Letters of Recommendation: Who did you ask and how far in advance?

[kk123]

Who did you ask for recommendation letters? How far in advance did you ask for them?

Also, is it better to ask someone (such as an employer) who has known you for a long time to write a LOR or a doctor that you have shadowed for a couple of weeks to write a LOR? The former would probably be a stronger letter, but the latter comes from an actual doctor so I don't know which would carry more weight...

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[Goro]

You can do both. The ideal LOR writer is someone who answers "yes" to the question "do you know me well enough to write a good LOR?"

Also, is it better to ask someone (such as an employer) who has known you for a long time to write a LOR or a doctor that you have shadowed for a couple of weeks to write a LOR? The former would probably be a stronger letter, but the latter comes from an actual doctor so I don't know which would carry more weight...[/quote]

 

[OCDOCDOCD]

I applied MSTP so most of my LORs came from research mentors, with the rest coming from professors who taught me in classes. I asked about 5 months ahead of time (late January) which was way more than enough time.

One thing I'd strongly recommend is setting a firm deadline for your LOR writers. Even if you're like me and ask months ahead of time when you'd think you shouldn't have to give a deadline, give one anyway. I told my writers I needed the LORs by June 1st, and I had some LOR writers who waited until June 1st to give me their letters. If I hadn't given them a deadline I would have most likely found my secondary submissions delayed.

Also, in response to your question about who's better to write a letter, definitely the person who knows you the best and speak to your personality and abilities in a professional context. A doctor you shadow, especially for two weeks, won't be able to write a good LOR. An employer who's known you for years, however, should be able to write you a great one.