Asking for Letters of Reference

[UFballerinaDPT]

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I am applying to PT school this fall, but haven't shadowed at some PT clinics in about a year. Letters of Reference are needed for the schools that I am applying to, but I am unsure if the PT's at the clinic will remember me. What is the best way to go about asking for letters of reference? I am really nervous abut asking, since I feel like I am adding more work onto their already heavy work loads. Any advice would be great! 🙂

 

[djb051]

I am applying to PT school this fall, but haven't shadowed at some PT clinics in about a year. Letters of Reference are needed for the schools that I am applying to, but I am unsure if the PT's at the clinic will remember me. What is the best way to go about asking for letters of reference? I am really nervous abut asking, since I feel like I am adding more work onto their already heavy work loads. Any advice would be great! 🙂

If they liked you and thought you were a great volunteer and/or worker, I don't think they would mind taking a little time out of their life to write you a LOR. I say that because I have had some former employers and professors from years past that told me if I ever need a LOR in the future that they would be happy to write one for me even if quite some time has passed. I would not be nervous about asking because the worst response you could get is just no. If you don't ask, you will never know. I would call or email them. I know of many others who after a few years emailed others for LOR, and they were happy to write a LOR.

 

[NewTestament]

Be professional and call them, or at least leave a message. Tell them you need LORs to apply to PT school. They went through the same process so they should sympathize with you. Ask them if they want you to send them a resume or personal information about yourself so they can write a powerful LOR. If you were a good volunteer and seemed interested in PT, you shouldn't have a problem.

Kevin

 

[callmecrazy]

How long did you shadow with those PTs when you were there? A few years, months, days, hours? If you are questioning whether they will remember you, that's not a good place to start. If they even agreed to write a letter (some may not with a year lapse) it is likely to be pretty general and impersonal.

Is it feasible to return to those PTs/sites to engage in some additional volunteering or shadowing? Then ask for a letter after reacquainting and having them see who you are now vs what they may vaguely remember about you a year ago.