How should a hoodrat go about getting his letter of recomendation?

[DrDre2001]

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I am very interested in a medical career and beleive i am just as passionate about pursuing my career as the kid who comes to every class, sits in the front row, and goes and meets the professor in office hours many times.

Though, i dont really do those things. Some may say im a lazy hoodrat, but I just find it easier to stay home and read the book at home...because some (many) times the professor goes too slow, too fast, is not very fluid with his english, etc. Many studies have shown the shortcomings of straight lecture teaching, and i agree with their findings. I retain more by reading the book.

And i never really felt a need to go see my professors during office hours. On top of that, my school is pretty big...so my professors from years ago would really have no idea who i am when i ask them for a letter of recomendation.

What should i do?

PS - Oh, and i am strictly speaking of the faculty member recommendation letter. I already have my letter of recommendation from a DO.

 

[deleted172531]

I usually sat in the back row and didn't visit professors so I had the same problem getting letters so I did the the following:

Pick 2-3 professors (depending on how many LOR you need). Go to their office hours and ask them questions (even if you don't need to) about the material or something related to the course. This shows interest and puts a face to your name. Do this two or three times during the quarter/semester and at the end ask for a letter. They know people need letters...And they don't expect you to be best friends or anything. Good luck!!👍

 

[Relativity]

I too had a problem initially finding a writer. But, I made sure to go to a professor that was outgoing, preferably young and and/or passionate about his work. These people are usually more willing to write a letter or at least guide you to way to get one.

Also give your CV or resume to every writer no matter what, because it will help the professor beef up your letter.

Being a hoodrat makes you unique. Good Luck

 

[deleted172531]

Also give your CV or resume to every writer no matter what, because it will help the professor beef up your letter

+1

I also gave my personal statement to give the writers a better idea of who I was...But not sure if everyone does that.

 

[Dakayus]

I've had a really bad experience trying to get to know one of my professors who turned out to be one of the most maladjusted anti-social asses. I would go with a newer professor if possible and just ask them a few really hard problems. Interested professors will then comment saying oh wow you know your stuff but I see where you got stuck. Then I generally transitioned to how they became a professor, then they usually ask what I want to do. Usually the prof will then ask, "do you need a LOR?".

Some professors are absolutely horrible people to talk to whereas others are very passionate to see their students succeed.

My 2 cents

GL man

 

[DrDre2001]

True. I like the idea of making up questions and giong into to office hours so professors can see that you are trying hard and put a name to your face.

I did just email some of my professors from jr yr and soph yr too. And damn, just like that, two of them replied and said theyd be willing to help. I guess they realize that our whole applications could be stuck if we can't a letter and are nice enough to help out.

 

[DannMann99]

I am very interested in a medical career and beleive i am just as passionate about pursuing my career as the kid who comes to every class, sits in the front row, and goes and meets the professor in office hours many times.

Though, i dont really do those things. Some may say im a lazy hoodrat, but I just find it easier to stay home and read the book at home...because some (many) times the professor goes too slow, too fast, is not very fluid with his english, etc. Many studies have shown the shortcomings of straight lecture teaching, and i agree with their findings. I retain more by reading the book.

And i never really felt a need to go see my professors during office hours. On top of that, my school is pretty big...so my professors from years ago would really have no idea who i am when i ask them for a letter of recomendation.

What should i do?

PS - Oh, and i am strictly speaking of the faculty member recommendation letter. I already have my letter of recommendation from a DO.

Honestly? are you kidding me...

I actually HOPE you get into medical school. So you can post a thread on this forum: 'How can a hoodrat get patients'

 

[DrDre2001]

Honestly? are you kidding me...

I actually HOPE you get into medical school. So you can post a thread on this forum: 'How can a hoodrat get patients'

What's the problem? I dont really have any professors who i know personally, so i was hoping someone on here would have had a similar experience trying to get letters.

And i was right, someone did, and they gave me good advice.

There's a whole thread dedicated to ways that people have gotten good letters...I think its a common problem to have, especially with college classes being so big these days that hardly anyone gets to know a college professor personally like they used to in high school.

Honestly, are YOU kidding me trying to question the legitness of my question? Come on MANN!!

edit: 7:12 Eastern Time. Beef has been cleared up by udSoccer7 (see below).

 

[rddoms]

I was the same as you. I then found a class I really enjoyed, and would talk to the professor on a regular basis. It sucked for that quarter that I had to go to class all the time, but was worth it.

 

[udsoccer7]

What's the problem? I dont really have any professors who i know personally, so i was hoping someone on here would have had a similar experience trying to get letters.

And i was right, someone did, and they gave me good advice.

There's a whole thread dedicated to ways that people have gotten good letters...I think its a common problem to have, especially with college classes being so big these days that hardly anyone gets to know a college professor personally like they used to in high school.

Honestly, are YOU kidding me trying to question the legitness of my question? Come on MANN!!

I don't think DannMann was questioning the "legitness" of your question but your interesting choice of words used when organizing your question. The term "hoodrat" is not common vernacular used in the medical community or on these boards. Maybe you should have framed your question a little more appropriately/professionally.

Pimps Up, Hoes Down Dre.

 

[DrDre2001]

I don't think DannMann was questioning the "legitness" of your question but your interesting choice of words used when organizing your question. The term "hoodrat" is not common vernacular used in the medical community or on these boards. Maybe you should have framed your question a little more appropriately/professionally.

Pimps Up, Hoes Down Dre.

aah i see. Well i used "hoodrat" kind of as a joke...

The story if you care: one of my best high school friends referred me to this message board, and he still uses it. Me and him were both very "hoodratish" for two guys who were able to have the academic success that we had and who are pursuing medicine. So i kind of used that as a joke, knowing that he would see the thread and get a kick out of the title for the reason you just mentioned...that its pretty wierd to see that term on a forum like this.

 

[scpod]

....I dont really have any professors who i know personally, so i was hoping someone on here would have had a similar experience trying to get letters.

And i was right, someone did, and they gave me good advice....

No, what they gave you was what you wanted to hear. If you want to make a great impression on professors show up to class every day, make all A's on the exams, and talk to them every day as you show up and leave. Make an appointment with them or show up during office hours now and then and bring up an interesting topic to discuss. Make them see your face every day.

Like it or not, most of medicine is still controlled by older stuffy guys who wear a tie every day and expect conformity. Learn to play the game or risk not getting what you really want. Save your individuality until you're finished with residency.

 

[DannMann99]

i'm just saying.

as a patient, I would feel VERY uncomfortable seeing a physician who looked like a 'hoodrat' no matter what his grades were.

And if you plan to apply i am SURE that an adcom would feel equally apprehensive.

I just think it's unprofessional and doesn't thoroughly depict the medical career. This isn't a tech school you're applying to this is a professional school.

EDIT: PS: I ride SEPTA every day so maybe my idea of hoodrat is different from yours. But i'd never want any of those people to even be the secretary for my physician.