Getting mediocre LORs

[mynameissss]

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How much will having mediocre LORs affect my application? The professors I am thinking of asking will be able to write that I'm a hard worker/get good grades etc., but they really don't know me that well. Do many people get into med school without great LORs?

 

[CyberMaxx]

I'm also in the process of trying to decide who my letter writers are, so take my advice with a grain of salt. If you have some professors in mind who you think have a good opinion of you, but don't know you well enough to write a superb recommendation, I suggest that you find time each week to attend their office hours. They already think you are intelligent and hardworking, if you get to know them more and share with them your future plans in medicine and your motivations, they could likely write you a fantastic recommendation!

I've heard it said before that when asking for a letter you should give the letter writer ~ 4 - 6 weeks. Using that timeframe, you have until late April or early May at the latest to ask your professors. See what you can accomplish in that time. Good luck!

 

[mmmcdowe]

How much will having mediocre LORs affect my application? The professors I am thinking of asking will be able to write that I'm a hard worker/get good grades etc., but they really don't know me that well. Do many people get into med school without great LORs?

They won't help much. You can help improve your LORs by giving them a packet of information about you.

 

[EmergencyMonkey]

I agree that providing a packet of information about you might help, but there really is little substitute for a professor who truly "knows" who you are. Do you have any professors that you spent a little more time? Did research with? Maybe even joked around with?

_____________
visit the monkey at EmergencyMonkey.com

 

[484511]

I'm pretty sure my only letter from a science prof was mediocre. I like to think that my other letters were stronger. I ended up with interview invites from 40% of the schools I applied to, so I would guess that one mediocre letter won't kill you. Try to have a strong one to make up for it, though

 

[jorgediaz]

How much will having mediocre LORs affect my application? The professors I am thinking of asking will be able to write that I'm a hard worker/get good grades etc., but they really don't know me that well. Do many people get into med school without great LORs?

I think it is hard for most people to have 3/4 professors who know them well enough to write a great LOR. I only had 2 'good' ones, and I presume most other pre meds encountered the same problem. Worked out OK though.