them why I wanted them to write the letter for me?

Thanks

 

[SpartanWolverine]

I would probably email them first to request a meeting. In the email, very briefly, you could specify that you are applying to medical school and that you are interested in getting a LOR from them.

Then, when you meet with them, be sure to bring your CV, Personal Statement (its ok if it is just a draft) and a cover letter explaining why you feel they would be a good advocate for you, what your goals/qualities are, and any specifics of how to submit the letter.

In the meeting, be ready to talk about all these things, and make sure you clearly ask them if they feel they could write you a strong letter (key word strong, lukewarm letters will hurt you). Don't be afraid to let them know what qualities you think you've demonstrated in your work with them and that you would appreciate it if they could emphasize these.

Finally, make sure you give them all logistics (including a deadline that is ~2 weeks before when you actually want the letter).

This is good advice. The only part I think might not be necessary is the cover letter.
This was my general process:
1) Ask if they can write you a strong letter. Either in person or e-mail... I don't think it matters too much - I've done both. It may depend on how well you know the person.
2) If they agree and seem enthusiastic about it ("Of course I'll write you a letter, @DrScrub!"), follow up with an e-mail thanking them and including your CV and personal statement -- offer to provide more information if it would be helpful (i.e., transcripts, manuscripts, copies of posters you've presented... whatever).
3) Ask to set up a time to talk with them about your application (in order to help them get to you know you as a person).

Most professors write a lot of recommendation letters, so you shouldn't have too hard a time. 🙂

 

[DrScrub]

I asked the prof today, and he said he's not sure if he has time to write it, and come back around June to ask him if he has time, and if he has time then he'll write it, and if not, too bad..

I guess I'll start looking for other professors.

 

[amad01]

I don't buy it. Profs use templates. They rarely put anything in you don't tell them to.

If you're not sure and are desperate, use the Rik method.

If you're sure you'll get a letter, it doesn't matter what method you use.

I agree. Letters of rec are a joke. Nobody wants to get them, nobody wants to write them, and I bet nobody wants to read them. Not to mention they are probably mostly made up so you can't hardly believe them.

 

[SpartanWolverine]

I asked the prof today, and he said he's not sure if he has time to write it, and come back around June to ask him if he has time, and if he has time then he'll write it, and if not, too bad..

I guess I'll start looking for other professors.

Sounds like someone who isn't an idea letter writer...

 

[mehc012]

Hmm...my personal strategy was to graduate, wait 1.5yrs, come back, drop in spontaneously to ~15 of my old prof's offices (I was in town for 2d and I missed everyone!), and in the middle of them quizzing me about my life and what I was up to now and what all of my graduating classmates who ended up in my area were up to, I'd mention I was switching gears and going for med. Then I'd slip in the 'actually, if you don't mind, I was hoping..." Probably not ideal, but it works if you know them well enough!
My newer prof (postbacc) offered me a letter before we finished the course. When I stopped by a semester later to follow up, he said that he'd already written it and I should just let him know when I wanted it so it'd have a fresh timestamp on it!