Asking for a “strong” letter of rec?

[notEinstein]

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Just curious - is it weird/wrong to ask a professor/doc for a “strong” LOR?

 

[bankedsynapse]

No. I did this, flat out asked my writers "are you comfortable writing me a strong letter of recommendation?". A couple of writers did say they did not know me well enough to write a strong letter, so I sought others who could and I think it paid off for me. IMO, the only people who should be writing your a LOR are those who can write a strong one, since a weak letter can be perceived negatively, akin to "damning with faint praise".

 

[notEinstein]

No. I did this, flat out asked my writers "are you comfortable writing me a strong letter of recommendation?". A couple of writers did say they did not know me well enough to write a strong letter, so I sought others who could and I think it paid off for me. IMO, the only people who should be writing your a LOR are those who can write a strong one, since a weak letter can be perceived negatively, akin to "damning with faint praise".

Thank you.

I just didn’t know if it was a faux-pas to ask them to write it “strong”.

 

[Rachapkis]

It makes all the sense in the world to ask whether whether the potential letter writer would be willing to give you a "strong" or "excellent" letter of recommendation. That lets you know that the person is firmly in your camp if they agree to write the letter. I would also ask them if there are any materials that you could provide them to make their job easier.

 

[AJS59]

Just curious - is it weird/wrong to ask a professor/doc for a “strong” LOR?

Not only is it not wrong I'd dare say you should ask all of your professors (with whom you are close) if they can write a strong one.

 

[hopefullygonnabeadoc]

Something I'm doing is to take multiple classes with the same professors and ask those professors for letters of rec. One of my letter writers is an MD/Phd that I've taken like 12 credits with.

 

[mistafab]

Always ask for a strong letter. Frame it like, "do you think you could write a strong letter for me?" If they say yes, you can surely use their letter. If they waffle or say they are not sure, they are doing you a huge service by not tanking your app with a lukewarm letter.

 

[AsclepiusAdvisingLLC]

The best question you can ask for letters of rec is: "Do you think you could write me a strong LOR?" Absolutely ask your potential writers this question!

So many people ask their writers "can you write me a LOR?" - the answer is "yes" - and then the letter isn't good but the writer feels like they had to write a letter.

When you submit an app your letter writers are standing there alongside you. Your GPA and MCAT are critical but mild or bad LORs can sink a candidate with 99% percentile applicant pool scores and GPA

 

[LindaAccepted]

Just curious - is it weird/wrong to ask a professor/doc for a “strong” LOR?

I recommend asking for a strong letter of rec. I consider it a mistake not to ask for one. You don't want recommenders who are lukewarm or worse about your candidacy writing your letters.

Mealy mouthed recs can sink an application.