Letters of Rec. for Post-Bac

[youthman]

Since many post-bac schools require letters of recommendation, I am going to be asking previous employers/associates for their assistance (I have not been to school in 8 years so an academic letter is out of the question). I was curious how long a letter of rec. should be? These people are not used to writing such letters so I'd like to give them a ballpark range. Thanks!

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[Sundarban1]

Since many post-bac schools require letters of recommendation, I am going to be asking previous employers/associates for their assistance (I have not been to school in 8 years so an academic letter is out of the question). I was curious how long a letter of rec. should be? These people are not used to writing such letters so I'd like to give them a ballpark range. Thanks!

LOR's are typically no longer than one typed page. However, more important than the length is the content. I would consider chosing your LOR writers wisely, asking someone who has never written one before could be problematic. Make sure you go over exactly what points you want highlighted from your background, etc. I have a LOR outline that I gave to my letter writers which was given to me by a admissions consultant. PM me if you would like a copy.

Good luck.

 

[youthman]

Thanks for your response, PM sent!!

 

[Sundarban1]

Since I've received several PM's requesting the outline, I'm simply going to post it here. It's very general, but I hope it helps.

<A good letter of recommendation will discuss:

How long and in what capacity you (the recommender) have known the applicant.

His/her strengths and weaknesses.

Any unusual aspects of the applicant's background that might contribute to,
or hinder, academic work.

Knowledge of any extracurricular activities the applicant has pursued
(during college/after college).

Discuss the applicant's academic background in greater detail than just
"the numbers." If you know that the applicant has taken the most rigorous
academic series, or chosen to complete a very demanding individual project,
or has "padded" his/her course schedule with buffer courses, related these
matters to an admissions committee.

Compare the applicant to others you know.

Medical schools are particularly interested in the applicant's intellectual
abilities, motivations for medicine, stamina, dedication, dependability,
and ability to relate well and communicate with people of all backgrounds>