LOR etiquette

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remo

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When you go to ask for the LOR do you bring all the forms, transcripts, resume, etc... with you and just have them ready if they say yes? Or do you ask them what they require and then bring it to them at a later time?
 
remo said:
When you go to ask for the LOR do you bring all the forms, transcripts, resume, etc... with you and just have them ready if they say yes? Or do you ask them what they require and then bring it to them at a later time?
If you know them well enough to ask them for a letter of recommendation, you should be confident of the fact that they'll indeed write you the letter. Hence, you should bring everything with you. I know I did!
 
One of my professors knew me pretty well, so, I just asked them for a LOR and he complied and didn't ask for anything. He even let me read the letter. But for my other professors I prepared kind of a package which contained a forwarding letter (my deadlines, rolling admissions all that noise) the university LOR form, my personal statement, a resume, a copy of my transcript and an advance thank you note.
 
When you request LOR's do you waive your rights to view it?

Our pre-med committee says we absolutely must waive our rights from seeing our letter. What is the big deal of seeing it after it is already written?
 
I have written a number of LORs for the research assistants I supervise, and here is some advice from the perspective of the writer.

A packet put together that contains a cover letter, CV, bulleted list of accomplishments, and any forms needed (eg waiver) serves several purposes. First, it shows organization, second it insures that points that you feel the writer should include won't be forgotten, it also insures that the waivers won't be lost. Also include a prestamped and addressed envelope and a few sheets of letterhead if you have access to it.

Basically, remember that the easier you make it for your letter writer, the faster you will get a great letter. Just my $.02.
 
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