Best way to secure a great LOR?

[Mayssy]

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When I hear people talk about their 'amazing' LOR, I am really baffled. How do you know if your letter of recommendation is going to be that amazing? And, more importantly, what steps do you take to ensure this??

I have a few people in mind for my LORs, but to be honest I'm not quite sure their letters would be all that great, I feel silly talking about my plans for the future, and definitely detest 'talking myself up' so I never do it... That being said, other than my advisor (who's a little on the moody side), I'm not sure any of the people who've had contact with me (on campus or off campus) actually know about my med school plans nevertheless which experiences drive me or how I plan to use my MD..

 

[apumic]

Depends who it's from. I have gotten some "amazing" letters from professors I've worked with in terms of both research and taken multiple classes with them. I've also found it helps if you "grew" while working under them -- that is, improvement from "(only a) good student" to "best student/great researcher/excellent clinical potential" is one way to get an awesome LOR. Also, while it's geared toward clinical psychology (PhD/PsyD) graduate students, the book The Complete Guide to Graduate School Admission: Psychology, Counseling, and Related Professions by Keith-Spiegel & Wiederman is an amazing resource for how to get good LORs and so forth. Much of its best content will easily crossover in application to med school apps. Unfortunately, it's surveys of what faculty appreciate most (and find most annoying) in students isn't in that google preview, but if you can obtain a copy at your local library, I'd highly recommend giving it a look....

 

[Mayssy]

I'll definitely pick it up! Thank you🙂🙂

 

[bkz]

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[Mayssy]

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lol... oh snap i can't believe i never thought of that!! hahaha😉