Broaching subject of LORs w/Profs

[TastyBrains]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I have some time but I know I should be considering professors that might be willing/able to write solid LORs for me. The problem is I'm not particularly social and generally put my head down and get the work done. I keep hoping I'll 'click' with one in the right way but that's only happened once with neuro prof (and I feel like he was let down I did not pursue research offer in his lab bc I was too swamped with adjusting to some classes 🙁 ). My question is how should I go about selecting professors and interacting in whatever way would best lead to potential LOR candidates? Also, If it is sometime before I'll need the actual letters (possibly 2+ yrs) is it ok to get them while still viable/fresh in profs mind even if the letters will be a bit dated, or is the standard to come back and remind them?; Seems the later could have some complications w/memory, relocation etc.

Any relevant advice or if anyone wants to point me in direction of a good collective thread on this greatly appreciated. Thx!

 

[giguerex35]

So just my experience but if you ask 2+ years out they’ll forget you unless constantly in contact with them and will lead to a mediocre letter. You could always pick a class you’re doing well in and meet with the prof at office hours just to talk often and get some FaceTime with them then ask once you feel comfortable. I’ve met with professors a few times and they’ve offered themselves to write for me. That being said having a close relationship through research or something like that is what helped me the best. Not sure if that helped but best of luck.

 

[TastyBrains]

So just my experience but if you ask 2+ years out they’ll forget you unless constantly in contact with them and will lead to a mediocre letter. You could always pick a class you’re doing well in and meet with the prof at office hours just to talk often and get some FaceTime with them then ask once you feel comfortable. I’ve met with professors a few times and they’ve offered themselves to write for me. That being said having a close relationship through research or something like that is what helped me the best. Not sure if that helped but best of luck.

Thx, so you would say getting LORs that will be older by the time of application should be avoided?

 

[giguerex35]

Thx, so you would say getting LORs that will be older by the time of application should be avoided?

IMO unless you keep a relationship with the person that is strong enough that they’ll write you a great letter I would avoid it yes. N=1 but I had asked a soph professor to write me a letter and he agreed but come time for me to apply he had left the school and I no longer had his contact info. Even so he probably would have forgotten details about me anyway

 

[Kr#36]

I never had a particularly close relationship with my professors. My science classes were very large, and I never really felt the need to speak to the professor and ask about something I could just find out myself in the book or on google. When letter time came, I started going to office hours, asking questions even if I knew the answer, creating a dialogue, and building a relationship that way. It isn't like you need to be friends with them, just show an interest in learning and a willingness to go the extra mile. After I had done that, I told them I was applying to medical school in the upcoming cycle, and asked them very directly if they felt they could write a strong LOR for me.

 

[Magus5454]

My letter writers, i kept in contact with,TA'ed for several, did well in the class.

I understand the not very social thing but you're wanting to enter a profession with a great deal of contact with other people, you're going to have to get over it at some point

 

[DrRedstone]

Another thing to help with LOR requests, give them information to work with. When you ask them, let them have a copy of your CV/Resume, Personal Statement (or draft of), List of your volunteer and club activities, etc. The more information you give them, the easier it will be. For some of my physician letter writers, I gave them an outline of some things they could write about me based on our experiences together.

Also, don't ask people if they can write you a LoR, ask if they will write you a good LoR. That way they can say honestly that they don't feel like they could write you a great letter. Best of luck!