LoR after one semester?

[Gauss44]

I've been out of school for several years and am now at Harvard Extension taking one semester of STEM science classes. I know that some medical schools (MD schools) are going to want recent LoRs from science professors, so I would really like to get at least 2 LoRs from professors this semester. I am pulling A's in all 4 of my courses right now, working, shadowing, etc.

Do you have any recommendations about anything I should be doing now or in the near future to position myself for an LoR? Also, if you think I have no business asking for a LoR after only one semester (or the opposite), please say so. I would like to hear your reasoning either way.

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[TXMED_1695]

It is based off of the relationship you have with the person. You should talk to the professors, they are probably use to students asking for a L.O.R. Sometimes they ask you to join their research team as an intern, as a means of getting to know you better. Also, I received some really good L.O.Rs. from shadowing.

I've been out of school for several years and am now at Harvard Extension taking one semester of STEM science classes. I know that some medical schools (MD schools) are going to want recent LoRs from science professors, so I would really like to get at least 2 LoRs from professors this semester. I am pulling A's in all 4 of my courses right now, working, shadowing, etc.

Do you have any recommendations about anything I should be doing now or in the near future to position myself for an LoR? Also, if you think I have no business asking for a LoR after only one semester (or the opposite), please say so. I would like to hear your reasoning either way.

 

[Podstar]

Should be fine, in my experience professors are usually happy to be thought highly enough by a student to ask for their recommendation, as long as you were a good student. Same with physicians, I had only shadowed the doctor who wrote my letter 4 times, but had the most meaningful experiences with him, which is why I asked for his recommendation, and he was also happy to write.

 

[gamieg]

go to office hours and ask meaningful questions. let the professors get to know you as a person in addition to being a student. build a consistent, professional, genuine relationship. letters of recommendation are always better if they're personal to some degree; there's only so much numbers can tell. how long someone has known you is not as important as how well they know you.

be prepared when you're asking, perhaps with a resume and initial draft of your personal statement. give general guidelines of when and how the letter should be submitted. ask how they would like you to follow up with them, whether every week, a week before the deadline etc. find out all the logistical stuff yourself beforehand; it will reflect poorly if you don't know the answers to questions like "on this platform you're asking me to submit in, do I have to make an account?"

and above all, be aware of your letter writers because as much as you're asking them to do you a large favor in taking time to write this letter, you should be evaluating whether or not they're able to write you a strong one. do they seem enthusiastic? what qualities do you think they would highlight? are they hesitant (automatic no)?

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

I have a prof who has agreed to write me a glowing letter based on one semester and reading my capstone paper. I approached him after the first week and said I was looking for a letter, and would he be willing should I do well in the course and be engaged. He agreed. I did both, and he was happy to write one. I think used him as my advisor for my capstone, but he agreed to the letter before that so it wouldn't have been necessary. Definitely helps though.