Letters of Rec

[Dr.Squalene]

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I know this is out of my control but: Why do some profs not write a letter of rec until it's very close to the application deadline, even if you give them a year advance notice?

I asked my profs for letters of rec. a full year before I plan to apply to MD schools, because I wanted to give them plenty of time to write it. Nearly all the profs I asked except for 2, said they would probably not write the letter until May of the year I plan to apply (I plan to apply June 1st). They said this would likely be the case no matter when I sent them my info (CV, transcript, personal statement, etc.). Why do they put off writing it for so long? Do you think the quality of letters will be poorer if they forget me/feel rushed due to all the other letters they have to write in May?

My concern is that they won't really remember me well by the time they write it since it's been a while since I've been in their classes, graduated (so i'm no longer on campus), and I'm taking a gap year, so I won't be fresh in their minds even if I send them my CV/resume/transcript. I was hoping they would start working on it sooner when they had time. (I did ask them all in person though, so it will be about a year since they saw me to when they write it).

 

[Engrailed]

I know this is out of my control but: Why do some profs not write a letter of rec until it's very close to the application deadline, even if you give them a year advance notice?

I asked my profs for letters of rec. a full year before I plan to apply to MD schools, because I wanted to give them plenty of time to write it. Nearly all the profs I asked except for 2, said they would probably not write the letter until May of the year I plan to apply (I plan to apply June 1st). They said this would likely be the case no matter when I sent them my info (CV, transcript, personal statement, etc.). Why do they put off writing it for so long? Do you think the quality of letters will be poorer if they forget me/feel rushed due to all the other letters they have to write in May?

My concern is that they won't really remember me well by the time they write it since it's been a while since I've been in their classes, graduated (so i'm no longer on campus), and I'm taking a gap year, so I won't be fresh in their minds even if I send them my CV/resume/transcript. I was hoping they would start working on it sooner when they had time. (I did ask them all in person though, so it will be about a year since they saw me to when they write it).

Is there any way to say that you'd like it earlier?
It's frustrating for sure. I went through a shaky LOR experience this summer as well.
If you are that concerned about them forgetting you etc, why not ask if they can submit it earlier?
Dear Professor, I know the application is being submitted next summer but I would like to start gathering materials as soon as possible.
Is there any chance you could submit it by <date> as I would like to add it to my file sooner than later
Thank you etc.

Just my 1.5 cents 🙂