How to/When to request Letters of Recommendation

[deleted988566]

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Hi all,

I am a little confused on when to request a letter of recommendation. I would be applying not to the upcoming application cycle but the cycle of 2021.

1.) Isn't it best to request the LoR as soon as a course ends with a professor since that is when they would best remember who you are? But what if I am not applying until over a year later?

2.) Summer Internship PI's the same way?

2.) Do the LoR's go to the student, AMCAS, or straight to the schools?


Thank you for your time and help!

 

[paradoxic_toxic]

1.) Isn't it best to request the LoR as soon as a course ends with a professor since that is when they would best remember who you are? But what if I am not applying until over a year later?

Yes, ideally the best time to ask is a few weeks before the class ends if you're on track for an A.

2.) Summer Internship PI's the same way?

Yes.

2.) Do the LoR's go to the student, AMCAS, or straight to the schools?

LoRs can be sent in several ways. In the order of convenience:
1) Upload letters electronically via the AMCAS Letter Writer Application.
2) Upload letters electronically to Interfolio (you can store your LoRs here for future use).
3) Send LoRs via snail mail to AMCAS for them to distribute to your schools.
4) Get a commitee letter / letter packet from your undergrad pre-med committee if you qualify.

Some tips for you:

Towards the end, set up a meeting and tell your professor about your desire to go to med school. Don't be afraid to ask for a STRONG LOR. The last thing you want is a wishy-washy cookie cutter template LoR that will destroy your application. If they seem reluctant then steer clear.

Be very clear about your application timeframe. Send them a detailed email a few months ahead of time:

1. Remind your professor of who you are.
2. Include the LoR requirements (letterhead & signature).
3. Instructions on how to upload (AMCAS/interfolio/snail mail/etc.).
4. A due date.

Your goal is to make it as easy as possible for them.

 

[deleted988566]

Thank you so much!

 

[JSD2]

I've always found it best to ask near the early middle part of the semester because sometimes professors have little requirements they want (want to see your personal statement, resume, etc) and then remind them at the end of the semester when your grade is more 'finalized' (also check that your school doesn't do committee packets, if they do some schools require those instead of LORs). LORs get upload to AMCAS in different ways so check with your school at how they do it. Mine requires that professors upload through interfolio which then exports the letters to the AMCAS app.

 

[deleted988566]

I've always found it best to ask near the early middle part of the semester because sometimes professors have little requirements they want (want to see your personal statement, resume, etc) and then remind them at the end of the semester when your grade is more 'finalized' (also check that your school doesn't do committee packets, if they do some schools require those instead of LORs). LORs get upload to AMCAS in different ways so check with your school at how they do it. Mine requires that professors upload through interfolio which then exports the letters to the AMCAS app.

Thank you for those details. I will look into if my school/professors do the same (using interfolio).