Asking for LOR and research position

[grindtime1]

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Two separate questions here.

How do you go about asking a professor for a research position even if you're just doing it "because you have to"? I'm sure the last thing the professor wants to hear is that I'm interested because medical schools want their applicants to do research, but what are some of the reasons you guys came up with?

I read somewhere that it's common to ask professors for an LOR via email? Is this true? I thought normally you just walk into their office, strike up a conversation and go from there. What is the best way?

 

[curlytop]

To ask for research I said: "Your current work first interested me because my family has a severe history of heart disease (relevant to research, and also actually true). I'd also like to gain research experience, so that I can decide if it's something I'd like to incorporate into my career."

I was honest. I'd never done it before, and without baldly saying so, implied that I don't love the idea of it. But I'd like to try, in case I love it.

To ask for an LOR: I approached everyone in person EXCEPT for a service adviser that I don't routinely see over the course of my week. In person, in my opinion, is the most respectful. It also gives them the chance right then and there to ask any questions they have, and gives me the chance to gauge how reluctant they may/may not be to write a letter. I then emailed them (after they agreed) all the info they needed and a deadline. With my service adviser I called, because it would be more inconvenient for her than respectful to request to meet with her. I then emailed her, too.

To ask, I said in person, "Hi, Dr. So and So, do you have a quick minute?" This lets them know that a) you won't be taking up too much time and b) you have something specific to ask. I think that striking up conversation can sometimes come across as "fake" when you ask for an LOR right after; it's obvious the LOR is really what you're after. They're not going to be offended if you get to the point; presumably they already know what a cool guy you are and really, they're busy people. Chit chat later.

Then I said, "I was wondering if you'd mind writing me a LOR for medical school?" Then I assured them that if they had any reservations, that I would of course not be offended and they weren't obligated to write anything. Make sure this sounds sincere! Then I promptly emailed them, with a deadline, that's important!

Good luck!

 

[calbears08]

It might help if you change your mindset from motivation to interest. There are dozens of labs you could join. Why that one? What research area or focus interest you most? It may help to think about the courses you've taken and the subjects that peaked your interest.

For LoRs, I would contact professors in person if possible. Also, so of the best letters come from your PI or professors from small courses. When you approach those professors it won't feel so fake or forced.

 

[grindtime1]

To ask for research I said: "Your current work first interested me because my family has a severe history of heart disease (relevant to research, and also actually true). I'd also like to gain research experience, so that I can decide if it's something I'd like to incorporate into my career."

I was honest. I'd never done it before, and without baldly saying so, implied that I don't love the idea of it. But I'd like to try, in case I love it.

To ask for an LOR: I approached everyone in person EXCEPT for a service adviser that I don't routinely see over the course of my week. In person, in my opinion, is the most respectful. It also gives them the chance right then and there to ask any questions they have, and gives me the chance to gauge how reluctant they may/may not be to write a letter. I then emailed them (after they agreed) all the info they needed and a deadline. With my service adviser I called, because it would be more inconvenient for her than respectful to request to meet with her. I then emailed her, too.

To ask, I said in person, "Hi, Dr. So and So, do you have a quick minute?" This lets them know that a) you won't be taking up too much time and b) you have something specific to ask. I think that striking up conversation can sometimes come across as "fake" when you ask for an LOR right after; it's obvious the LOR is really what you're after. They're not going to be offended if you get to the point; presumably they already know what a cool guy you are and really, they're busy people. Chit chat later.

Then I said, "I was wondering if you'd mind writing me a LOR for medical school?" Then I assured them that if they had any reservations, that I would of course not be offended and they weren't obligated to write anything. Make sure this sounds sincere! Then I promptly emailed them, with a deadline, that's important!

Good luck!

Thanks a lot for this post. Very helpful, especially the part about asking for an LOR.

I've been wondering how exactly I should approach the professor since it's been 2 years since I had him for a class. However, I've bumped into him in the hallways a few times recently and said hi.

So you are saying that you can walk in there and ask for an LOR point blank? That's cool. I always thought you had to carry on a long conversation and then bring it up towards the end.

 

[curlytop]

You should definitely take everything said on SDN and make sure you can apply it to your own situation, but yes, at least at my school (massive research institution), the professors are busy people. They're friendly and all, but you're most respectful if you can take up the smallest amount of their time as possible.

So just be polite; you're not the first or the last student they've had ask for an LOR. I was always to the point because if you think about it, when you ask for that LOR after 5 minutes of conversation (which, unless you usually do this, is going to seem weird anyway), that conversation can really come off as you pretending to care about their research/health/kids/whatever.

Now if it seems like THEY are initiating conversation, sure, chat with them. Three of the people I asked I really love shooting the breeze with, I just don't ever assume they have the time.

As long as you're polite when you're being direct, and they don't mind writing a letter, they'll probably be glad you just spit it out. In fact, conversation AFTER might be a little less weird, if it seems to flow naturally.

Asking a professor after 2 years: It sounds like he remembers who you are, so there really shouldn't be much of an issue. I'd just email him and ask him when a good time would be to stop by his office and have a quick chat. In person would be especially important, given that you're asking him a favor after having his class 2 years ago.

Oh, and this is something I did that all my writers seemed to love: let them know you'll keep them posted on your progress. They're busy, but they really do want to hear how you're doing, if you have interviews, acceptances, etc. After all, they are part of why you're even making progress.

 

[internationstu]

Just take note that not all professors read their email immediately. Sometimes it's better to first email then meet them in person. I was waiting for their reply for two weeks then realized that I had to meet them in person.

Doing some background research on each professor's current work to show that you are interested is even better. And a lot of professors expect at least a year of commitment.

Persistence and patience are the virtue. I was waiting for my research mentor for an hour in his office before I could talk to him. Thank god that he is a very nice person and I didn't have to wait longer than that.