HELP! I need a "how to" on letters of Recommendation

[inkysphinx]

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Yes, I have another question! I know that the application process has to be perfect. . .how did y'all go about getting you recommendation letters from profs? Like, was it was simple as asking? Did you have to show them your transcript? Write them a small essay? How soon did you ask (like Freshman year)? I mean, what was the process like? (Was there even a process or is this a ridiculous qeustion?). . .

P.S. I am slowly becoming addicted to this board. . .

 

[moo]

Well it depends on how well your profs know you. Two of my letters were from profs I knew well; they were in small classes, I had worked as a TA for one, in addition to having taken a class from him. The other prof (biochem) was from a large class. I had emailed him a lot about q's. Actually he invited me out to lunch one day. We chatted a bit and I asked him to write me a letter there.

 

[Laura JC]

Before I approached anyone about recommendations, I prepared copies of my transcripts and a one page outline of my plans as well as some pertinent personal info, history, ways to contact me, a suggestion about when I would like it finished, etc. I then approached each person, told them I was applying to medical school, and asked them if they would be comfortable writing a letter for me. I was prepared to give them the info. packet at that time. I think that if you are super-organized about it and very polite, you are more likely to get an on-time letter. When they agreed to do it, I also asked for permission to e-mail them as a reminder a few days before I needed to have it done. I didn't see the actual letters; instead, I asked each professor's department secretary to keep it on file, then as the secondaries came in, I would e-mail the secretary with that school's address, and any other info. needed for that secondary.

 

[nebula7]

I gave them copies of my resume, so they would know what ALL I did (besides working for them or taking their class, etc). Profs or employers I didn't know as well I also asked if they would be willing to write me a "Good" recommendation...you want to make sure it will be strong if they send it in.

 

[banannie]

Don't forget stamped, addressed envelopes. Also, figure out whether your school has a pre-med committee that will write you a composite letter. If so, your recommender just needs to send one copy of the letter to the committee. If not, I believe your recommender will have to send the letter to each school that you fill out a secondary for.

One more thing you might want to include in the packet that Laura JC suggested is a form stating whether you do or do not waive your right to read the letter. Med schools prefer it if you waive your right to read the letter: that way, they can be sure that your recommender wrote all those nice things about you because they're true, not b/c he/she was afraid you'd ask to see the letter. :wink:

 

[none]

This was the hardest part of the process for me. I mean, I had personally paid (app fee) the adcoms to speak to me...the letter writer really wasn't getting anything.

 

[Nuclearrabbit]

IF YOU SLEEP WITH YOUR PROFESSORS YOU'LL GET A REALLY NICE LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION, TRY IT YOU'LL SEE.

 

[lady bug]

•••quote:•••Originally posted by Nuclearrabbit:
•IF YOU SLEEP WITH YOUR PROFESSORS YOU'LL GET A REALLY NICE LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION, TRY IT YOU'LL SEE.

•••••that's sick! 🙄

 

[encee]

•••quote:•••Originally posted by lady bug:
• •••quote:•••Originally posted by Nuclearrabbit:
•IF YOU SLEEP WITH YOUR PROFESSORS YOU'LL GET A REALLY NICE LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION, TRY IT YOU'LL SEE.

•••••that's sick! 🙄 •••••

 

[inkysphinx]

That was sick. . .but I laughed anyway :wink:

 

[PTjay]

check the diary student diary section of SDN, there is a student who put up a bunch of info that may be helpful.

 

[mr.annoying]

ask them EARLY!!! I got screwed not only by AMCAS this year... but I had a couple letters that weren't done until November!!! Yikes! And TRUST me, I did everything on my part early and everything. whatever, long story!

 

[lola]

how many is enough?
i have:

1 from former boss (knows me well, will write excellent rec)
1 from college thesis adviser/boss (knows me pretty well, will hopefully write excellent rec)
1 from college professor (knows me pretty well, will write excellent rec)
1 from grad school professor (doesn't know me well, will write good rec)

plus 1 from pre-med committee. the letter will be written by a former prof who knows me well. is this enough? it seems like it is to me, but my mom keeps on telling me it's not! geesh.

 

[Nuclearrabbit]

I recommend:

1) letter from your drug dealer. have him/her pontificate on your elaborate knowledge of the pharmacological properties of numerous drugs, such as crack, lsd, and heroin.

2) letter from your ex-girlfriend/boyfriend. these people often turn out to write the most stellar comments and can often highlight nuances about your personality that most other people can't.

3) a letter written in your own blood, is often a technique that impresses admission committee members, often times convincing them the true burning desire you have in becoming a physician.

4, 5 and 6) professors that you've have sex with, but i already commented on how often times you'll be pleased with the generosity you've shown, it will pay dividends on your letters of recommendation.

Good luck!
😛 😀

 

[pocwana]

any suggestions to approaching profs that don't know you very well.
must have that 2nd science later, dang it.

i'm going with my transcript, resume, [really] rough personal statement

should i tell him i'm just asking him because i need science. i'm thinking 'no', but any other thoughts.

thanks you guys, you always come through.

 

[Nuclearrabbit]

no definetly don't say "i need science"
that makes him/her feel like they are merely a quota, and probably will feel jaded and may reflect in writing your letter. these are BUSY people and for them to take time out of their schedules deserves more than "i need science" letter request. i say pick a professor that you've gone to talk to before, perhaps office hours or after class. that way they may not know your name per se,..but they may recognize your face and associate you with an eagerness to learn and the ability to excel. tell them your goals and kiss a little ass. be honest and friendly and get a package together with maybe a CV and transcript/mcat scores, and even maybe your personal statement. and send a thank you card after this ordeal is over. you'll be surprised how friendly and helpful many your referees are. remember, these people made it to the places they are now because established people before them referred them as well. they know the anxieties of asking for a letter of rec, and know of its importance. good luck i'm sure you'll be fine.

if you still feel frustrated, refer to my previous tips above.

 

[souljah1]

I'd just like to add that when you ask you should not just ask if they are comfortable writing a letter. You should ask them if they can write you an excellent letter of recommendation. If they say yes, then you are more assured that you will be getting a high quality letter. If they say no, get to steppin'. A bad letter can have large negative consequences.