LOR cover letter

[Mayssy]

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Hey everyone,

I'm in the process of putting together an envelope for professors I asked to write me letters or recommendation. I'm including a cover letter, resume/list of activites and a PS draft. Problem is I really don't know what to say in the cover letter. Those of you who've done this, what'd you write? How did you 'remind' them and list your accomplishments without sounding .. eh.. full of yourself or like you're dictating.

Thanks in advanced for your help!🙂

 

[Morsetlis]

Summarize the things you're going to say to them in person.

You are going to talk to them in person before you hand them that envelope, won't you?

Anyway, remember to include things like which activities from your CV were most significant, any legitimate excuses you might have for that C in OChem, which were your most memorable moments with the person (in his class, while shadowing, etc), how you think your experiences with the person will shape you / prepare you for medicine, and then talk about how the letter should specifically identify your strengths as related to medicine.

It's hard to not sound like you're dictating, but cover the letter with enough thanks and gratitude, before and after, and you'll be fine.

 

[amberkas11309]

One question I have about getting LOR's is how to approach them. So far I can only think of maybe one teacher to write me one. I already emailed him and asked if he would when I needed it...but this was last quarter and I wont need it till later...but all my other teachers Im not really close to, if they even know me at all. So how would I approach them, since I HAVE to get 2 LOR's from professors....

Also, I plan on applying NEXT year...for class of 2012....so can I start getting LOR's now from professors?

 

[Morsetlis]

Yep. Find out their office hour and go there, then ask. Use emails. Meet them on campus. Etc.

 

[Mayssy]

Morsetlis, thanks! You definitely mentioned some things that I didn't think about I guess I need to be a little more aggressive.. in a good way🙂

Has anyone else written a cover letter and had a good LOR experience? If so, can you share with us how you structured it or if there was anything specific you did when asking that went well?

amberkas11309, just as Morstelis said, you can visit professors at office hours ; talk them about class assignments, their research, your future plans (medical school or grad school) also (obviously) do well in their classes and engage/ask questions in class.

You can do a combination of any of the above or all of it but those are the easiest ways to distinguish yourself from the crowd, especially if you attend a big school. Last year I didn't know who I would ask, but it came together nicely by the beginning of this semester, so I would not worry if you only have one professor in mind as of now.