Asking for LORs

[apteryx]

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Anyone else find it awkward asking some teachers for LORs? I asked one of my professors who pretty much acts like a student, so that was easy, but I'm having trouble thinking of another person to ask. I'm thinking my calc teacher who I've had for two semesters, since I haven't taken a science class in a while. Also, I'm going to be doing some shadowing at a pharmacy next week with a couple pharmacists I don't know very well. Would it be ok to ask them for a LOR, or would it be too forward of me? It's hard to find work in a pharmacy around here, so I haven't been able to get to really know a pharmacist! I need to get these LORs done, and I feel stuck!

 

[apteryx]

Also, here's another question (as if my previous one was answered). I haven't worked in a pharmacy yet, but I DO know a couple of pharmacists pretty well. Do you think I could ask them for a LOR, even if I've never actually worked alongside them? Or not a good idea?

 

[birdscratches]

Also, here's another question (as if my previous one was answered). I haven't worked in a pharmacy yet, but I DO know a couple of pharmacists pretty well. Do you think I could ask them for a LOR, even if I've never actually worked alongside them? Or not a good idea?

If you know them well enough, ask to shadow them a few times. Then they can say that they've worked with you

 

[161927]

For asking a professor for LOR, I'm thinking of first sending them an email sucking up, saying how much I liked their class, etc. Then, if they respond, I'll ask for LOR. Foot-in-the-door technique. Sound good or do professors not like the indirect route?

 

[Markovnikov]

It took one of my professor only 1 week to finish it. The other two professors have not finished yet still after two weeks. Also the pharmacist I have worked with for over 1 year still has not finished his and it's been 3 weeks. I would avoid asking professors who are heavily involved in research or full time pharmacists because these people are already so busy with their work load.

On the other hand, asking a retired pharmacists/professor, part-time, or someone not involved in research would be the best choices if you want the recommendations done promptly.

 

[sakigt]

For asking a professor for LOR, I'm thinking of first sending them an email sucking up, saying how much I liked their class, etc. Then, if they respond, I'll ask for LOR. Foot-in-the-door technique. Sound good or do professors not like the indirect route?

I sent them an email saying I wanted a LOR from them but preferred to meet with them ahead of time so I could refresh their memory about them. To the meeting I brought my resume ans transcript. After the meeting I thanked them and emailed them the Pharmcas thingy.

Awkward, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

 

[apteryx]

So, I ended up emailing two of my previous chem professors I don't know that well. I asked them if they would be willing to write me a letter, it's been about a week, and they never got back to me, so I'm going to either all their offices or try to get them while they are there. This is frustrating, it's the only thing I need for my pharmcas to submit it!

 

[bwsalvas]

I hope to never have to ask again for the rest of my life.

 

[161927]

I sent them an email saying I wanted a LOR from them but preferred to meet with them ahead of time so I could refresh their memory about them. To the meeting I brought my resume ans transcript. After the meeting I thanked them and emailed them the Pharmcas thingy.

Awkward, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

I like your strategy. I may use it myself.

 

[cinnamoroll12]

I sent them an email saying I wanted a LOR from them but preferred to meet with them ahead of time so I could refresh their memory about them. To the meeting I brought my resume ans transcript. After the meeting I thanked them and emailed them the Pharmcas thingy.

Awkward, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

That's what I did, since I had not really talked to them for over 2 years. I thought it was better for me to explain the whole situation through email before meeting them in person.

 

[inquirer89]

Another tip is to provide them with a "resume" of yourself. Hopefully, they know much about you, but to inspire them to write the letter, I provided my references a summary of my goals, why I wanted pharmacy, work ethic, etc. and also offered to meet with them individually. My references were impressed with my delivery and they each completed my recommendations within the week😀