Email or call?Request for letter of rec

[taylor92107]

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I shadowed a DO a few months ago and am planning on asking for a letter of rec. She gave me her home/work number but I'm not sure if it would be to foreword to call her. Should I email or call?
Thanks guys

 

[stoic]

CALL!!!!!!!

Definately call. Email is super impersonal and much easier to ignore. She gave you her numbers, so it's completely appropriate to call.

S

 

[DD214_DOC]

CALL!!!!!!!

Definately call. Email is super impersonal and much easier to ignore. She gave you her numbers, so it's completely appropriate to call.

S

If they ignore your emails, then you probably don't want a letter from them anyways.

 

[racystacey07]

Absolutely call! Even better: meet her (and buy) for a cup of coffee if she has the time.

 

[dirtydawg]

Are you kidding me? Ask face to face.

 

[taylor92107]

Are you kidding me? Ask face to face.

You mean just show up at her work? I don't want her to think I'm a stalker!

 

[dirtydawg]

She will not think you are a stalker. Remember, she's been through the same process. Believe me, she will appreciate the effort, consideration and courtesy. Don't even think about it, just do it.

 

[no-see-um]

Dude, I have the cell # of the DO I shadowed. Just call.

 

[DD214_DOC]

Email works just as well. I use it and nobody really ever had a problem with it. In fact, many times it may be easier to get in touch with someone by emailing them. Plus, it's less impersonal so if they don't really want to write a letter for you, they won't, rather than agreeing to do so because of the social pressure of the situation.

Would you really want a letter from someone who didn't really want to write it? I doubt anyone will think less of you for using email.

 

[Peace&Health]

May be easier and more time efficient to email or call to set up a meeting time. Just say you have something to discuss with them.

Then at meeting, ask if "they are in the position to write you a strong letter of rec for med school"
Prepare everything they would need to write a letter for you to give to them at the meeting.
pre-stamped and addressed envelopes
PS
resume
etc.

I did this and it always worked. Yes, asking in person is always better. Helps them to remember you.

Good-luck.

 

[DD214_DOC]

I should clarify. I used email, but I always said something to the effect of, "willing to meet with me to discuss the possibility of writing a strong letter of recommendation". This way, they have an idea of what you want, and will either agree to meet with you (signaling they're willing to write the letter) or disagree (meaning they don't). You're also technically not asking them in the email.

You can use email, just be careful of how you use it.

 

[sjohnson1]

I always right a formal letter first. Then email/call to follow up.

 

[bioviol]

I shadowed a person who works at a hospital back then when I was in high school. Does it count?

 

[DD214_DOC]

I shadowed a person who works at a hospital back then when I was in high school. Does it count?

I counted mine 🙂