LOR after first rotation?

[blackcadillacs]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hello!

I'm doing my first rotation now and enjoying it so far. Is it a bad idea to get an LOR on your first rotation when you don't know much? The one or two compliments I've gotten are that I'm doing well for a starting 3rd year student, but I assume that means 'for how dumb we expect beginning 3rd years to be, you're kinda doing all right..'

I'm also unsure of how to know whether I'm "clicking" with the attendings. How do you assess if someone knows you well enough to write a good LOR? I'd feel dumb asking for a strong one and them saying no

 

[Kaustikos]

Yes, it's definitely beneficial. You just need to somehow remind them at the end of the year.

 

[KBone978]

This is my general approach for ANY LoR. Obviously you want to pick someone who knows you well. The way you evaluate that is in the request itself (at least that's how i've done it).
Personally, I think you should always request for a LoR in writing (email). When you do, try and highlight what you did/relationship/experiences with them and kindly ask that they emphasize those point(s) in the letter. Do your best to be polite and not too forthcoming--ultimately it's the letter writer's decision what he/she chooses to include. But I don't think it's wrong to jostle their memory as to why (you think) they are writing your letter.

When you write out your request, if you can't think of good things that you want them to include in their letter--chances are they are not the best person to write a letter for you.

 

[Kaustikos]

I agree about emailing them, but I'd add that you should meet them in person, too. It helps them by reminding themselves who you are and putting a face to your name. Considering the numerous students they rotate with, they may not instantly recognize your name.